4 Steps Telephone Seminars

Effective Auditing of Physicians' Documentation BenefitsThe federal government's increasing interest in fraud, waste and abuse heightens the awareness of physician practices, both large and small, of the increasing scrutiny of physician documentation to support billings. In the past, audits are performed and physicians were lectured but all too often little improvement was noted. How can practices efficiently and effectively audit physician  more...

Utilizing Macros in Microsoft Excel BenefitsWhen you find yourself repeating actions in Excel - whether it's a five-step sequence you use when formatting a certain cell type or the 30 steps you use when you sort, filter, and print multiple worksheets once a week, the possibility exists that you can automate these actions in the form of a macro. Thereafter, you can perform these sets of actions with a simple keystroke combination, a  more...

Intermittent Leave Under FMLA BenefitsMany employers are confronted with various issues related to intermittent leave under FMLA. This live audio conference will help front line personnel identify and handle intermittent leave issues. The program will address the legal and human resources issues confronted by employers and provide practical steps and procedures for employers to follow. This live audio conference is designed  more...

Essential Discovery Skills for Paralegals BenefitsNavigating the electronic discovery process is more critical than it ever has been before. Not only are data volumes skyrocketing, but judges are increasingly focused on evaluating parties' e-discovery efforts from preservation through to production. Indeed, the discovery stage of a matter often determines the outcome of the case, driving the parties toward settlement or trial. In light  more...

Building Effective Sales Relationships BenefitsWhat makes for a good sales relationship? Is it just making 'the sale'? Is there more? As a sales person there are usually four steps in the relationship and each of these stages gives the seller deeper insight into the mind of the buyer. It is vital that in today's highly competitive world of sales, that the representative be prepared with as much ammunition as possible. This is not to  more...

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP): Developing a SWPPP and the New EPA Storm Water Rules BenefitsCities, states and the EPA are placing new emphasis on storm water discharges from industrial facilities, construction sites and municipalities. They are conducting storm water pollution prevention plan inspections at industrial facilities and construction sites. Some of these inspections have resulted in storm water violations with fines. Nationwide, storm water is a leading source of  more...

Employment Law Compliance: Disciplining or Terminating a Workers' Comp Claimant BenefitsThis live audio conference will address many of the difficult issues that arise when considering whether to discipline or terminate an employee who is also a workers' compensation claimant. The program will cover the core concepts underpinning workers' compensation statutes and the primary types of anti-retaliation provisions found in workers' compensation statutes. The live audio  more...

Multistate Taxation: Income Franchise Tax BenefitsWhile many businesses focus their tax strategies on mitigating the federal income tax, many businesses are becoming aware of increased enforcement of state tax laws, especially on interstate businesses. Rather than concentrating on the intricacies of a single tax in a single jurisdiction, this live audio conference will explore trends in state taxation of interstate businesses, with  more...

Job Order Contracting Fundamentals BenefitsJob order contracting is an alternative delivery method for facility renovation and remodel. It has been around since the 1990's but is gaining in popularity as owners seek integrated project delivery solutions. But the unit price structure of JOC can be confusing for owners and contractors alike, and establishing a long-term contract like this requires some preparatory work beyond what is  more...

Problems and Risks Associated With Green Construction BenefitsThe public hears many benefits of pursuing environmental building, aka green or sustainable design and construction, as this emerging market segment continues to expand. Diverse owner/developer groups are embracing these modern technologies, design elements and operational models. However, when packaged together, green design strategies and systems can present unique new challenges in risk  more...

Form-Based Zoning: An Alternative to Traditional Ordinances BenefitsThis live audio conference will provide a basic understanding of form-based codes: how they are different, how they can be applied and how they can help implement more sustainable communities. Lessons learned and steps toward beginning the process will provide you with a clear path toward a successful form-based code. Legal and practical considerations associated with adopting form-based  more...

Advanced Applicant Tracking Strategies For Government Contractors: Effective Tools To Avoid Claims of Discrimination BenefitsFederal contractors and subcontractors are required to track applicant data for their affirmative action plans. However, even companies who properly track applicant data treat the process as a purely recordkeeping exercise. Failure to maintain proper and robust information regarding applicant disposition is the most common error employers can make which results in Office of Federal  more...

How to Develop an Effective Mentoring Program BenefitsCreating a structured mentoring program is a powerful way to support the personal growth and career development of employees. Mentoring also enhances the stability and productivity of an organization through employee retention, succession planning, transfer of knowledge, and leadership development. The problem is that many businesses believe that mentoring consists of just 'putting two  more...

