Document:

Exhibit 10.3

                             BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

      THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into by
and between BRENTON BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (herein termed "Bank") and CE
SOFTWARE, INC. (herein termed "Borrower"). CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC. (herein
termed "Guarantor") also appears as a party to this Agreement.

RECITALS:

A. Borrower has requested Bank to make available to Borrower certain credit
facilities for the operation of Borrower's business in the form of a revolving
credit loan and a mortgage Loan.

B. Bank is willing to provide to Borrower, and Borrower desires to obtain, such
credit facilities on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and the extension
of credit set forth herein, and subject to Borrower's satisfactory fulfillment
of all conditions precedent to the borrowing, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

                     Article I - Definitions and References

1.1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein
shall have the meanings ascribed to them below.

      "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to Borrower or Guarantor, as the case
      may be, any person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more
      intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under control with,
      Borrower or Guarantor, as the case may be.

      "Borrowing Base" shall mean an amount equal to seventy percent (70%) of
      Eligible Receivables. The amount of the Borrowing Base shall be set forth
      from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in a
      Borrowing Base Certificate.

      "Borrowing Base Certificate" shall mean a certificate of Borrower duly
      executed by Borrower's president, chief financial officer or controller in
      the form attached hereto as Exhibit G or in such other form as Bank may
      from time to time request.

      "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on
      which Bank is required by law to close, or elects to close.

      "Citibank Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest described as the
      "prime rate" (or by similar reference) of Citibank, N.A., New York, New
      York, as determined by such bank's management from time to time as part of
      its internal procedures. No representation is made by Bank to Borrower
      that the Citibank Prime Rate is the lowest, the best or a favorable rate.

      "Closing" shall mean the consummation of the transactions set forth in
      this Agreement, including the execution and delivery of the Loan
      Documents.

      "Closing Date" shall mean the date determined in accordance with Section
      2.11 of this Agreement.

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"Compliance Certificate" shall mean a certificate of Borrower duly executed by
Borrower's president, chief financial officer or controller in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit H or in such other form as Bank may from time to time request.

"Distributor Receivables" shall mean all amounts owing to Borrower as the
purchase price for inventory sold and delivered to any distributor which intends
to resell such inventory at retail to end users.

"Eligible Receiveables" shall mean all amounts owing to Borrower as the purchase
price for inventory sold and delivered or for services rendered as to which an
invoice for payment has been issued by Borrower, except: (i) such amounts (other
than Distributor Receivables) which are sixty (60) days or more past the
original invoice date; (ii) Distributor Receivables which are ninety (90) days
or more past the original invoice date; (iii) except as otherwise agreed by Bank
from time to time in writing, all amounts owing with respect to any one account
when more than twenty percent (20%) of the total amount owing on such account
becomes more than ninety (90) days past the original invoice date; (iv) amounts
owing from the government of the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof; (v) amounts owing from any Affiliate; and (vi) amounts
owing from any employee of Borrower or an Affiliate.

"Event of Default" shall have the meaning delineated in Article XI of this
Agreement.

"Financial Statements" shall mean the financing statements to be prepared and
filed in accordance with Section 3.1 and Section 3.4 of this Agreement with
respect to the Security Agreement and the Guarantor Security Agreement, or
otherwise to perfect the security interests of Bank in the Security Property.

"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" or "GAAP" shall mean those generally
accepted accounting principles and practices that are recognized as such by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board.

"Guarantor Security Agreement" shall mean the security agreement to be executed
by Guarantor pursuant to Section 3.3 of this Agreement.

"Guaranty" shall mean the guaranty to be executed by Guarantor pursuant to
Section 3.3 of this Agreement.

"Indebtedness" shall mean, collectively, the following:

            (a) the Notes (and all evidences of renewal, extension or refunding
      thereof, if any) and all other indebtedness and obligations of Borrower or
      Guarantor to Bank incurred pursuant to the Loan Documents (whether such
      indebtedness is from time to time reduced and thereafter increased or
      entirely extinguished and thereafter reincurred);

            (b) all other indebtedness and obligations of Borrower or Guarantor
      to Bank, whether direct or indirect, primary or secondary, of every kind
      and character, whether from time to time reduced and thereafter increased
      or entirely extinguished and thereafter reincurred, heretofore or
      hereafter incurred, whether or not such other indebtedness and obligations
      are secured by additional or different collateral than the Security
      Property and whether or not such additional indebtedness and obligations
      arise or arose from or are or were acquired by Bank by purchase,
      assignment or otherwise; and

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            (c) all future advances which Bank at any time may, but shall not be
      required to, make for the protection or preservation of Bank's rights and
      interests arising hereunder, and all costs and expenses incurred by Bank
      in the protection and preparation for sale of the Security Property or
      other collateral including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and court
      costs.

      "Loan Documents" shall mean, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes, the
      Security Agreement, the Mortgage, the Guaranty, the Guarantor Security
      Agreement, the Financing Statements, the Lockbox Agreement, and any
      further documents delivered pursuant to Section 3.4 or Section 4.1 of this
      Agreement.

      "Lockbox Agreement" shall mean the lockbox agreement between Borrower and
      Bank in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.

      "Mortgage Note" shall mean the $1,000,000 promissory note described in
      Section 2.5 of this Agreement.

      "Mortgage Note Maturity Date" shall mean May 1, 2009.

      "Mortgage" shall mean the real estate mortgage referred to in Section 3.2
      of this Agreement.

      "Notes" shall mean the Revolving Note and the Mortgage Note collectively.

      "Revolving Note" shall mean the $2,000,000 promissory note described in
      Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

      "Revolving Note Maturity Date" shall mean April 30, 1996.

      "Security Agreement" shall mean the security agreement described in
      Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

      "Security Property" means, collectively, the property of Borrower and
      Guarantor as to which Bank has been granted a security interest, mortgage,
      lien or assignment, all as referred to in Article III of this Agreement.

      "Subordinated Debt" shall mean indebtedness of Borrower owed to any
      officer, employee, director, shareholder or Affiliate which is
      subordinated to all Indebtedness of Borrower to Bank, under the terms and
      conditions approved in writing by Bank.

      "Treasury Note Rate" shall mean, with respect to any date on which such
      rate shall need to be determined, the previous four week average of the 5
      year constant maturity United States Treasury Note as published by the
      Federal Reserve System.

      "West Des Moines Real Estate" shall mean the real estate and improvements
      and fixtures thereon, including all easements and servient estates,
      described in Schedule 1 attached hereto.

1.2   Accounting Terms. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein
      shall have the meaning of such terms as used in accordance with generally
      accepted accounting principles. In the event of a dispute relative to the
      meaning of an accounting term, the determination thereof by an independent
      Certified Public Accountant, chosen by Borrower and acceptable to Bank,
      shall be controlling.

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                         Article II - General Loan Terms

2.1 Description of Credit Facility. The credit facility to be provided to
Borrower hereunder consists of the following components:

      (a)   A revolving line of credit in the principal amount of up to Two
            Million Dollars ($2,000,000) to be evidenced by the Revolving Note
            in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The proceeds of the
            Revolving Note shall be applied to the purchase of the assets of
            Powercore Inc. and subsequently to fund the business operations of
            Borrower.

      (b)   A mortgage loan in the principal amount of One Million Dollars
            ($1,000,000) to be evidenced by the Mortgage Note in the form
            attached hereto as Exhibit B. The proceeds of the Mortgage Note
            shall be applied to the purchase of the assets of Powercore Inc.

2.2 Revolving Note. At the Closing, Borrower will execute and deliver to Bank
the Revolving Note in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A in the principal
amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) and Bank shall extend or make
available funds to Borrower up to such amount in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal
balance of the Revolving Note at an annual rate equal to the Citibank Prime Rate
plus one and one-half percent (1.50%) per annum, with such interest to be
calculated on the basis of a 360-day year counting the actual number of days
elapsed. The applicable rate of interest shall be adjusted immediately upon any
change in the Citibank Prime Rate. Interest shall be payable monthly commencing
on the first day of the month immediately succeeding the month during which the
first advance under the Revolving Note is made, and continuing on the first day
of each month thereafter. The entire unpaid principal balance plus all accrued
and unpaid interest on the Revolving Note shall be due and payable in full on
the Revolving Note Maturity Date.

2.3 Advances Under Revolving Note. Bank agrees, on the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement, to advance funds to Borrower, and Borrower may
borrow, repay and reborrow within the limits of the Revolving Note from time to
time prior to the Revolving Note Maturity Date. No amount may be borrowed under
the Revolving Note if the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Note
outstanding after giving effect to the advance requested by Borrower would
exceed the lesser of: (a) $2,000,000; or (b) the Borrowing Base as in effect at
the time a request for an advance under the Revolving Note is made to Bank. At
the request of Borrower, and subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Bank shall make advances under the Revolving Note on any Business
Day, provided: (i) that Borrower shall have given Bank notice of its request (a
"Notice of Borrowing") prior to 2:00 p.m. of the Business Day on which the
advance is requested; and (ii) Borrower shall have provided Bank with a current
Borrowing Base Certificate. Each Notice of Borrowing shall specify the date of
the requested advance (which shall be a Business Day) and the principal amount
of the advance to be made (which shall be not less than $10,000, with increases
in increments of $1,000). Bank shall thereafter deposit the amount of the
requested advance into Borrower's operating account at Bank on the Business Day
specified in the Notice of Borrowing. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that
Borrower shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) advances per week under the
Revolving Note. Bank shall not be required to honor any request for an advance
under the Revolving Note other than as set forth in this Section 2.3.

2.4 Reductions of Principal on Revolving Note. The method of making payments to
reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note shall depend on
whether the arrangements contemplated by the Lockbox Agreement have been
implemented and shall be made as follows:

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      (a)   Payments Prior to Implementation of Lockbox. During those periods
            when the arrangements contemplated by the Lockbox Agreement have not
            been implemented by Bank, the timing and amount of payments made by
            Borrower to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the
            Revolving Note shall be within the discretion of Borrower. Borrower
            agrees to notify Bank by telephone or otherwise prior to 2:00 p.m.
            on any Business Day on which Borrower desires to make a payment to
            reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note and
            Bank shall transfer funds from Borrower's operating account in
            accordance with the instructions provided by Borrower and apply such
            funds toward payment of the principal balance of the Revolving Note.
            Bank shall be under no obligation to make transfers from Borrower's
            operating account to make payments on the Revolving Note unless
            instructed to do so by Borrower in accordance with this Section
            2.4(a). Payments on the Revolving Note shall be applied in the
            manner specified In Section 2.4(b) below.

