The American Red Cross is offering a free Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar
April 18, 2013 in Traverse City
9 am - Noon
When you RSVP you will be sent information on the Traverse City location .
Click Here for more information and to RSVP
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
SUCCESS IN 2013: KNOW YOUR BUSINESS
Three
Key Areas that Need your Attention
Owning a small business and living in the land of “entrepreneurial bliss” can prove rewarding, yet challenging. Lisa J. Vogler, an attorney with the law firm of Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho has counseled many small business owners, and has advised them of three areas of their business that need constant attention: insurance, accounting and marketing. These areas should not be delegated to an employee or independent professional without the owner’s consistent oversight. Being educated, informed and pro-active in these areas can protect the owner, the business and its future success.
INSURANCE
Additionally, business owners should understand how warranty laws affect the operation of their business. If their business involves a product or service that is covered by an express or implied warranty, owners should know if general liability coverage will protect them if a claim is made.
It is important for business owners to use a trustworthy and attentive insurance professional. It is equally as important for business owners to understand how their policy premium is calculated, and how deductibles can affect their premiums and potential cash flow. Business owners should meet with their agent, at a minimum, twice per year and inform their agent if any aspect of their business has changed.
ACCOUNTING
Small businesses and professional offices can be havens for embezzlers. Not paying attention to a businesses’ checkbook and finances can have devastating consequences. Business owners should always compare the computerized accounting program with hard copies, such as check stubs, bank deposit receipts and invoices. Furthermore, they should never sign a blank check, even for a long-time trusted employee, and should never allow only one employee to know the accounting program’s password.
MARKETING
In Lisa’s experience, there is one essential approach to small business marketing: always sell yourself first. Despite the technology of today, people still want to see a business owner’s smile and shake their hand. If a customer does not believe or trust a person, the chances of selling them a product or service diminish exponentially.
It is also imperative for business owners to know their audience. Research a prospective business or individual before making that first phone call or setting up that first meeting. Discover what is important to them, and impress them with the knowledge of their business history and philosophy.
The year ahead holds promise for many small businesses. Business owners should get out there, flash their smile and shake some hands, but when you get back in the office. . . . know your business.
Lisa J. Vogler practices in the areas of municipal law, construction law, insurance defense, and commercial and personal injury litigation. As an entrepreneur and general counsel for a family business, she has extensive background and experience in all issues related to business, including employment law, risk management, contract drafting, review and negotiation, and business taxation. She can be reached at (231) 922-1888 or lvogler@cmda-law.com.
Owning a small business and living in the land of “entrepreneurial bliss” can prove rewarding, yet challenging. Lisa J. Vogler, an attorney with the law firm of Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho has counseled many small business owners, and has advised them of three areas of their business that need constant attention: insurance, accounting and marketing. These areas should not be delegated to an employee or independent professional without the owner’s consistent oversight. Being educated, informed and pro-active in these areas can protect the owner, the business and its future success.
INSURANCE
Commercial
insurance is a topic that perplexes many entrepreneurs. The tendency is to view purchasing commercial
insurance in the same way as insuring a personal vehicle; however, this is not
the case.
Commercial
insurance needs to be customized to fit the needs of a specific business, which
can be challenging to determine. General
liability, workers’ compensation, equipment coverage, commercial auto/fleet
coverage, fiduciary or dishonesty bonds, and umbrella coverage are just a few
of the types of policies that may be applicable to a small business. Residential and commercial contractors have
the added concern of understanding the laws in regard to ownership of job
materials, and the need for builders risk coverage.
Additionally, business owners should understand how warranty laws affect the operation of their business. If their business involves a product or service that is covered by an express or implied warranty, owners should know if general liability coverage will protect them if a claim is made.
It is important for business owners to use a trustworthy and attentive insurance professional. It is equally as important for business owners to understand how their policy premium is calculated, and how deductibles can affect their premiums and potential cash flow. Business owners should meet with their agent, at a minimum, twice per year and inform their agent if any aspect of their business has changed.
ACCOUNTING
Small businesses and professional offices can be havens for embezzlers. Not paying attention to a businesses’ checkbook and finances can have devastating consequences. Business owners should always compare the computerized accounting program with hard copies, such as check stubs, bank deposit receipts and invoices. Furthermore, they should never sign a blank check, even for a long-time trusted employee, and should never allow only one employee to know the accounting program’s password.
Understanding
the payroll tax obligations is also a concern in managing a small
business. Failing to budget for weekly,
monthly or quarterly payment of payroll taxes can be costly. All too often, small business owners
prioritize other expenses over payment of payroll taxes, allowing arrearage,
penalties and interest to accumulate.