Construction Payment Bond Fundamentals BenefitsIn a tight economy, more situations arise where someone in the line of project contracts, from the prime contractor down to a second- or lower-tier subcontractor, fails to pay its bills - or even goes out of business. Those who are unpaid must seek alternative means to ensure payment. And those who are higher on the project chain must take steps to assure the flow of funds all the way  more...

Effective Collections: A Proactive Approach to Credit Management BenefitsMore than 10,000 businesses have slow or nonpaying customers. How can you collect that money efficiently and quickly, and keep that money coming in? The credit crisis, high fuel costs, job losses, bankruptcies, foreclosures and the failing economy are all contributing to factories closing, job loss and business owners going out of business because they can't get paid. Learn how to take  more...

Effective Quality Control and Quality Assurance BenefitsDelivering quality in building design and construction faces two major challenges. The first is that buildings are becoming ever more complex and less resilient against normal use. HVAC, Controls, and Lighting systems in even simple buildings can be quite challenging and innovative. Building enclosure technology is rapidly changing with new ideas such as rainscreen walls and air barriers.  more...

GASB 45 Strategies BenefitsThis live audio conference is critical for any governmental employer with other post-employment benefits (OPEB) liabilities. The program will provide vital information and planning techniques that will enable employers to avoid the potentially disastrous consequences of failing to identify, control and fund its OPEB liabilities. Most states, municipalities and governmental agencies are  more...

Status Classification: Exempt vs. Nonexempt BenefitsEmployees and their counsel continue to pursue individual and class action overtime claims based on the alleged misclassification of exempt workers at a fever pitch. Thousands of lawsuits asserting violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act or parallel state laws are filed each year, and the costs of defending these matters and the damages claimed and paid, whether through trial or  more...

Construction Lien and Bond Claims in Texas BenefitsAnalyzing construction payment disputes in Texas can be a complex process. Learn strategies for tackling lien and bond issues for private and public projects. Owners will learn how to protect property from unperfected liens - and what steps to take if they do arise. Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers will learn how to efficiently collect payment for work performed or materials  more...

Foreclosure and Workout of Commercial Mortgage Loans in New York BenefitsWhile legal business is down in some areas, one practice area which is booming is New York's foreclosure and workout of commercial mortgage loans. New York foreclosures are becoming more complex and hard fought. From the massive foreclosure of Stuyvesant Town, to the highly-publicized foreclosure of One Madison Park, to the complex foreclosure of the Manhattan property where a crane fell,  more...

How Letters of Credit Work and Why Sometimes They Don't BenefitsThis audio conference will walk you through the steps in the life of a letter of credit, identifying pitfalls along the way. The program will review and illustrate fundamental principles using real-life examples. Our presenter will explain how these principles apply to both commercial and standby letters of credit, and how these two types differ. You will learn why letters of credit might  more...

Construction Substitutions: Current Issues and Complexities BenefitsSubstitution requests on construction projects have been around since the first contractor had to competitively bid for the work. In today's market, winning a contract for the provision of construction products has become even more competitive. This audio conference will help you understand the steps in the process and what the important considerations are in reviewing a substitution  more...

Commercial Site Development: A Case Study BenefitsThis audio conference presents an overview of commercial site development from both a new and renovation approach. It will address issues of site assessment, budget, jurisdictional research and other aspects for development. You will receive a step-by-step guide and checklist for commercial site development for both new and existing projects. This audio conference will assist in  more...

Legal Causation and Disability in Workers' Compensation BenefitsThis audio conference is designed for everyone who needs an understanding of the workers' compensation system, and what is required of employers and their insurers. We will provide an overview of the issues and what steps you can take to minimize your workers' compensation expenses. We will discuss what injuries are covered by workers' compensation and what benefits employees receive under  more...

Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning BenefitsMany estate planners who are asked about family limited partnerships or family limited liability companies do not understand the reasons for forming these entities in the planning process. They also are not clear on what is the current status of statutory and case law concerning the continued use of these entities. This audio conference will help you learn to identify when the use of this  more...

Trust Situs and State Taxation: Practical Planning Implications BenefitsState tax departments are becoming more aggressive at collecting revenues and the trend is likely to continue in light of state fiscal issues. Trusts are no exceptions. The rules under which a state can tax a trust are complex and changing in more aggressive ways. How can a state tax a trust? What planning steps can be taken? What must you understand when preparing tax returns? Each rule  more...

Creating a Payroll Manual: Putting Your Procedures Into Writing BenefitsThe Sarbanes-Oxley Act made it abundantly clear that all areas of accounting within a company should have well documented policies and procedures. These are an integral part of every function and that includes payroll. During this audio conference, we will discuss the steps you can take to ensure your procedures are well documented, clear and concise. During the program, we will discuss  more...