      (b)   Implementation of Lockbox and Payments Thereafter. Bank may, at its
            option, implement the arrangements contemplated by the Lockbox
            Agreement in the event: (i) the outstanding principal balance under
            the Revolving Note exceeds $1,000,000 for more than ninety (90)
            days; or (ii) any event occurs which, upon the giving of notice or
            the passage of time or both, would become an Event of Default
            hereunder; provided, however, that Bank shall notify Borrower of
            such event in writing and Borrower shall have a period of ten (10)
            days thereafter to cure such default prior to the implementation of
            the Lockbox Agreement by Bank. In the event that Bank shall be
            entitled under this Section 2.4(b) to implement the arrangements
            contemplated by the Lockbox Agreement, Borrower agrees to cooperate
            in establishing such arrangements and to take all action required of
            Borrower under the terms of the Lockbox Agreement. At such times as
            Bank may in its discretion deem appropriate (but in no event to
            exceed twice weekly), Bank shall, without the consent of, or notice
            to, Borrower, withdraw all collected funds then deposited in the
            cash collateral account and apply such funds to reduce the
            outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note; provided,
            however, such funds may first be applied toward payment of late
            charges or costs of collection arising under the Revolving Note, if
            any, and then to past due interest payments on the Revolving Note,
            if any, with the remainder to be applied against the outstanding
            principal balance of the Revolving Note. Bank shall inform Borrower
            in writing of the amount withdrawn and applied to payment of the
            Revolving Note on each occasion.

2.5 Mortgage Note. At the Closing, Borrower will execute and deliver to Bank the
Mortgage Note in the form attached hereto Exhibit B in the principal amount of
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) and Bank shall extend funds to Borrower in
such amount in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Note from
the date of funding through the fifth anniversary of such date at an annual rate
equal to the Treasury Note Rate plus two and three-quarter percent (2.75%). The
applicable rate of interest shall be adjusted on the fifth anniversary of the
date of funding and on the same day every five years thereafter during the term
of the Mortgage Note, with such rate to be equal to the Treasury Note Rate then
in effect plus two and three-quarter percent (2.75%) per annum. All interest
will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year counting the actual number of
days elapsed. Repayment of the Mortgage Note shall be amortized over a period of
fifteen (15) years, with payments of principal and interest to be made on the
first day of each month, commencing on June 1, 1994 and continuing on the first
day of each month thereafter. The entire unpaid principal balance plus all
accrued and unpaid interest on the Mortgage Note shall be due and payable in
full on the Mortgage Note Maturity Date.

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2.6 Late Payments. In the event that any payment of principal or interest due
under the Notes, or repayment of any advance made by Bank pursuant to Section
2.9 of this Agreement, is not actually received by Bank within ten (10) days of
the date such payment is due, Borrower agrees to pay a late payment charge of
Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

2.7 Application of Payments. All payments received by Bank with respect to each
of the Notes shall be applied first to late charges and costs of collection, if
any, then to accrued and unpaid interest, and then to reduce the outstanding
principal balance of the respective Notes, except to the extent otherwise
provided in Section 2.4 hereof.

2.8 No Prepayment Penalty. In the event Borrower prepays any or all of the Notes
at a time earlier than provided for herein, no prepayment penalty shall be
assessed.

2.9 Advances by Bank. In the event Borrower shall fail to provide adequate
insurance, pay taxes or pay any other charges which may affect the Security
Property, Bank may, at its option, without notice, but without any obligation or
liability to do so, procure insurance, pay taxes or pay any other charges and
add said sum to the balance of any of the Notes, or divide such sum between the
Notes, as Bank shall determine in its sole discretion, which advance then shall
bear interest from the date of payment by Bank at the Citibank Prime Rate plus
one and one-half percent (1.50%) per annum. Any such advance and the interest
accrued thereon shall be paid to Bank on the last day of the month in which such
advance is made.

2.10 Loan Fee. At the Closing, the Borrower agrees to pay loan fees to Bank as
follows:

      (a)   A fee of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500) for the loan
            made pursuant to the Revolving Note, of which One Thousand Dollars
            ($1,000) has been prepaid and received by Bank.

      (b)   A fee of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) for the loan made pursuant
            to the Mortgage Note, of which One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) has
            been prepaid and received by Bank.

2.11 Closing. The Closing of the Revolving Note contemplated by this Agreement
shall take place at the offices of Bank on or before June 30, 1994 and the
Mortgage Note shall be closed on or before December 31, 1994, or at such other
time and place as Bank and Borrower shall mutually agree.

2.12 Interest on Default. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder,
the rate of interest payable on the Notes and on any advances made pursuant to
Section 2.9 hereof may, at Bank's option and in its sole discretion, be
increased to three percent (3%) per annum over the stated rate of the Notes.

                             Article III - Security

      To secure payment and performance of the Indebtedness, Bank shall receive
at the Closing the collateral and Guaranty set forth below:

3.1 Security Agreement. Borrower shall execute and deliver to Bank the
Commercial Security Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C granting
Bank a security interest in all of Borrower's business assets, including, but
not limited to, all accounts, chattel paper, documents, instruments, inventory,
equipment, fixtures and general intangibles (and all proceeds thereof) now or
hereafter owned by Borrower, except for any equipment held by Borrower subject
to operating leases

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as specified in Schedule 2 hereto. Borrower shall additionally execute and
deliver to Bank such financing statements as Bank may require in order to
perfect the security interest granted pursuant to the Security Agreement.

3.2 Mortgage. Borrower shall execute and deliver to Bank the Commercial Mortgage
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D conveying to Bank a first mortgage lien
upon the West Des Moines Real Estate owned by Borrower.

3.3 Guaranty and Security Agreement. Guarantor agrees to execute and deliver to
Bank the Commercial Guaranty in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E
guaranteeing performance of all of the Indebtedness of Borrower. Guarantor also
agrees to execute and deliver to Bank the Commercial Security Agreement in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit F to secure its obligations owing to Bank under
the terms of the Guaranty. Guarantor shall additionally execute and deliver to
Bank such financing statements as Bank may require in order to perfect the
security interest granted pursuant to the Guarantor Security Agreement.

3.4 Further Documentation. Borrower and Guarantor agree to execute and deliver
or cause to be executed and delivered to Bank such security agreements,
financing statements, continuation statements, applications for notation of
security interests, title certificates, assignments and other documentation
which Bank shall require from time to time in connection with the attachment,
perfection or continuation of any of the security interests, mortgage, pledges
or assignments granted or to be granted to Bank hereunder. The Financing
Statements and the Mortgage may be prepared and filed prior to the Closing, and
Borrower and Guarantor agree to cooperate with Bank in the execution and filing
thereof prior to the Closing.

3.6 Priority of Liens. The security interests and mortgage lien granted to Bank
shall be and shall remain of the first priority at all times while any of the
Indebtedness remains unpaid or unperformed.

3.6 Cross Default and Cross Collateralization. Borrower acknowledges and agrees
that the Security Property shall secure repayment of all Indebtedness and that a
default in the terms of any of the Loan Documents shall constitute a default of
all of the Loan Documents, and that Bank may proceed in exercising its rights
under the Loan Documents in any order or manner as Bank may choose, the purpose
of this Agreement being to cross default cross collateralize all Indebtedness.

3.7 Acknowledgment. Borrower acknowledges that the terms of this Agreement
provide for a mortgage loan of fifteen years and a revolving loan maturing on
April 30, 1996. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Security Property
stands as collateral for all of the Notes and as security for all of the
Indebtedness. As a consequence, in the event that Bank elects not to renew the
Revolving Note after April 30, 1996, and Borrower deems it necessary to obtain
financing through a source other than Bank, it will be necessary for Borrower to
pay all of the Notes (including the Mortgage Note) in full in order to obtain a
release of the Security Property.

                               Article IV-Closing

4.1 Delivery to Bank. Borrower and Guarantor, as the case may be, shall deliver
to Bank at the Closing, with all documents and instruments duly authorized and
executed by the appropriate party or parties, the following:

      (a)   This Agreement (unless executed and delivered prior to Closing);

      (b)   The loan fees referred to in Section 2.10 hereof;

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      (c)   The Revolving Note;

      (d)   The Mortgage Note

      (e)   The Security Agreement;

      (f)   The Financing Statements (unless filed prior to Closing);

      (g)   The Mortgage (unless recorded prior to Closing);

      (h)   The Guaranty;

      (i)   The Guarantor Security Agreement;

      (j)   Certificates of Borrower and Guarantor to the effect that all of the
            representations and warranties of Borrower and Guarantor as set
            forth in this Agreement are made again and are true and correct as
            of the Closing Date;

      (k)   The legal opinion referred to in Section 7.1(h) of this Agreement;

      (l)   Certificate of Borrower or other evidence satisfactory to Bank that
            all conditions precedent as set forth in Article VI of this
            Agreement have been satisfied;

      (m)   An acknowledgement of Borrower and Guarantor that each has received
            a copy of the Loan Documents at the time of execution thereof;

      (n)   The Lockbox Agreement;

      (o)   Termination statements, releases of mortgages or liens or similar
            documentation relating to the Security Property as directed by Bank;

      (p)   A flood insurance notice from Bank to Borrower.

             Article V - Representations and Warranties of Borrower

5.1 Representations and Warranties. Borrower represents and warrants to Bank
    that:

      (a)   Borrower is a duly organized, legally existing corporation in good
            standing under the laws of the State of Iowa, and has all requisite
            power and authority and all necessary licenses and permits to own,
            operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business as it
            is now conducted and as it may be conducted in the future. Borrower
            is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign
            corporation in any other state in which the nature of its activities
            make such qualification necessary.

      (b)   All financial statements and other information furnished by Borrower
            to Bank in connection with this Agreement do in all material
            respects fairly represent the financial condition of Borrower on the
            respective dates thereof and have been prepared in accordance with
            Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, consistently applied.
            Borrower has no material liabilities, fixed or contingent, which are
            not fully shown or provided for in such financial statements as of
            the dates thereof except obligations to

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            perform after such dates under contracts, purchase orders or other
            commitments incurred by Borrower in the ordinary course of business.
            No material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition are
            imminent or threatened.

      (c)   Except any actions, suite or proceedings disclosed in writing to
            Bank, no action, suit or proceeding against or affecting Borrower is
            presently pending or threatened in any court, or before any
            governmental authority or any arbitration board or tribunal, which
            involves the possibility of any judgment or liability not fully
            covered by insurance or which may result in any material adverse
            change in the properties, business, prospects, profits or condition
            (financial or otherwise) of Borrower, nor is Borrower aware of any
            existing basis for any such action, suit or proceeding.

      (d)   Borrower has good and marketable title to all of the properties and
            assets purported to be owned by it, including that portion of the
            Security Property owned by it (and, in particular, the West Des
            Moines Real Estate), and all of such property is free and clear of
            any and all liens, claims, security interests and encumbrances
            whatsoever.

      (e)   Borrower is not aware of any default in the performance of any
            obligation, covenant or condition contained in any agreement to
            which it is a party, nor is Borrower in default with respect to any
            judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
            governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal.

