Charlie Brown and NoRTEC

A small business hero died last Friday. His name is Charlie Brown and he ran the Northern Training Employment Consortium NoRTEC. I first met Charlie when I was appointed to the State Workforce Investment Board. Charlie had a novel approach to job creation and that was to see business and especially small business as the customers of NoRTEC and if done right they would create jobs.

Well Charlie and the people of NoRTEC do it right and NoRTEC has been recognized Nationally for their tremendous work in not only helping businesses but training and placing people in good jobs.

On a personal level Charlie was a mentor to me and he was always there to give me support and guidance. I will miss him greatly.

To find out more about NoRTEC and Charlie's legacy please visit their website at www.nortec.org


Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188



-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Cross [mailto:mcross@ncen.org]
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 10:24 AM
;
Subject: Charlie

I'm very sorry to tell you that Charlie passed away peacefully on Friday evening. He was at home with Terri and their daughters at his side.

I spent some time with Terrianne yesterday. I think she is doing as well as can be expected, but this has been extremely difficult for her and the family. I know that they would appreciate your prayers and support.

At Charlie's request, there are no services planned. If you would like to send Terrianne a card, her address is: 5797 Thoreau Ln, Paradise, CA 95969.

One of the last things that Charlie told Terri was: "Don't you dare cancel the board meeting!" We are not going to go against his wishes, so we will have the board meeting as planned next Thursday. We are planning an abbreviated agenda with time for people to share their thoughts about Charlie.

As you know, Charlie ran NoRTEC like a family. This has also been very difficult for the NoRTEC family. We would also appreciate your prayers and support. The office will be closed on Tuesday in Charlie's honor.

Michael