Land Use Law Update BenefitsIn today's world, land use laws are pervasive and they must be addressed as part of nearly every undertaking. Knowing your rights and obligations - and securing necessary approvals in a timely manner - are critical steps to the ultimate success of any development or activity. A review of several key land use issues relating to federal land use laws, alternative energy and the ever-evolving  more...

Managing Construction Costs BenefitsRising construction costs are a fact of life. Budget overruns are frequent occurrences. When costs rise, someone pays - how can you avoid being the one who pays? A savvy construction business person can take many steps along the way to apportion the risks of construction in a way to ensure that his or her company avoids getting stuck with the bill for escalating costs. Some of the most  more...

Family Responsibility Discrimination Law: Family Friendly Employer or Litigation Target? BenefitsFamily responsibilities discrimination against employees because of their family caregiving responsibilities is becoming a major issue for employers. Employers have been the subject of increasing but not well understood claims based on FRD claims. These claims have been pursued under a variety of both federal and state laws, and have resulted in multimillion-dollar verdicts. This  more...

State of the Estate Tax: Where We Stand Today and What Practitioners Can Do BenefitsThis teleconference will present a practical, action-oriented analysis of the estate and GST tax in 2010 focusing on the repeal of the estate tax and subsequent developments. The focus will be on how the client advisor team, consisting of the estate planning attorney, insurance consultant, accountant and wealth manager, can take practical and coordinated steps to best serve their clients  more...

Immigration Issues for Construction Professionals BenefitsThis teleconference will provide strategies for you to evaluate and implement to avoid or minimize risk to your company. Government visits are increasing for all companies and it is important to have a plan of action in place prior to the government knocking on your company's door. We will review the proper steps to complete an I-9 form and to audit an I-9 form, while also encouraging the  more...

Social Media Guidelines for Estate and Financial Planners BenefitsAttend this teleconference and learn how to diagnose and score current digital/web presence. You will be able to identify steps to build an effective experience taking advantage of the latest web 2.0 features. This teleconference will teach you how to apply a top-down messaging model to craft positions along the 'long tail' and organize communications to reinforce your brand. Gain a better  more...

The Complete Commercial Loan Closing Checklist BenefitsMany individuals involved in commercial loan transactions never fully understand all the steps and details that go into closing a real estate loan transaction. They understand their participation in the transaction, but do not comprehend everything else that is involved before a transaction can actually close and fund. This teleconference will provide an overview to understand the entire  more...

Assessing and Avoiding Lender Liability Claims: Don't Let Borrowers or Guarantors Turn the Tables BenefitsContinued economic uncertainty and unrest in the credit markets has resulted in a dramatic increase in loan defaults and corporate bankruptcy filings. These events have precipitated a resurgence of lender liability claims as borrowers, guarantors and bankruptcy trustees have become more aggressive in asserting such claims in an effort to increase their leverage in workout negotiations and  more...

Condition Assessments and Structural Evaluation of Existing Buildings BenefitsCondition assessment and structural evaluation of existing buildings is not a course that is taught in most engineering colleges. However, this is a task that many engineers are asked to do by their clients and not all of them have had the experience to take on this seemingly simple task but which has several pitfalls. The client's reasons for requesting this service could be due to  more...

Planning Fundamentals for Illiquid Assets BenefitsPlanning for illiquid assets presents unique and difficult problems for clients, estates and the assets/business involved. Practitioners advising clients with substantial liquid assets need to identify the unique problems and provide guidance and solutions to deal with them. This teleconference will review a broad range of issues and planning opportunities affecting illiquid assets,  more...

How to Set Pay Ranges That Are Fair and Effective BenefitsOrganizations nationwide seek to continuously improve performance and motivation, while simultaneously reducing costs. This arduous task often becomes the responsibility of human resources. Without effective systems in place and data available, employee compensation can run counter to efficiency and performance objectives set by the organization. The implementation of market-based pay  more...

Data Mapping and Electronic Information Management (EIM) - Risk Management for Daily Efficiency and Litigation-Preparedness BenefitsIn the digitized world of the twenty-first century, it is more important than ever for every organization to know as much as possible about the information it creates, stores, receives and maintains. As an attendee at this teleconference, you will learn from an expert how to develop multipurpose menus or charts of key storage locations and contents and use data-mapping to achieve  more...