      (f)   The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other
            Loan Documents and all documents and instruments referred to herein
            will not violate the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or
            Bylaws of Borrower or of any note, indenture, mortgage, lease or
            other agreement to which Borrower is a party or by which it is
            bound, and will not result in the breach of any judgment, order,
            rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency having
            jurisdiction over Borrower or any of its properties. No consent,
            approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency
            or third party is required in connection with the execution,
            delivery and performance by Borrower of this Agreement, the other
            Loan Documents or any documents or instruments referred to herein.

      (g)   The execution and delivery of, and the performance of the
            obligations set forth in, this Agreement and the other Loan
            Documents and all documents or instruments referred to herein to
            which Borrower is a party or signatory, have been duly authorized by
            all appropriate proceedings of Borrower, and this Agreement and the
            other Loan Documents and all documents and instruments referred to
            herein to which Borrower is a party or signatory are valid and
            binding obligations of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with
            their respective terms.

      (h)   There exists on this date no Event of Default and no event or
            condition which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would
            become an Event of Default.

      (i)   Borrower has filed all tax returns and reports required to be flied
            with the United States government and with all state and local
            governments which are required to be filed, and has paid in full, or
            made adequate provision on its books for the payment of, all taxes,
            interest, penalties, assessments, deficiencies, franchise fees and
            other governmental charges shown to be due or claimed to be due on
            or in respect of such tax returns or reports or otherwise levied
            upon or in respect of any of its properties, assets, income or
            franchises.

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      (j)   Borrower is not in violation in any material manner of any federal,
            state, county or city statutes, ordinances, orders, rules or
            regulations pertaining to its business, and does not presently
            anticipate that future expenditures needed to meet the provisions of
            such federal, state, county or city statutes, ordinances, orders,
            rules or regulations will be so burdensome as to affect or impair in
            a materially adverse manner its financial condition.

      (k)   All of the funds loaned to Borrower pursuant to this Agreement will
            be used exclusively in Borrower's normal business operations and
            will not be diverted to or used in any other manner.

      (l)   To the extent that any of the Security Property is located in an
            area identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or
            a successor thereto as an area having special flood hazards pursuant
            to the terms of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, or the
            Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended, or any successor
            law, Borrower has obtained and will maintain insurance on such
            Security Property protecting against such risk to the full extent of
            the value of such Security Property.

5.2 Environmental Matters. Borrower represents and warrants that: (a) to the
best of Borrower's actual knowledge, the Security Property (and all other
property now or heretofore owned by Borrower) and Borrower are now and
heretofore have been at all times in compliance with all Environmental Laws (as
hereinafter defined); (b) there have been no conditions on or about the Security
Property (or any other property now or heretofore owned by Borrower) which
required or will require clean-up, removal, remedial action or other response
pursuant to Environmental Laws; (c) there are no conditions on or about the
Security Property (or any other property now or heretofore owned by Borrower)
now existing or likely to exist during the term of this Agreement which require
or are likely to require clean-up, removal, remedial action, or other response
pursuant to Environmental Laws; (d) Borrower has never been and is not now a
party to any litigation or administrative proceeding, nor is any litigation or
administrative proceeding threatened against it, which asserts or alleges that
Borrower violated Environmental Laws; (e) to the best of Borrower's actual
knowledge, neither the Security Property (or any other property now or
heretofore owned by Borrower) nor Borrower is now or ever has been subject to
any judgment, decree, order or citation related to or arising out of
Environmental Laws; and (f) no permits or licenses are required under
Environmental Laws relative to the Security Property or Borrower.

      The term "Environmental Laws" shall mean all federal, state and local laws
including statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes, rules and other governmental
restrictions and requirements relating to the environment or hazardous
substances now or at any time hereafter in effect.

      Borrower covenants and agrees at all times while the Indebtedness remains
unpaid to (a) comply with all applicable Environmental Laws; (b) provide to
Bank, immediately upon receipt, copies of any correspondence, notice, pleading,
citation, indictment, complaint, order, decree, or other document from any
source asserting or alleging a circumstance or condition which requires or may
require a clean-up, removal, remedial action or other response by or on the part
of Borrower under Environmental Laws or which seeks criminal or punitive
penalties from Borrower for an alleged violation of Environmental Laws; and (c)
advise Bank in writing as soon as Borrower becomes aware of any condition or
circumstance which makes the foregoing covenants incomplete or inaccurate. In
the event of any such circumstance, Borrower agrees, at its expense and at the
request of Bank, to permit an environmental audit solely for the benefit of
Bank, to be conducted by Bank or an independent agent selected by Bank. This
provision shall not relieve Borrower from conducting its own environmental
audits or taking any other steps necessary to comply with Environmental Laws
which in the reasonable judgment of Bank is likely to impair materially the
value of the Security Property or the operations of Borrower. If in the opinion
of Bank there exists any provision of an Environmental Law

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or any condition which requires, or may require, a clean-up, removal or other
remedial action by Borrower under any Environmental Laws and such clean-up,
removal or other remedial action is not completed within one hundred twenty
(120) days from the date of written notice from Bank to Borrower (or such longer
period as may be required under the circumstances), the name shall at the option
of Bank constitute a default hereunder.

      Borrower hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Bank harmless from
and against any loss, liability, cost, damage, or expense, including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees, arising from the imposition or recordation of a
lien, the incurrence of any clean-up and removal costs under any Environmental
Laws with respect to the Security Property or Borrower, any liability to any
third party in connection with any violation of any Environmental Laws or other
action by Borrower or its agents or any diminution in value of the Security
Property as a result of any violation or alleged violation of any Environmental
Laws by Borrower.

            Article VI - Representations and Warranties of Guarantor

6.1 Representations and Warranties. Guarantor represents and warrants to Bank
that:

      (a)   Guarantor is a duly organized, legally existing corporation in good
            standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has all
            requisite power and authority and all necessary licenses and permits
            to own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its
            business as it is now conducted and as it may be conducted in the
            future. Guarantor is qualified to do business and is in good
            standing as a foreign corporation in the State of Iowa.

      (b)   All financial statements and other information furnished by
            Guarantor to Bank in connection with this Agreement do in all
            material respects fairly represent the financial condition of
            Guarantor on the respective dates thereof and have been prepared in
            accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,
            consistently applied. Guarantor has no material liabilities, fixed
            or contingent, which are not fully shown or provided for in such
            financial statements as of the dates thereof except obligations to
            perform after such dates under contracts, purchase orders or other
            commitments incurred by Guarantor in the ordinary course of
            business. No material adverse changes in Guarantor's financial
            condition are imminent or threatened.

      (c)   Except for any actions, suits or proceedings disclosed in writing to
            Bank, no action, suit or proceeding against or affecting Guarantor
            is presently pending or threatened in any court, or before any
            governmental authority or any arbitration board or tribunal, which
            involves the possibility of any judgment or liability not fully
            covered by insurance or which may result in any material adverse
            change in the properties, business, prospects, profits or condition
            (financial or otherwise) of Guarantor, nor is Guarantor aware of any
            existing basis for any such action, suit or proceeding.

      (d)   Guarantor is not aware of any default in the performance of any
            obligation, covenant or condition contained in any agreement to
            which it is a party, nor is Guarantor in default with respect to any
            judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court,
            governmental authority or arbitration board or tribunal.

      (e)   Guarantor has good and marketable title to that portion of the
            Security Property purported to be owned by it, free and clear of any
            and all liens, claims, security interests and encumbrances
            whatsoever.

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      (f)   The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
            Guaranty and Guarantor Security Agreement will not violate the
            provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of
            Guarantor or of any note, indenture, mortgage, lease or other
            agreement to which Guarantor is a party or by which it is bound, and
            will not result in the breach of any judgment, order, rule or
            regulation of any court or governmental agency having jurisdiction
            over Guarantor or any of its properties. No consent, approval,
            authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or third
            party is required in connection with the execution, delivery and
            performance by Guarantor of this Agreement, the Guaranty or the
            Guarantor Security Agreement.

      (g)   The execution and delivery of, and the performance of the
            obligations set forth in, this Agreement, the Guaranty and the
            Guarantor Security Agreement have been duly authorized by all
            appropriate proceedings of Guarantor, and this Agreement, the
            Corporate Guaranty and the Guarantor Security Agreement are valid
            and binding obligations of Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with
            their respective terms.

      (h)   Guarantor has filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed
            with the United States government and with all state and local
            governments which are required to be filed, and has paid in full, or
            made adequate provision on its books for the payment of, all taxes,
            interest, penalties, assessments, deficiencies, franchise fees and
            other governmental charges shown to be due or claimed to be due on
            or in respect of such tax returns or reports or otherwise levied
            upon or in respect of any of its properties, assets, income or
            franchies.

      (i)   Guarantor is not in violation in any material manner of any federal,
            state, county or city statutes, ordinances, orders, rules or
            regulations pertaining to its business, and does not presently
            anticipate that future expenditures needed to meet the provisions of
            such federal, state, county or city statutes, ordinances, orders,
            rules or regulations will be so burdensome as to affect or impair in
            a materially adverse manner its financial condition.

            Article VII - Conditions Precedent to Bank's Obligations

7.1 Conditions Precedent to Closing. Bank's obligations to close hereunder, to
make disbursements to Borrower in accordance herewith and otherwise to perform
hereunder shall be subject to satisfaction of the following conditions on or
before the Closing, any or all of which may be waived by Bank in its sole
discretion:

      (a)   Borrower and Guarantor shall have performed all agreements required
            to be performed prior to the Closing under this Agreement, and shall
            not be in breach of any covenant, agreement, representation or
            warranty made herein or in any other Loan Document.

      (b)   Bank shall have received all of the documents, agreements and
            instruments referred to in Article IV of this Agreement.

      (c)   All representations and warranties of Borrower and Guarantor
            contained in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects
            as of the Closing and shall be made again on the Closing Date
            effective as of the Closing Date.

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      (d)   No Event of Default and no event or condition which, with notice or
            the lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default,
            shall have occurred prior to or shall exist at the time of the
            Closing.

      (e)   Neither Borrower nor Guarantor shall have incurred any material
            liabilities, direct or contingent, other than in the ordinary course
            of business, since the date of the last financial statement given to
            Bank by each party.

      (f)   Borrower shall have obtained hazard and/or fire and extended
            coverage insurance on all Security Property, as required by Section
            8.1(c) hereof and, if requested by Bank, shall have delivered
            certified copies of such insurance policies to Bank.

      (g)   Borrower shall have paid Bank for all costs incurred by Bank in
            connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
            including, but not limited to, the payment of all recording and
            filing fees and the fees and expenses of Bank's counsel incurred in
            connection with the preparation of this Agreement and all other Loan
            Documents.

      (h)   Borrower and Guarantor shall have delivered to Bank an opinion of
            counsel to Borrower and Guarantor in the form attached hereto as
            Exhibit J, which opinion shall be satisfactory in form and substance
            to Bank and its counsel.