Finally,
business owners should never hesitate to structure their written contracts or
verbal obligations with a customer in staggered or installment
payments. If a product order requires
materials to be purchased or requires set-up time, ask for a reasonable deposit
or an initial payment from a customer to cover these expenses. One of my favorite general rules in business
is, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for.”
MARKETING
In Lisa’s experience, there is one essential approach to small business marketing: always sell yourself first. Despite the technology of today, people still want to see a business owner’s smile and shake their hand. If a customer does not believe or trust a person, the chances of selling them a product or service diminish exponentially.
It is also imperative for business owners to know their audience. Research a prospective business or individual before making that first phone call or setting up that first meeting. Discover what is important to them, and impress them with the knowledge of their business history and philosophy.
The year ahead holds promise for many small businesses. Business owners should get out there, flash their smile and shake some hands, but when you get back in the office. . . . know your business.
Lisa J. Vogler practices in the areas of municipal law, construction law, insurance defense, and commercial and personal injury litigation. As an entrepreneur and general counsel for a family business, she has extensive background and experience in all issues related to business, including employment law, risk management, contract drafting, review and negotiation, and business taxation. She can be reached at (231) 922-1888 or lvogler@cmda-law.com.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
ARC Report Endorses Massive Overhaul of Construction Permitting and Inspection
On Tuesday, March 5th Governor Snyder released the
long-awaited report from the Office of Regulatory Reform’s Inspections &
Permitting Advisory Rules Committee. Lee Schwartz, HBAM’s Executive Vice
President for Government Relations was one of the 19 members of the ARC.
To hit some of the highlights, the report recommends:
Overall the report endorses a massive overhaul in how construction permitting and inspections are done inMichigan
To view the complete recommendations, visit:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Inspections_and_Permitting_Recommendations_-_March_4_413233_7.pdf
To hit some of the highlights, the report recommends:
- Creation of a statewide fire code.
- Eliminating local construction boards of appeal and hearing all code appeals at the state level.
- Enhancing standards for approving new building departments.
- Creating an expedited code interpretation review panel through the State Construction Code Commission.
- Eliminating redundant permitting at multiple levels
- Requiring sufficient code knowledge before provisional registration of building inspectors.
- Removing the requirement for government employment before registering as an inspector.
- Creating a development-friendly culture of “Educate first, enforce second.”
- Allow for self-certification in certain circumstances.
- Creating single permits for HVAC and water heater replacement.
- Creating an applicant checklist to help ensure a complete submission of applications for permits and plan review.
- Provide for pre-project meetings.
- Create and use baseline criteria for reviewing building officials’ performance.
Overall the report endorses a massive overhaul in how construction permitting and inspections are done in
To view the complete recommendations, visit:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Inspections_and_Permitting_Recommendations_-_March_4_413233_7.pdf
DEQ Training March 21, 2013
Department of Environmental Quality
Water Resources Division
Cadillac District Office
Water Resources Division
Cadillac District Office
DEQ Staff would like to meet with interested contractors,
consultants, and local government officials to review state environmental
regulations administered by the Water Resources Division involving inland lakes
and streams, wetlands, the Great Lakes and
floodplains.
We will be discussing what is NEW in the regulations and
permitting process, in preparation for the upcoming construction season.
3848 Veterans Drive,
When: 9am-noon, Thursday, March 21, 2013
Questions? Please call 231-876-4443
or 231-876-4444
or 231-876-4444
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Personal Branding 2.0 Seminar
Friday, March 15th - An encore professional development seminar
"Personal Branding 2.0" facilitated by Bill Marsh, Jr.
Regardless
of your business niche, this impactful session will help you discover how to
lead and inspire others. If you are looking for a training with a lasting
impact that will challenge and inspire you, you won't want to miss this.
Location:
ProBuild conference room - 5700 US-31, Grawn ,
MI
Time:
Lunch begins at noon
Seminar:
12:45-2:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
March 11th, 2013 General Membership Meeting
Monday, March 11th - General Membership Meeting at Floor Covering Brokers
Denny
and his crew always have fabulous food for us so plan on attending.
4:30
pm Builder Forum: Rick Venecki of Technos Consulting
Are
you plagued by a to-do list that is too long, a myriad of interruptions during
your over-scheduled day? Find out some NEW and SIMPLE apps for your iPhone,
Android, tablet or computer that can save you time and money. There are plenty
of fresh ideas for contractors in the field and other busy professionals who
don't have a "team" back at the office.
Learn
ways to collaborate, capture funds remotely and access and share data simply.
5:00-7:30 pm Networking, product
information/announcements and door prizes.
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