Commercial Foreclosure Due Diligence Checklist: What to Do Before, During and After Foreclosure BenefitsWhen a commercial mortgage loan becomes troubled, even before it goes into default, the parties must quickly confront a number of issues. For the lender, it is imperative that it conduct a due diligence review of its file, the loan and the collateral as soon as possible. Should the default not be cured or the parties not be able to restructure the loan, the lender faces the options of  more...

Avoiding the Risk of Subcontractor Default BenefitsIn today's construction market, many contractors find themselves expanding into new territories to secure profitable work. With this expansion comes the increased risk of subcontractor default due to unfamiliarity with local subcontractors and suppliers. The default of a critical subcontractor or supplier can have a substantial impact on a project causing delays that can adversely affect  more...

The Art and Science of Ethically Firing a Client BenefitsSo you think distancing yourself from an uncooperative client is as simple as saying, in the words of Donald Trump, 'You're fired.'? Not so. Both ethical and fiduciary considerations come into play when a lawyer seeks to withdraw from ongoing representation of a client. This teleconference will provide a detailed discussion of those ethical rules, as well as the impact of withdrawal on  more...

Best Practices in Invoice Processing BenefitsCritical tools such as electronic invoicing, vendor inquiry and Optical Character Recognition are rapidly changing the accounts payable field. Join an accounts payable industry analyst to learn why your job depends on not only understanding these high-power tools, but becoming an expert in their use and application. This teleconference will cover the tangible benefits of streamlining your  more...

CERCLA Liability Update BenefitsConventional wisdom (and EPA policy) has provided that any person shipping hazardous materials to a disposal facility will end up being jointly and severally liable, with all other entities shipping materials to the facility, for any costs of cleaning up contamination at the facility. Likewise, conventional wisdom and EPA policy have informed up that manufacturers or producers who deal  more...

Current Issues in Digital Billboards and Sign Regulations BenefitsLocal governments, elected officials, municipal lawyers, zoning and building officials, and professional planners face increasing litigation threats due to the proliferation of digital signs. One national expert has predicted a wave of litigation at localities across the country that is trying to maintain attractive communities and prevent visual blight. What is the role of the Federal  more...

Purchasing Law: Breach, Repudiation and Excuse BenefitsYou have survived the battle of the forms or signed a supply agreement but there is a problem - your supplier hasn't delivered, the goods don't work the way they should or you have reason to think that they won't be delivered. This teleconference will provide you a basic understanding about what you can do when your purchase contract goes bad. You will receive a primer on the steps you  more...

Construction Project Management in Remote Locations: Site Considerations and Unique Challenges BenefitsClients that are developing projects in remote locations are increasingly demanding comprehensive design-build solutions for projects where the defined scope is often little more than a half-page concept of the desired output or regulatory result. The client expectations: technical and commercial analysis, scope of work development, a detailed execution plan, a detailed CPM schedule with  more...

Using Green Strategies for Your Business to Increase Your Profits BenefitsEven though times are tough, companies with green products and services are weathering the storm better, and are better positioned for the future. CEO's of many of the largest corporations say sustainability is just as relevant during this economic crisis, if not more so (source: World Business Council on Sustainable Development). Obama's Stimulus Plan is focused on green jobs and  more...

Managing Post-Construction Claims BenefitsClaims that arise after project completion can ruin a previously successful job. Such claims arise from a host of problems, such as physical failures, unpaid lower tier contractors, undiscovered defects of design and construction, and personal injuries. Taking steps to avoid such claims is prudent but companies also need strategies to deal with claims that inevitably arise. This  more...

The Interrelationship Between Social Security Disability, Medicare and Workers' Compensation Settlements BenefitsThis teleconference covers the two most important federal aspects of workers' compensation practice: Social Security disability offsets and the Medicare secondary payer statute. Anyone who represents claimants, employers or insurers in workers' compensation claims must understand the interrelationship between Social Security disability, Medicare and workers' compensation settlements. You  more...

Lawful Hiring BenefitsEmployers must navigate a minefield of complicated and, in some cases, conflicting laws that affect the hiring process Discrimination claims often arise out of the hiring process. The new U.S. Supreme Court decision in Ricci v. DeStefano, 557 U.S. ___ (2009) shows how an employer (the New Haven Fire Department in that case) can violate discrimination laws when taking steps to attempt to  more...

Conducting Effective Safety Audits BenefitsAudits are a key component of an effective safety program. Just as periodic physicals can help you check how healthy you are, periodic safety audits can help evaluate the health of your safety program. This teleconference will outline the four steps you should consider in order to conduct effective safety audits. Manufacturing engineers, presidents, vice presidents, plant managers,  more...