      (i)   Neither Borrower nor Guarantor shall, at the time of Closing, be
            subject to or party in a liquidation or reorganization agreement or
            subject to any insolvency proceedings.

      (j)   Borrower shall have provided Bank with an abstract of title for the
            West Des Moines Real Estate and Bank shall have obtained an opinion
            of its counsel indicating that marketable title to the Wet Des
            Moines Real Estate is in the name of Borrower and the existence of
            any liens, encumbrances and exceptions with respect to such title.

      (k)   The Mortgage and any releases of prior encumbrances shall have been
            recorded with the office of the Polk County Recorder, and Bank shall
            have received an oral report from the abstracter that no liens or
            other encumbrances have been filed of record against the West Des
            Moines Real Estate since the date of the preliminary title opinion
            referred to in Section 7.1(j) above, which report shall be
            satisfactory to Bank.

      (l)   Bank shall have received an appraisal of the West Des Moines Real
            Estate by a qualified appraiser, which appraisal shall reflect a
            value resulting in a loan to value ratio of not more than
            seventy-five percent (75%), and which appraisal shall otherwise be
            satisfactory to Bank in its sole discretion.

      (m)   Borrower shall have provided to Bank an as-built survey of the West
            Des Moines Real Estate certified to Bank as of the date no earlier
            than sixty (60) days prior to the Closing Date, with the signature
            and seal of a registered engineer or surveyor affixed thereto, which
            survey shall be satisfactory to Bank in its sole discretion.

In the event that any of the foregoing conditions precedent have not been
satisfied at the Closing Date, Bank shall then have the option of waiving any
such unsatisfied condition or of terminating this Agreement. In the event Bank
elects not to waive such unsatisfied conditions and to terminate this Agreement,
Bank shall then have no further obligation or liability hereunder or under any
prior

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commitment letter whatsoever. Borrower, however, shall be and remain fully
liable to Bank for payment of all costs incurred by Bank in connection with this
transaction, which shall be due and payable immediately upon such termination.

7.2 Conditions Precedent to All Borrowings. The obligation of Bank to make any
advances of funds to Borrower under the Revolving Note shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the time of the making of each such advance of each
of the following further conditions:

      (a)   No change shall have occurred or become known since the Closing Date
            in the assets, business, operations, prospects or financial
            condition of Borrower or Guarantor which Bank reasonably deems to be
            material and adverse to Borrower or Guarantor.

      (b)   The representations and warranties of Borrower and Guarantor
            contained in this Agreement and in any of the Loan Documents shall
            each be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the
            borrowing date for such advance as though made on and as of such
            date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties
            expressly relate to an earlier date or as may be agreed to in
            writing by Bank) and each of the Loan Documents shall be in full
            force and effect.

      (c)   Borrower and Guarantor shall be in compliance with the terms and
            conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
            including, but not limited to, the various covenants contained in
            Articles VIII, IX and X of this Agreement.

      (d)   Bank shall continue to have a valid and duly perfected first
            priority security interest in and mortgage lien on the Security
            Property subject to no lien or encumbrance and such security
            interest and mortgage lien shall secure, on a first priority base
            subject to no lien or encumbrance, the full amount of the advance to
            be so made and all advances then outstanding under the Notes.

      (e)   Bank shall have received the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate
            due in accordance with Section 8.1(b) hereof.

      (f)   Borrower shall have acquired those assets of Powercore Inc. provided
            for pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement between
            Borrower and Powercore Inc., and Borrower shall have provided Bank
            with such documentation as may reasonably be necessary to satisfy
            Bank and its counsel that the assets acquired from Powercore Inc.
            are free and clear of any liens, security interests, or encumbrances
            of any nature granted by Powercore Inc. to any third party.

      Each time Bank is given a Notice of Borrowing, such notification shall be
deemed to constitute a representation and warranty of Borrower that each of the
conditions set forth in this Section 7.2 will be satisfied on the relevant
borrowing date.

                Article VIII - Affirmative Covenants of Borrower

8.1 Covenants. So long as any part of the Indebtedness remains unpaid or any
obligations of Borrower or Guarantor under the Loan Documents remain
unsatisfied, Borrower and Guarantor respectively covenant and agree with Bank as
follows:

      (a)   Borrower will duly and punctually pay all sums to be paid by
            Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
            Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

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      (b)   In the event there are outstanding balances under the Revolving
            Note, Borrower shall: (i) submit a Borrowing Base Certificate to
            Bank on Tuesday of each week, certified by the president, chief
            financial officer or controller of Borrower and current as of a date
            not more than three (3) business days prior to the date of
            submission to Bank; and (ii) submit to Bank within fifteen (15) days
            after the end of each calendar month a Borrowing Base Certificate
            completed as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar month.

      (c)   Borrower shall maintain hazard and/or fire and extended coverage
            insurance on all Security Property and on its other insurable real
            and personal property, issued by a company or companies satisfactory
            to Bank and in amounts acceptable to Bank, which policy or policies
            shall name Bank as loss payee under a standard loss payee clause.
            Borrower shall additionally maintain any other insurance as Bank may
            reasonably require insuring against such risks and in such amounts
            as are customarily carried by like businesses operating in the same
            vicinity. Such policy or policies shall provide that they shall not
            be amended, modified or cancelled without thirty (80) days prior
            written notice to Bank. Borrower shall also maintain insurance
            against liability on account of damage to persons or property and
            such insurance as may be required under all applicable workers
            compensation laws. If during the term of this Agreement and the term
            of the other Loan Documents, any of the insured property is
            destroyed by fire or other hazard, Borrower may, so long as not then
            in default under any of the Loan Documents, replace or rebuild the
            damaged or destroyed property, as the case may be, with the
            insurance proceeds, and Bank's lien shall attach and remain affixed
            to the replaced or rebuilt property

      (d)   Borrower and Guarantor will promptly pay and discharge their
            respective federal, state and other governmental taxes, assessments,
            fees and charges imposed upon them or upon any of their respective
            assets.

      (e)   Borrower and Guarantor will maintain at all times proper books of
            record and account in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
            Principles, consistently applied, and permit Bank's officers or any
            of Bank's authorized representatives or accountants to visit and
            inspect their offices and property, examine their books of account
            and other records and discuss their affairs, finances and accounts
            with their officers, employees, accountants and auditors, all at
            such reasonable times and as often as Bank may desire. Bank will
            periodically audit Borrower's accounts receivable, inventory and
            accounts payable and Borrower agrees to pay Bank an hourly fee of
            $30.00 for time spent by Bank personnel performing such audits;
            provided, however, such fees shall not exceed $4,000 during any
            fiscal year. Moreover, if an Event of Default has occurred or is
            continuing, Borrower will pay the reasonable fees and disbursements
            of any accountants or other agent of Bank selected by Bank for the
            foregoing purposes (which fees shall not be subject to the $4,000
            annual limitation).

      (f)   In the event there are outstanding balances under the Revolving
            Note, Guarantor shall submit to Bank, within fifteen (15) days of
            the end of each calendar month, an unaudited balance sheet and
            income statement as of the end or the immediately preceding calendar
            month, prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
            Principles consistently applied and certified as being true and
            correct by the president, chief financial officer or controller of
            Borrower.

      (g)   In the event there are outstanding balances under the Revolving
            Note, Borrower shall, within fifteen (15) days of the end of each
            calendar month, submit to Bank a

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            Compliance Certificate completed as of the end of the immediately
            preceding calendar month. The Compliance Certificate shall be
            submitted within fifteen (15) days of the end of each fiscal quarter
            during those periods when there is no outstanding balance under the
            Revolving Note.

      (h)   In the event there are outstanding balances under the Revolving
            Note, Borrower shall, within fifteen (15) days of the end of each
            calendar month, submit to Bank an account receivable aging report
            listing, for each outstanding account receivable as of the end of
            the immediately preceding calendar month, the account name, balance
            and payment status. Such report shall be submitted within fifteen
            (15) days of the end of each fiscal quarter during those periods
            when there is no outstanding balance under the Revolving Note.

      (i)   Within forty-five (45) days following the end of each fiscal
            quarter, Guarantor shall submit to Bank a copy of its Quarterly
            Report on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial statements as of
            the end of such fiscal quarter, prepared in accordance with
            Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently applied.

      (j)   Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the end of each
            fiscal year, Guarantor shall submit to Bank its Annual Report on
            Form 10-K containing audited financial statements prepared in
            accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
            consistently applied and examined by an independent certified public
            accountant chosen by Guarantor and acceptable to Bank, which
            statements shall include a balance sheet, income statement,
            statement of cash flows, notes to financial statements and auditor's
            report.

      (k)   Guarantor shall, within ten (10) days of filing thereof with the
            Securities and Exchange Commission, provide Bank with copies of any
            Current Report on Form 8-K, any registration statement filed under
            the Securities Act of 1933 or any other report concerning a material
            event with respect to Borrower or Guarantor.

      (l)   Promptly upon receipt thereof, Borrower or Guarantor, as the case
            may be, will submit to Bank copies of all audit reports submitted by
            independent public accountants in connection with any special audit
            of the books of Borrower or Guarantor made by such accountants.

      (m)   Borrower and Guarantor further agree to supply to Bank such
            additional financial information as Bank may, from time to time,
            reasonably request to ascertain their respective financial
            conditions.

      (n)   Borrower or Guarantor, as the case may be, will, within five (5)
            days of receiving notice thereof, advise Bank in writing of any
            condition, event or act of the kind set forth in subparagraphs (1)
            through (4) below which comes to its attention that would or might
            prejudice Bank's rights under this Agreement or any other Loan
            Document:

                  (1) The filing of a lien, suit, action or other proceeding
            against Borrower or Guarantor wherein a claim is made in excess of
            Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00);

                  (2) The filing, recording or assessment of a federal, state,
            or local tax lien against any of Borrower's or Guarantor's asset;

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                  (3) The occurrence of any Event of Default or any act or event
            which, with notice or the lapse of time, or both, would constitute
            an Event of Default; or

                  (4) Any legal or administrative proceeding or investigation
            initiated against Borrower or Guarantor.

      (m)   Borrower will maintain, preserve and keep its buildings and
            properties and every part thereof in good repair, working order and
            condition and from time to time make all necessary repairs,
            renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements
            thereto, so that at all times the efficiency thereof shall be fully
            preserved and maintained.

                  Article IX - Negative Covenants of Borrower

9.1 Covenants. So long as any part of the Indebtedness remains unpaid or any
obligations of Borrower or Guarantor under the Loan Documents remain
unsatisfied, Borrower and Guarantor covenant and agree that, without the prior
written consent of Bank (which shall not unreasonably be withheld), they shall
not:

      (a)   Merge or consolidate with any company or enterprise, or acquire or
            purchase any other company or enterprise, or suffer or permit the
            sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of a substantial part of
            Borrower's or Guarantor's properties or assets, unless replaced in
            the ordinary course of business with properties of substantially
            equal value. For purposes of the foregoing, any transaction
            involving the disposition of properties or assets having a value in
            excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) as measured
            by the consideration for the transaction in question shall be deemed
            to be substantial.

      (b)   Incur indebtedness for borrowed money, other than to Bank, or act as
            a guarantor for any indebtedness of others. For purposes hereof,
            entering into capital leases of personal property shall be deemed
            the incurring of indebtedness for borrowed money.

      (c)   Invest in, organize or participate in the organization or creation
            of any other business entity; provided, however, that Borrower
            and/or Guarantor shall be permitted to invest in and organize other
            business entities without the prior consent of Bank to the extent
            that; (i) the investment into any one business entity by Borrower
            and/or Guarantor does not exceed $250,000; and (ii) the investment
            into all business entities by Borrower and/or Guarantor does not
            exceed $750,000 in the aggregate at any one time.

      (d)   Redeem, retire, repurchase or otherwise acquire directly or
            indirectly any of Borrower's capital stock, or make any change in
            its capital structure, or pay or declare any dividend or other
            capital distribution, in cash or property, upon its capital stock.

      (e)   Change the general character of the business of Borrower or
            Guarantor as conducted on the date hereof and the Closing Date or
            engage in any type of business not reasonably related to such
            business as presently conducted.

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      (f)   Permit the aggregate of all judgments or liens against Borrower
            and/or Guarantor at any one time to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars
            ($50,000), whether aided by attachment or not, to remain unpaid,
            undischarged, unbonded or undismissed for a period of thirty (30)
            day.

      (g)   At any time permit Borrower or Guarantor to make any loans to
            others, including, but not limited to, any Affiliate or to any
            officer or employee of Borrower, Guarantor or an Affiliate, except
            that: (i) Borrower or Guarantor shall be permitted to make loans or
            extend credit to its officers or employees in an amount not to
            exceed $5,000 per person, provided, however, all such loans or
            extensions of credit by Borrower and/or Guarantor shall not exceed
            $50,000 in the aggregate at any given time; and (ii) the use of
            corporate credit cards for expenses incurred in the ordinary course
            of business shall not be deemed a loan or an extension of credit for
            purposes of this Section 9.1(g).

      (h)   Permit the pledge or encumbrance of any property of Borrower or
            Guarantor as security for any indebtedness incurred after the date
            of this Agreement except to Bank, with the exception of a purchase
            money security interest.

                  Article X - Additional Covenants of Borrower

10.1 Covenants. So long as any part of the Indebtedness remains unpaid or any
obligations of Borrower or Guarantor under the Loan Documents remain
unsatisfied, Borrower and Guarantor respectively covenant and agree with Bank as
follows:

      (a)   Guarantor agrees to maintain a Tangible Net Worth of not less than
            $4,500,000. "Tangible Net Worth" shall mean the amount of total
            assets (excluding the amount of Intangible Assets) less the amount
            of total liabilities (exclusive of Subordinated Debt, if any).
            "Intangible Assets" shall mean the book value of Guarantor's
            intangible assets including, but not limited to, goodwill, patents,
            trademarks, copyrights, secret processes, deferred expenses relating
            to general administrative, research and development expenses and all
            amounts due from any officer, employee, director, shareholder or
            Affiliate.

      (b)   Guarantor agrees to maintain a ratio of Debt to Tangible Net Worth
            of not more than 2.2 to 1.0 during the period commencing with the
            Closing Date and at all times thereafter, "Debt" shall mean all
            liabilities of Guarantor (less Subordinated Debt, if any). "Tangible
            Net Worth" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(a)
            hereof.

      (c)   Guarantor agrees to maintain Net Working Capital of not less than
            $1,500,000 and a Current Ratio of not less than 1.35 to 1.00. "Net
            Working Capital" shall mean the excess of Current Assets over
            Current Liabilities. "Current Ratio" shall mean the ratio of Current
            Assets to Current Liabilities. "Current Assets" shall mean the sum
            of cash, marketable securities, inventory at lower of cost or market
            and ordinary trade accounts receivable, excluding any amount due
            from any officer, employee, director, shareholder or Affiliate. In
            the event of a dispute relative to the carrying value of said
            inventory or accounts receivable, the determination thereof by an
            independent Certified Public Accountant chosen by Guarantor and
            acceptable to Bank shall be controlling. "Current Liabilities" shall
            mean any indebtedness due within one (1) year (exclusive of
            Subordinated Debt, if any), and any unsubordinated debt due to any
            officer, employee, director, shareholder or Affiliate. For purposes
            of this calculation, outstanding principal on Revolving Note shall
            be classified as a current liability.

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      (d)   Borrower and Guarantor agree not to purchase, lease or otherwise
            acquire or enter into any commitment to purchase, lease or otherwise
            acquire additional capital assets where the aggregate liability or
            expenditure therefor in any one fiscal year exceeds ??? $500,000,
            except with the prior written consent by Bank.

      (e)   Any officer, employee, director, shareholder or Affiliate of
            Borrower or Guarantor shall subordinate all indebtedness including
            interest thereon (herein termed "Junior Indebtedness"), which may at
            any time now or hereafter be owed to any officer, employee,
            director, shareholder or Affiliate by Borrower or Guarantor in favor
            of the Indebtedness, including interest thereon. Borrower or
            Guarantor, as the case may be, shall obtain and deliver to Bank
            subordination agreements from said officers, employees, directors,
            shareholders or Affiliates for said Junior Indebtedness in form and
            content acceptable to Bank. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
            Default under this Agreement, Borrower or Guarantor, as the case may
            be, shall without notice from Bank immediately cease payment of any
            fees or advances to any officer, employee, director, shareholder or
            Affiliate and shall also cease payment of the sums, if any allowed
            to be paid by the terms of the subordination agreement(s).

      (f)   Borrower shall establish and maintain its principal deposit accounts
            at Bank as long as any Indebtedness remains outstanding or so long
            as this Agreement remains in effect.

                       Article XI - Default and Remedies

11.1 Default. Any one or more of the following events shall be considered an
"Event of Default" as that term is used herein:

      (a)   If Borrower should default in the payment of any principal, interest
            or any other sum payable under the Notes or hereunder (it is being
            understood that default in the payment of principal or interest of
            any of the Notes shall constitute default under all of the Notes),
            and such default shall not be cured within ten (10) days after
            written notice thereof is given by Bank to Borrower, provided,
            however, that Bank shall not be required to provide written notice
            of a default hereunder more than two times during any twelve
            consecutive month period.

      (b)   If a default occurs or there shall be non-compliance with any of the
            terms or provisions of any of the other Loan Documents.

      (c)   Non-payment when due of any Indebtedness.

      (d)   If any representation or warranty made by Borrower or Guarantor in
            any report or certification to Bank, in this Agreement or in any
            other Loan Document proves to be untrue or false in any material
            respect when made.

      (e)   If there shall be non-compliance with, or a breach of, any of the
            Affirmative Covenants contained in Article VIII hereof, any of the
            Negative Covenants contained in Article IX hereof, any of the
            Additional Covenants contained in Article X hereof, or any other
            covenant of Borrower or Guarantor set forth herein or in any other
            Loan Document, and such default, non-compliance or breach shall not
            be cured within ten (10) days in the case of a payment default, or
            thirty (30) days in the case of a non-payment default, after written
            notice thereof is given by Bank to Borrower.

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      (f)   If: (i) Borrower or Guarantor shall be liquidated or dissolved or
            discontinue business; (ii) Borrower or Guarantor shall become
            insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or
            apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee or
            liquidator for all of or a substantial portion of their respective
            assets; or (iii) any governmental agency or bankruptcy court or
            other court of competent jurisdiction shall assume custody or
            control of the whole or any part of the assets of Borrower or
            Guarantor and such action shall be consented to by Borrower or
            Guarantor, as the case may be, or shall remain undismissed for sixty
            (60) days.

      (g)   If a default occurs under Section 5.2 of this Agreement relating to
            environmental matters.

      (h)   If Bank reasonably believes that the prospect of payment of the
            Indebtedness is impaired due to acts or events materially and
            adversely bearing upon the financial condition of Borrower or
            Guarantor, or Bank on any other reasonable basis otherwise deems
            itself insecure.

11.2 Effect of Default; Cross Default. It is understood and agreed that any
Event of Default occurring under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document
shall constitute an event of default under each and every Loan Document. Upon
the happening of any Event of Default specified in Section 11.1 of this Article,
the entire amount owing under the Notes and the other Indebtedness, at the
option of Bank and without prior notice to Borrower or Guarantor, shall
thereupon mature and become immediately due and payable in full. In such event,
Bank may proceed to enforce payment in such manner as Bank may elect and realize
upon any and all rights of Bank in the Security Property. Additionally, without
prior notice to Borrower or Guarantor, Bank may appropriate and apply any and
all moneys in its possession, by deposit or otherwise, to the credit of or
belonging to Borrower or Guarantor, to any amounts owing to Bank under the
Notes, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or the Indebtedness. Upon
the happening of any Event of Default, then in conjunction with, in addition to
or in substitution for those rights and remedies above described, and without
notice or demand which are, to the extent permitted by law, expressly waived,
the following shall be applicable:

      (a)   So long as it does not constitute a breach of the peace, Bank may
            enter upon any of Borrower's or Guarantor's premises to take
            possession of, assemble and collect the Security Property or to
            render it unusable;

      (b)   Bank may notify the account debtors or obligors of any accounts,
            chattel paper, negotiable instruments, general intangibles or other
            evidences of indebtedness in favor of Borrower or Guarantor to pay
            Bank directly and Bank may take control of the proceeds paid to
            Bank. Until Bank elects to exercise these rights, Borrower or
            Guarantor, as the case may be, is authorized to collect and enforce
            the collection of such accounts (subject to collection terms
            provided for in Section 2.4 hereof). The cost of collection and
            enforcement, including attorneys' fees and expenses, shall be borne
            solely by Borrower or Guarantor whether incurred by Bank or by
            Borrower or Guarantor;

      (c)   Bank may require Borrower or Guarantor to assemble the Security
            Property and make it available on Borrower's or Guarantor's premises
            or at a place Bank designates to allow Bank to take possession of or
            dispose of the Security Property;

      (d)   Bank may waive any Event of Default or remedy any Event of Default
            without waiving the Event of Default remedied and without waiving
            any other prior or subsequent Event of Default.