Employer's HIPAA Privacy and Security Responsibilities Benefits strong New Mandates Under HIPAA and State Laws Create Obligations for Employers /strong Personal and company confidential data, exceedingly valuable assets, are under siege. Organizations across the country and locally have experienced significant data breaches resulting in unauthorized access to a vast amount of personal and company confidential information. At the same time,  more...

Setting the Stage for Rehiring: Logistic and Liability Issues BenefitsWith the ongoing economic crisis, employers across the country have undertaken unprecedented workforce reductions. However, eventually the economic pendulum will swing the other way and employers will be faced with the task of re-staffing their depleted workforce. Smart employers plan and prepare for that day so they can quickly identify and rehire the key talent necessary to meet their  more...

15- Minute Expert Adult Patient Assessments: Practical Strategies, Tips, and Updates for Health Care Professionals BenefitsEverything seems to move faster these days and patient care is no exception. The patient's clinical acuities and complexities are increasing and the amount of available time to be hands-on with each patient seems to be decreasing. That is why every health care professional needs to be proficient in assessment skills. This teleconference, '15-Minute Expert Adult Patient Assessments:  more...

Revitalizing Vacant Commercial Properties BenefitsWith the tremendous turmoil in the commercial real estate market, there will plenty of potential opportunities for owner-users and investors to purchase vacant properties at pennies on the dollar. The question is how? The ability to acquire these properties and bring them back to a viable place to do business or to investment status will require a plan and know how. This teleconference  more...

Navigating through the Maze of Unclaimed Property Compliance - Unique Rules and Regulations for Financial Institutions BenefitsFinancial institutions are frequently challenged to keep up and implement the ever changing federal and state requirements imposed on this industry. Ensuring that proper internal controls, risk management and fraud prevention are adequately addressed is critical. One of the additional areas of compliance includes ensuring that you have established proper procedures and controls to prepare  more...

Understanding and Troubleshooting Copyright Law BenefitsCopyright is one of the most complex, confusing and broadly applicable areas of law. Copyright protection vests in even the smallest amount of creativity, and with the proliferation of electronic media, your employees and clients have unprecedented access to these protected works. As a result, it is easier than ever for you, your clients or your company's employees to infringe the  more...

A Guide to Hybrid Coding BenefitsMany communities across the country are showing new interest in using zoning regulation to better realize a desired building form. Zoning codes have always contained the basic bulk relationships that create the three-dimensional building envelope, such as minimum lot area, lot coverage restrictions, required setbacks and maximum height, but additional design-oriented elements to better  more...

Your Organization's Obligations Under the FTC's Red Flags Rule: A Comprehensive Overview BenefitsThe Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Red Flags Rule is set to go into effect on June 1, 2010. Yet, uncertainty remains as to which organizations are subject to the rule and what it takes to comply with the rule's requirements. Compliance is further complicated by the rule's nonprescriptive nature. Rather than tell organizations subject to the rule what they must include in their  more...

Understanding the Development Approval Process Benefits'Understanding the Development Approval Process' is a coherent and concise program that will lead you through the essential steps that need to be taken in preparing for and completing the approval process for the development of land with county and municipal authorities, permitting authorities, surrounding property owners and other interest groups. The teleconference will explain the pre  more...

How To Prevent Construction Projects From Going Bad nIn today's economy, the construction process may have become more risky than ever. This teleconference focuses on actions you can take to keep your project pointed toward success. It addresses the steps that can and should be taken to help anticipate, identify and manage the problems inherent in the construction process. n nThis teleconference is intended to benefit attendees who want to have a  more...

Finding, Qualifying & Closing Sales Leads nIt's getting harder and harder to find new prospects. Once you find them you may think you have a hot one, and suddenly the sale slips through your fingers. There is nothing more frustrating for professional sales people than to spin their wheels with unqualified leads. In this fast paced teleconference learn how to identify good leads, qualify those leads to find the top prospects and then use  more...

Establishing Payment Arrangements: Beyond Net 30 nMore than 10,000 businesses have slow or nonpaying customers. How can you collect that money efficiently and quickly and keep that money coming in? The credit crisis, high fuel costs, job losses, bankruptcies, foreclosures and the failing economy are all contributing to factories closing, job loss and business owners going out of business because they can't get paid. Maximize your in-house  more...

Effective Fundraising Techniques for Nonprofit Organizations nNonprofit organizations always need to diversify their revenue from earned income, government grants with philanthropic fundraising. Now, in tough economic times, you must determine how to maximize the effectiveness of your fundraising program. This teleconference will cover the basic elements of a complete fundraising program for annual operating support as well as ways every organization can  more...