                                     106
<PAGE>

      (e)   Written notice given to Borrower or Guarantor, not less than ten
            (10) days prior to the date of public sale of the Security Property
            or prior to the date after which private sale or other disposition
            of the Security Property will be made, shall constitute reasonable
            notice;

      (f)   Bank may sell any unit of inventory or equipment at private sale or
            to a distributor or dealer at Borrower's current price for such
            inventory or at such lower price as may be then obtainable, which
            shall constitute disposition thereof in a commercially reasonable
            manner;

      (g)   It shall not be necessary that Bank take possession of the Security
            Property or any part thereof prior to the time that any sale
            pursuant to the provisions of this Section is conducted and it shall
            not be necessary that the Security Property or any part thereof be
            present at the location of such sale;

      (h)   Bank may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by any
            appropriate proceeding, whether for specific performance of any
            covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or to enforce the
            payment of the Notes or other Indebtedness or to enforce any other
            legal or equitable right;

      (i)   Pursuant to the relevant procedures set forth in the UCC, Bank may
            take possession of the Security Property without the necessity for
            foreclosure proceedings and utilize and employ such procedures to
            protect the Security Property in such manner and for such length of
            time as Bank in its sole discretion may see fit. Borrower and
            Guarantor agrees that Bank shall not be liable for any damages
            resulting to Borrower or Guarantor from such actions; and

      (j)   Bank may cause the Mortgage to be foreclosed in the manner
            prescribed by law and upon the commencement of foreclosure
            proceedings, shall be entitled to have a receiver appointed to take
            possession and charge of the mortgaged property during the pendency
            of the foreclosure proceedings and during the redemption period, to
            rent same and receive and collect rents and profits therefrom, and
            to apply same in accordance with the law.

All rights, remedies or powers hereby conferred upon Bank shall be deemed
cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or powers available
under the Loan Documents or applicable law.

                         Article XII - Sale of Business

12.1 Sale of Business. The entire amount of unpaid principal and accrued
interest shall become due and payable forthwith at the option of Bank if control
of Borrower or Guarantor shall be sold to any other person, firm or corporation,
whether for cash or by merger or consolidation, or if the assets of Borrower or
Guarantor shall be sold or transferred to any other person, firm or corporation,
unless all of the following shall be satisfied:

      (a)   The survivor of such merger or the successor formed by such
            consolidated or the person that acquires by conveyance, transfer or
            lease substantially all of the assets of Borrower or Guarantor, as
            the case may be, shall be a corporation organized and existing under
            the laws of the United States or any state thereof, and such
            survivor, successor or other

                                     107
<PAGE>

            person shall have executed and delivered to Bank its assumption of
            the due and punctual performance and observation of each covenant
            and condition of this Agreement and each of the other Loan
            Documents;

      (b)   Bank shall continue to have a valid and duly perfected first
            priority security interest in and mortgage lien on the Security
            Property securing the Indebtedness; and

      (c)   Immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of
            Default shall have occurred and be continuing or no event shall have
            occurred which, upon the giving of notice or the passage of time, or
            both, would become an Event of Default hereunder.

                          Article XIII - Miscellaneous

13.1 Notices. Any notice required or desired to be given hereunder shall be in
writing and deemed given when personally delivered (including delivery by
recognized overnight courier such as Federal Express) or deposited in the United
States mail, postage prepaid, sent certified or registered, addressed as
follows:

      (a)   If to Borrower, to:

            CE Software, Inc.
            1801 Industrial Circle, P.O Box 65580
            West Des Moines, IA 50265
            Attn: Ford H. Goodman, President

      (b)   If to Guarantor, to:

            CE Software Holdings, Inc.
            1801 Industrial Circle, P.O. Box 65580
            West Des Moines, IA 50265
            Attn: Ford H. Goodman, Executive Vice President

      (c)   If to Bank, to:

            Brenton Bank, N.A
            400 Locust Street, Suite 200
            Des Moines, Iowa 50309
            Attn: Robert D. Grote, Vice President

or to such other address or person as hereafter designated in writing by the
applicable party in the manner provided in this paragraph for the giving of
notices.

13.2 Governing Law. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and all other
documents and instruments delivered pursuant hereto shall be construed and
interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa (excluding conflict
of laws rules), shall be deemed to have been entered into in Des Moines, Polk
County, Iowa, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, personal
representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

13.3 Cumulative Rights. To the full extent permitted by law, all rights and
remedies of Bank hereunder are cumulative and not alternative. No course of
dealing on the part of Bank, its officers

                                     108
<PAGE>

or employees shall operate as a waiver of any right, power or privilege of Bank
under this Agreement or other Loan Documents. Indulgence by Bank with respect to
any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or other Loan Documents or the
failure or delay of Bank in exercising any of its rights, power or privileges
hereunder or thereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any future breach of
any such terms and conditions and shall not prevent any future exercise of
Bank's rights, power or privileges, and the persons obligated shall remain
liable for the strict performance of all of their respective undertakings until
all sums payable under the Loan Documents shall have been fully paid in
accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

13.4 Participation. Bank may, without notice to Borrower or Guarantor, sell,
assign or otherwise transfer its right, title and interest in and to this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or any part thereof, or grant
participations therein, and in such event each and every immediate or remote
assignee, transferee or holder of or participant in the Notes or other rights
sold, assigned or transferred shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents, by suit or otherwise, for its benefit, as fully as if
herein by name specifically given such right.

13.5 Additional Documents. Borrower and Guarantor agree to deliver such further
financing statements, continuation statements, termination statements and other
documents as Bank may from time to time reasonably request to more fully
effectuate the intent hereof.

13.6 Costs. Borrower agrees to pay the costs of recording or filing all
financing statements, continuation statements, termination statements and other
documents Bank deems necessary for the perfection of any liens and security
interests granted to Bank pursuant hereto or pursuant to any of the other Loan
Documents, and to pay any and all other costs of Closing hereunder, as well as
any and all taxes (other than Bank's income taxes) which may be payable as a
result of the execution of the Loan Document or any agreement supplemental
thereto, or as a result of the execution or recordation of any of the Loan
Documents, including, but not limited to, fees and expenses of Bank's counsel
incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and all other Loan
Documents. Borrower further agrees that in the event of a default hereunder it
shall pay all out-of-pocket expenses of Bank.

13.7 Conflicting Provisions. In the event the provisions of any of the Loan
Documents are in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions
of this Agreement shall control over the conflicting provisions of any other
Loan Document.

13.8 Indemnification. Borrower shall defend, indemnify and hold Bank harmless
from any loss, liability, damage, or expense, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, arising in connection with or resulting from any breach of warranty,
misrepresentation or nonfulfillment of any agreement on the part of Borrower or
Guarantor under this Agreement (unless waived by Bank). All of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein and in
the other Loan Documents and in any documents delivered pursuant hereto and
thereto shall survive the Closing and remain in full force and effect regardless
of the Closing and irrespective of any investigation which ban its counsel or
representatives may make in connection with this agreement or in any manner
involved herein or in any other Loan Document and they shall be fully
enforceable at law or in equity.

13.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and all exhibits and schedules hereto, the
other Loan Documents, and all other documents and certificates referred to
herein or in any other Loan Document, constitute the entire agreement between
the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matters hereof and supersede all
negotiations, preliminary agreements and all prior or contemporaneous
discussions and understandings of the parties hereto in connection with the
subject matters hereof. All exhibits and schedules are incorporated into this
Agreement as if set forth in their entirety and constitute a part hereof.

                                     109
<PAGE>

13.10 Amendments; No Waiver. No amendment, change or modification of any of the
terms, provisions or conditions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents shall be effective unless made in writing and signed or initialed by
the parties or by their duly authorized agents. Waiver of any provision of this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall not be deemed a waiver of
future compliance therewith and such provision shall remain in full force and
effect.

13.11 Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement or other Loan
Documents is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the
remaining provisions of this Agreement and other Loan Documents shall not be
affected thereby and shall continue to be valid and enforceable. In the event
any provision of this Agreement or other Loan Document is held to be
unenforceable as written, but enforceable if modified, then such provision shall
be deemed to be amended to such extent as shall be necessary for such provision
to be enforceable and it shall be enforced to that extent.

13.12 Headings and Captions. The titles or captions of sections and paragraphs
in this Agreement are provided for convenience of reference only and shall not
be considered a part hereof for purposes of interpreting or applying this
Agreement, and such titles or captions do not define, limit, extend, explain or
describe the scope or extent of this Agreement or any of its terms and
conditions.

13.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
constitute one and the same instrument, and in making proof hereof, it shall not
be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

13.14 Gender and Number. Words and phrases herein shall be construed as in the
singular or plural number and as masculine, feminine or neuter gender, according
to the context.

13.15 Third Parties. Nothing in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents,
express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties
hereto and thereto (and their respective heirs, successors, legal
representatives and permitted assigns) any rights, remedies, liabilities or
obligations under or by reason of this Agreement or other Loan Documents.

13.16 Receipt. Borrower and Guarantor by their signatures below acknowledge
receipt of a copy of this Agreement and all the other Loan Documents at the time
of execution thereof.

                                     NOTICE

IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE SIGNING. THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHOULD BE READ
CAREFULLY BECAUSE ONLY THOSE TERMS IN WRITING ARE ENFORCEABLE. NO OTHER TERMS OR
ORAL PROMISES NOT CONTAINED IN THIS WRITTEN CONTRACT MAY BE LEGALLY ENFORCED.
YOU MAY CHANGE THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ONLY BY ANOTHER WRITTEN AGREEMENT.
ADDITIONALLY, AFTER RECEIVING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CHANGE THE TERMS OF ANY OTHER
CREDIT AGREEMENT(S) NOW IN FORCE

                                     85
<PAGE>

BETWEEN YOU AND BANK ONLY BY ANOTHER WRITTEN AGREEMENT. ORAL OR IMPLIED CHANGES
TO THIS OR ANY OTHER CREDIT AGREEMENT(S) WITH BANK ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE AND
SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the
________ day of May, 1994.

BANK:                                     BORROWER:

Brenton Bank, National Association        CE Software, Inc.

By /s/ Robert D. Grote                    By /s/ Curtis W. Lack
  --------------------------------          -----------------------------------
  Robert D. Grote, Vice President           Curtis W. Lack, Secretary/Treasurer

                                          GUARANTOR:

                                          CE Software Holdings, Inc.

                                          By /s/ Richard A. Skeie
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Richard A. Skeie, President

                                     110
<PAGE>

                           DESCRIPTION OF REAL ESTATE

      The West Des Moines Real Estate shall consist of the following property
owned by Borrower in Polk County, Iowa:

      Lots sixteen (16), seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) in West Grand
      Industrial Acres Plat Two, an Official Plat, in the City of West Des
      Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

                                     111
<PAGE>

                      EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO OPERATING LEASES

      The following items of equipment held by Borrower shall not be subject to
the security interest to be granted to Bank pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof:

            Xerox copier

                                     112EXHIBIT 10.4

                         EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated this 11th day of
July, 1997, by and between CE SOFTWARE, INC., an Iowa corporation (hereinafter
called the "Company"), CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation
(hereinafter called "CESH") and Christian F. Gurney (hereinafter called the
"Executive").

      WHEREAS, the Company has employed the Executive since 1991 in various
capacities, has promoted Executive to the position of President, and the
Executive desires to commit himself to serve the Company on the terms and
conditions set forth herein;

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective
covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto adopt this
Executive's employment agreement in its entirety, and agree as follows:

      1. Employment : Term. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive,
and the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company, on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth. The Executive shall be employed by the Company
for a term ending September 30, 1997 (the last day of which shall be the
"Renewal Date"), which term shall be renewable, on an annual basis, as provided
below, for additional one-year terms, on the Renewal Date and on each
anniversary of the Renewal Date. The Executive employment shall be automatically
renewed as of the Renewal Dates through September 30, 1999, unless a majority of
the Board of Directors (exclusive of the Executive) takes other action within
the terms of this agreement to terminate the Executive employment or to not
renew the Executive Employment at a stated Renewal Date. In the absence of any
action by the Board of Directors of any action on non-renewal or termination,
the Executive employment shall continue unchanged until the next Renewal Date
and this Agreement shall remain in force. On and after the Renewal Date of
September 30, 2000 the Executive employment may be renewed given the affirmative
vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company
provided that the Executive shall not be entitled to vote thereon. At least
sixty days prior to the Renewal Date and each anniversary of the Renewal Date
(provided that the Employee is employed by the Company prior to such date), the
Company shall notify the Executive, in writing, if the Company desires not to
renew his employment hereunder for an additional one-year term. The Executive
shall notify the Company, in writing, within forty-five days prior to any
Renewal Date, whether he desires not to continue his employment for such
additional term. If, pursuant to such notices, the Executive's employment is not
renewed, the Executive shall continue his employment for the remainder of the
then current contract period, provided, however, the Executive may receive
severance pay as set forth hereunder if not offered renewal as set forth
hereunder, or if Executive rejects the renewal offer because it is at a
compensation level below that of the existing term.

      2. Position and Duties. The Executive shall serve as the President of the
Company, and shall report to the Board of Directors. The Executive shall have
such powers and duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Bylaws and
the Board of Directors, consistent with the office of President. The Executive
also agrees to serve, for no additional consideration, as Vice President of
CESH, as an officer of any affiliated company if so elected by its Board of
Directors, and as a director of the Company and CESH, and of any affiliated

                                     113
<PAGE>

company, if he is nominated by the Board and elected by the shareholders of such
entity. The Company and CESH will indemnify and hold harmless the Executive from
liability, damages and costs (including attorneys fee) arising from his service
to the Company in any capacity to the same extent they will indemnify any of
their officers and directors pursuant to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, Bylaws, and Iowa or Delaware law, respectively. During the term
of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his entire business time,
attention and energies exclusively to the business and affairs of the Company
and its affiliates and use his best efforts, skills and abilities to promote the
interests of the Company and its affiliates provided, however, that the
Executive shall have the right to pursue passive investments which do not relate
to the business and/or affairs of the Company and which do not interfere with
his responsibilities to the Company as set forth herein.

      3. Compensation and Benefits. During the term of the Executive's
employment hereunder, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following
compensation and benefits:

      (a) Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive a base salary of
$150,000 per annum payable semi-monthly, prorated to the date of this Agreement.
Such salary shall be subject to review by the Board of Directors on an annual
basis in event of a renewal of the term of employment hereunder, on a date no
later than sixty days prior to the commencement of the renewal term. Any
decrease or increase in the annual salary (and other compensation terms) payable
to the Executive shall be at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors of CESH and shall be based on the Executive's performance of
his duties under this Agreement and the Company's operating results to the date
of such review.

      (b) Stock Purchase Plan. Contemporaneously with the execution of this
Agreement and with the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of CESH and subject to approval of the shareholders of CESH if such is
required by law, regulation or the terms of any stock listing agreement, the
Executive will purchase up to $50,000 of common stock, $.10 par value, of CESH
pursuant to a separate stock purchase agreement which is Exhibit B hereto. Said
agreement will price the shares at the closing price of the stock on the date of
this Agreement. Among other terms, the shares will be purchased for cash to the
extent of the par value of the shares and the balance by the non-recourse
promissory note of Executive, and held in escrow until the note is fully paid.
An amount equal to 60% of any cash dividends or other cash distributions paid on
the shares, will be withheld and applied to the purchase price until the note is
paid. Executive may make any additional payments from other funds. The shares
may not be sold until note is paid in full, subject to normal securities
registration requirements, or exemption therefrom.

      (c) Stock Options. As of the date of this Agreement, the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of CESH has granted to the Executive options
to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock, pursuant to the Company's existing
stock option plans and form of nonqualified stock option agreement.

Executive understands that the number of options available under existing plans
may require shareholder approval of plan amendments, or of new plans, before the
total number of options may be granted under this contract; the board of
directors will recommend to the shareholders that any required approvals be
given.

                                     114
<PAGE>

      (d) Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall promptly pay to the Executive
the reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties
hereunder after receipt of supporting documentation in respect of such expenses
and otherwise in accordance with the past practices of the Company relating to
expenses and guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

      (e) Participation in Employee Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to
participate in or receive benefits offered to all employees of this Company
(e.g., group medical, dental, life, dependent life, and disability insurance,
profit-sharing, vacation, illness and holiday).

      (f) Vacations. The Executive shall be entitled to vacation days, in
accordance with standard Company policy, in each year of his employment by the
Company to be taken at his discretion but at a time or times consistent with the
Company's best interests.

      4. Termination for Disability, Extended Illness or Cause.

      (a) Disability or Extended Illness. Disability shall include extended
illness. The Company may, but shall not be required to, terminate the
Executive's employment hereunder if the Executive becomes disabled. The
executive shall be deemed to be disabled as of the date on which a
determination, based on a written opinion provided by a medical doctor selected
by the Board of Directors, has been made by the Board of Directors (on which
determination the Executive shall not be entitled to vote), written notice of
which shall be forwarded to the Executive, that the Executive, by reason of his
health, has become unable to perform his normal duties hereunder, provided that
no such determination shall be made unless and until the Executive has been
unable to devote such portion of his business time and energies to the affairs
of the Company as the conduct of its business shall reasonably require for a
period of 90 consecutive days or for 120 days in any 180-day period. In the
event that the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated on account of
disability, the Termination Date shall be the date on which the Executive
receives the notice required to be sent to him pursuant to this subsection (a).

      (b) Cause. Pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors (on which
resolution the Executive shall not be entitled to vote), the Company shall
terminate the Executive's employment hereunder for Cause. For purpose of this
Agreement, the Company shall have "Cause" to terminate the Executive's
employment hereunder upon:

            (i) the Executive's repeated failure after written notice thereof to
perform his duties hereunder or his habitual neglect of duty (other than for
reasons set forth in Section 4(a) hereof),

            (ii) the commission by the Executive of any acts or omissions
constituting dishonesty, fraud or illegal acts, which are harmful to the Company
or its reputation,

            (iii) the Executive's resignation prior to the end of an applicable
term of employment hereunder or the Executive's action to not renew as set forth
in Section 1, or

            (iv) the breach by the Executive of any of the provisions of this
Agreement which the Executive is required to execute under Section 6 hereof.

                                     115
<PAGE>

In the event the Company shall elect to terminate the Executive's employment
hereunder for Cause or without Cause, the Termination Date shall be the date on
which written notice from the Board of Directors is sent to the Executive. Such
notice shall set forth the reasons for such termination if applicable.

      5. Compensation Upon Termination.

      (a) Compensation During Disability or Extended Illness. During any period
that the Executive fails to perform his duties hereunder as a result of
incapacity due to disability or extended illness, the Executive shall continue
to receive his annual salary prorated to the Termination Date.

      (b) Termination on Account of Death. If the Executive's employment shall
be terminated by reason of his death, the Company shall pay to such person as
the Executive shall have designated in a notice filed with the Company, or if no
such person shall have been designated, to his estate, an amount equal to his
unpaid but accrued and fully earned salary to the date of his death.

      (c) Termination for Cause. If the Executive's employment is terminated for
Cause, the Company shall pay to the Executive an amount equal to his unpaid but
accrued and fully earned salary to the Termination Date.

      (d) Termination without Cause. If the Executive's employment is terminated
without Cause whether at a Renewal Date or during any term, the Executive shall
receive six months Severance Pay from the Termination Date if within two years
from the date of this Agreement. If Termination Date is more than two years
after the date of this Agreement the Executive shall receive three months
Severance Pay from the Termination Date. Severance Pay shall be calculated from
the Termination Date without regard to the Renewal Date and in lieu of any
remaining regular compensation otherwise payable for an unexpired term.

      (e) No Other Benefits. Nothing contained in this Section 5 shall be
construed as entitling the Executive to receive, from and after the termination
of his employment with the Company, any of the benefits which the Executive
would otherwise be entitled to receive under Section 3 hereof, other than the
right to receive payments in respect of salary and/or severance compensation, if
applicable, as provided for in this Section 5.

      6. Confidentiality. As a condition to his employment hereunder, the
Executive has executed and delivered a letter in the form of Exhibit A attached
hereto.

      7. Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when mailed
via certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed, if to the Executive, at
his address set forth at the foot of this Agreement and if to the Company, at
its address set forth at the foot of this Agreement, attention: John S. Kirk,
Secretary, or to such other address as either party hereto shall notify the
other in writing in the manner prescribed in this Section 7. Notices may also be
accomplished by delivery in person with receipt to the applicable individual
recipient indicated above.

                                     116
<PAGE>

      8. Prior Agreements. This Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto shall
cancel and supersede any and all prior agreements and undertakings between the
parties hereto, whether oral or written, respecting the employment of the
Executive by the Company, except for stock options and other existing employee
benefits which have been previously awarded to or earned by the Executive.

      9. Assignability and Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and
legal representatives of the Executive, and shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, but the Executive may
not assign any of his obligations hereunder.

      10. Complete Understanding. This Agreement, and the exhibits attached
hereto, constitute the complete understanding between the parties hereto with
respect to the employment of the Executive hereunder, and no statement,
representation, warranty or covenant has been made by either party with respect
hereto and thereto except as expressly set forth herein and therein. This
Agreement shall not be altered, modified, amended or terminated except by
written instrument signed by each of the parties hereto.

      11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or any part hereof is
invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforce by reason of any rule of law or
public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement which can
be given effect without such invalid, unlawful or unenforceable provision shall,
nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.

      12. Warranty. The Executive represents and warrants that he is not a party
to any agreement, contract or understanding, whether relating to employment or
otherwise, which would in any way restrict or prohibit him from undertaking or
performing his obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

      13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as the date
and year first above written.

CE SOFTWARE, INC.                         CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY
1801 Industrial Circle                    4622 - 96th St.
West Des Moines, IA  50265                Des Moines, IA  50322

by _________________________________      ______________________________________
   Curtis W. Lack, Secretary & Treasurer

CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC.
1801 Industrial Circle
West Des Moines, IA 50265

by _________________________________
   John S. Kirk, Secretary & Treasurer

                                     117
<PAGE>

                                    Exhibit A
                            Confidentiality Agreement

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated this July 11, 1997, by and
between CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC. (the "Company") and CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY
("Gurney").

Gurney agrees that during the term of this Agreement and for a period of three
years following the Termination Date, he:

a) Will use Company confidential information only within the scope of his duties
as an employee of the Company.

b) Will not disclosed confidential information to third parties not authorized
to receive it and then only in the best interest of the Company.

c) Will consider all specific software, algorithms, source code, computer
processing systems, products and techniques with which he becomes familiar as an
employee of Company to be confidential and the exclusive property of Company
which will not be converted or disclosed to anyone for any purpose whatsoever
except as approved by the Board of Directors. All records, files, memoranda,
reports, price lists, customer lists, drawings, plans, documents, equipment, and
the like, relating to the business of Company, which he shall use or prepare or
come into contact with, shall remain the sole property of Company.

For purposes of this Exhibit, confidential information of the Company shall
include the confidential information of the company, it's parent, CESH, and any
affiliated companies, whether such information has been learned by Gurney during
the term of this Agreement or during the period of employment by Gurney with the
Company prior to this Agreement.

CE SOFTWARE, INC.                         CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY
1801 Industrial Circle                    4622 - 96th St.
West Des Moines, IA  50265                Des Moines, IA  50322

by _________________________________      ______________________________________
   Curtis W. Lack, Secretary & Treasurer

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                                    Exhibit B
                            Stock Purchase Agreement

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated this July 11, 1997, by and
between CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC. (the "Company") and CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY
("Gurney").

                                   WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to sell, issue and transfer, and Gurney wishes to
purchase and acquire, for an aggregate consideration of $49,968.75, twenty
thousand five hundred shares (20,500 shares) (the "Executive Shares") of the
Company's Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), subject
to and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth:

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutually dependent
covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. The Company hereby sells, issues, transfers and delivers to Gurney the
Executive Shares against the simultaneous execution and delivery by Gurney to
the Company of the number of Executive Shares times $.10 in cash, representing
the par value of said shares, and a Promissory Note payable to the Company in
the amount of the product of the number of shares time the closing price of the
Common Stock as of the date of this Agreement in the form attached hereto and
made a part hereof (the "Purchase Note") as full payment thereof, all subject to
the terms and conditions hereof.

      2. A. The parties acknowledge that this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby are entered into in consideration of the employment of
Gurney by CE Software, Inc., the wholly owned operating subsidiary of the
Company, as its President, and of his duties as set forth in an Employment
Agreement executed contemporaneously with this Agreement. The parties further
acknowledge and agree that pursuant to the Company's National Market System
listing contract with the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation System, this issuance of securities must be approved by the
shareholders of the Company. Therefore, the issuance of shares hereunder will in
all respects by subject to approval of the shareholders, which will be sought at
the next annual meeting or such earlier meeting as may otherwise be held, and if
such approval is not gained, the Company will repurchase the shares as if Gurney
were terminating his employment on that date.

      B. The Company represents that the Executive Shares being issued,
transferred and delivered hereunder are a portion of the Company's authorized
and unissued Common Stock, that this transaction has been duly authorized and
approved by all requisite corporate action, and that the Executive Shares will
upon receipt by the Company of the cash payment and Purchase Note referenced
herein be under Delaware law deemed to be fully paid and non-assessable.

      C. Gurney represents that he is purchasing and acquiring the Executive
Shares for his own account (and not for the account of any other person) for
investment purposes only and not for the purposes of resale.

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      D. Gurney represents that he is experienced in evaluating and making
investments of the type contemplated by this Agreement and is financially able
to bear the risks of such investment. Gurney is aware that the Company is
issuing and selling the Executive Shares in reliance upon the exemption from
registration provided in Section 4 (2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act") and is relying on these representations, and agrees that the
Executive Shares may only be transferred if registered under the 1933 Act or
pursuant to an exemption therefrom. Gurney understands that Rule 144 promulgated
under the 1933 Act is not generally available with respect to the Executive
Shares until one year after the Company has received payment in full for the
shares, and that compliance with an applicable exemption under the 1933 Act may
be required for a sale or other disposition of the Executive Shares that are not
registered under the 1933 Act. Gurney agrees to the placement of the following
legend on certificates representing the Executive Shares:

THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES AT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ARE BEING HELD SUBJECT TO THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A CERTAIN STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED JULY 11, 1997,
A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE EXAMINED AT THE OFFICES OF CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC.
WITH ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICE LOCATED AT 1801 INDUSTRIAL CIRCLE, WEST DES MOINES, IA
50265. SUCH SHARES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY NOT BE PLEDGED,
HYPOTHECATED OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
AFORESAID AGREEMENT.

Gurney understands that so long as any legend may remain on the certificates
representing the Executive Shares, the Company may maintain appropriate "stop
transfer" orders with respect to such shares on its books and records and with
those to whom it may delegate registrar and transfer functions. Subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company, which approval shall no be unreasonably
withheld, Gurney shall be entitled to replacement certificates without the
legend(s) provided for in this subsection upon receipt by the Company from
Gurney of a favorable opinion from counsel to Gurney, reasonably satisfactory in
form and substance to the Company, that a proposed sale, pledge, exchange,
transfer or other disposition ("Transfer") of the Executive Shares is in
compliance with the 1933 Act and regulations promulgated thereunder, including
Rule 144. Gurney acknowledges that he is an affiliate of the Company and that
the volume restrictions of Rule 144 will continue to apply to any proposed
Transfer as long as he remains an affiliate of the Company, regardless of the
length of time the Executive Shares have been held. The Company agrees that any
stop transfer instructions and legend will be promptly removed upon the Transfer
of the Executive Shares in full compliance with the provisions of this
Agreement, the 1933 Act and applicable regulations.

Gurney further understands that as an officer or director of the Company or CESH
he is subject to Company and CESH restrictions which will affect his ability to
Transfer the Executive Shares.

      3. In order to facilitate the transfer of all or a portion of the
Executive Shares to the Company as collateral security for the payment in full
of the Purchase Note when due, upon

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his receipt thereof, the Executive shall deposit with the Company the
certificates representing the Executive Shares in negotiable form, accompanied
by blank stock powers duly endorsed for transfer and with all necessary stock
transfer stamps (if any) affixed. The Company shall hold such certificates for
and on behalf of Gurney until the Purchase Note shall have been paid in full.
The Company shall upon payment of principal and interest in full release the
certificates and the stock powers to Gurney and the Company shall no longer have
any rights in respect thereof. In the event that the Gurney fails to pay the
entire unpaid principal amount of the Purchase Note and interest thereon when
due, then the Company shall have the right to repurchase from Gurney that number
of Executive Shares which, when multiplied by the initial purchase price per
share, is equal to the unpaid portion of the Purchase Note. The repurchase price
shall be offset against the unpaid balanced due the Company under the Purchase
Note.

4. In the event of a repurchase of the Executive Shares pursuant hereto, Gurney
hereby authorized the Company to complete, date and deliver to itself the stock
powers held by it pursuant to Section 3 above, together with certificates
representing those Executive Shares held on his behalf that are being
repurchased pursuant hereto, in order to effectuate the transactions set forth
in this Section 4, and Gurney shall have no further rights therein or thereto.
The repurchase price shall be offset against the unpaid balance due the Company
under the Purchase Note.

5. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given when mailed via certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address noted below, or to
such other address as either party hereto shall notify the other in writing in
the manner prescribed in this Section 5 (a notice to the Company shall be to
Attn: John S. Kirk, Secretary).

6. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the
heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives of Gurney, and shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and
assigns, but Gurney may not assign any of his obligations hereunder.

7. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and
year first above written.

CE SOFTWARE, INC.                         CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY
1801 Industrial Circle                    4622 - 96th St.
West Des Moines, IA  50265                Des Moines, IA  50322

by _________________________________      ______________________________________
   Curtis W. Lack, Secretary & Treasurer

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                          NON-RECOURSE PROMISSORY NOTE

$49,968.75                                                         July 11, 1997

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY ("Borrower"), promises to pay to the
order of CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation with its principal
office at 1801 Industrial Circle, West Des Moines, IA 50265 ("Lender"), the
principal sum of forty-nine thousand nine hundred sixty-eight and 75/100 dollars
($49,968.75) ("Principal"), which will be due and payable on demand, but no
later than the earlier of the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date hereof or one
year after the Termination Date as set forth in Agreements, as herein after
defined. Interest on the unpaid balance of the Principal shall be payable on the
last day of each quarter of the Lender's fiscal year, commencing September 30,
1997 and shall accrue at the lowest applicable federal rate on each such day as
determined under Section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
or any successor provision of such Code.

This Note is the Note referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, a
certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between Borrower
and Lender and a certain Executive Employment Agreement dated as of the date
hereof between and among Borrower, CE Software, Inc. and Lender (the
"Agreements"). Reference is made to the Agreements for additional terms of the
loan of the holder hereof and the right of Lender to repurchase from Borrower
certain shares of Common Stock of Lender which Borrower purchased from Lender on
the date hereof, and provisions requiring that 60% of any cash dividends and
distribution paid on the shares shall be withheld from Borrower and applied to
the Note until the Note is fully paid.

This Note may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time,
without premium or penalty, subject however to the conditions and limitations
otherwise set forth in the Agreements.

Apart from dividend and distribution withholdings, all payments or prepayments
of principal shall be made by certified or bank check in United States dollars
to Lender at its address hereinbefore set forth, such bank as Lender shall have
previously designated to Borrower, or at the option of the holder, payment shall
be made in such manner and at such place in the United States of America as the
holder shall have designated to Borrower in writing.

Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be due on a Saturday, Sunday or
public holiday under the laws of the State of Iowa, such payment may be made on
the next succeeding business day.

Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand for payment (except for any initial
demand), notice of dishonor, protest and notice of protest of this Note.
Borrower agrees to pay all costs for collection when incurred, including
reasonable attorneys' fees. Borrower agrees to perform and comply with each of
the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of Borrower contained in
the Agreement and any instrument evidencing or securing the indebtedness
evidenced hereby. In the event that Borrower defaults in the performance of his
obligations and covenants under the provisions and conditions of this Note and
the Agreements, Lender shall be entitled to foreclose upon the collateral for
the entire amount of this Note. No personal recourse against the Borrower shall
be had by Lender. No alteration,

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amendment or waiver of any provision of this Note, the Agreements, or any
agreement or instrument evidencing or providing security for this Note, made by
agreement of the holder hereof and any other person or party, shall constitute a
waiver of any other term hereof, or otherwise release or discharge the liability
of Borrower under this Note.

This Note is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Delaware.

                                        ________________________________________
                                        CHRISTIAN F. GURNEY

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