Board Telephone Seminars

Accounting Endowments of Not-for-Profit Organizations After UPMIFA ... of the United States, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, in 2008, promulgated FASB Staff Position No. FAS 117-1. FSP FAS 117-1 provides guidance for nonprofits as to the proper classification of endowment funds when UPMIFA has been enacted and expands the required disclosure about endowment funds. The replacement of the prior legal restrictions of historic dollar value with the seven  more...

Best Practices for Motivating Students BenefitsIf you're tired of struggling to work successfully with unmotivated, bored, and disinterested children and teens, then you will want to be part of every minute of this live audio conference. This program is packed with dozens of innovative, ready-to-use, more effective strategies to turnaround unmotivated students in grades Pre-K through 12. These techniques are real-world, practical  more...

Cell Tower Zoning: Overview and Current Issues BenefitsThis live audio conference will describe the major elements and issues under the 1996 Federal cell tower zoning statute, including the FCC's 2009 shot clock rule setting 90/150 day deadlines to act on zoning applications, the pending FCC Notice of Inquiry on cell tower zoning, the major federal zoning cases involving cellular towers and practice pointers on how municipalities can  more...

Best Practices for Preventing and Responding to Cheating in Your Classroom and School BenefitsCheating in school is a widespread and complex problem. Recent news has included reports of hundreds of high school seniors in a Texas school obtaining test questions prior to a final exam in English, students in New York paying others to take their SAT tests, and students in a California high school obtaining test questions from textbook test banks restricted to teachers' use. Research by  more...

Economic Development Financing Update Benefits'In the space of two days I had evolved two plans, wholly distinct, both of which were equally feasible. The point I am trying to bring out is that one does not plan and then try to make circumstances fit those plans. One tries to make plans fit the circumstances.' - General George S. Patton, Jr., War as I Knew It, page 116 (1947) Those localities that have not planned for the current  more...

The New ADA Design Standards: When, Where and How? ...senters include two of the past chairs of the U.S. Access Board. Learning Objectives: - You will be able to describe key requirements of the revised ADA Title II and Title III regulations. - You will be able to discuss provisions unique to the regulation. - You will be able to review how the new rules impact your business. - You will be able to identify how the new revised 2010 ADA Standards  more...

Are You Prepared for the Financial Institution Record Match Program? BenefitsThe State of California enacted legislation (California Revenue Tax Code 19266) that will impact virtually every bank, credit union, thrift and brokerage firm doing business in California. This new program will place a new burden on financial institutions in order to help the state collect delinquent taxes. Financial institutions should start consideration of the FIRM Agreement and how  more...

Developing a School Wellness Program BenefitsAs many of you are aware, childhood obesity is one of our nation's leading health threats. Today, about 1 in 3 children and youth (ages 2-19) in the United States is already overweight or obese -- that's nearly 25 million young people. - Disappearing recess: Nearly one-third of elementary schools do not schedule recess on a regular basis. - Less physical education: 92% of elementary  more...

Key Elements and Legal Lessons Surrounding Donor Intent BenefitsA charitable gift given for a specific purpose generally can be used only for that purpose. But, under certain circumstances, a charity may be permitted to release or modify restrictions imposed on a gift. Understanding when and how such restrictions may be modified - and when donors may have standing to enforce the terms of their gift - is crucial both to charitable organizations and to  more...

Guidance on Lobbying and Political Campaign Activities of 501(c)(3) Organizations Benefits501(c)(3) organizations are subject to very specific rules - and very harsh penalties - with respect to both lobbying and political activity. Lobbying is permitted, but only in specific circumstances. Political activity is never permitted. This live audio conference will explain, in plain-English, how to avoid the pitfalls and how to take advantage of the opportunities available to  more...

Students With Disabilities: How to Legally Discipline BenefitsDisabled students who are classified under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are frequently the subject of student disciplinary proceedings in public school districts. It is imperative that public school district officials understand the obligations imposed by the statutes and how to fulfill these obligations. This live audio conference will help the person responsible for  more...

Difficult and Disruptive Students BenefitsStudents labeled as 'difficult' or 'disruptive' are often unsuccessful in school and may be poorly prepared to manage life as an adult, should they graduate. Additionally, they make life challenging for teachers and administrators. Left unchecked, they can consume school resources with little improvement, feel left out and unappreciated, and are at increased risk for unemployment, problems  more...

Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis for Nonprofits BenefitsThis live audio conference will provide you with an overview of nonprofit financial statements and both external and internal nonprofit financial reporting concepts. We will focus on the primary users of nonprofit financial statements and the key differences between nonprofit and for-profit financial statements and reporting. This program will explore the fundamental accounting concepts  more...

Drafting a Green Ordinance: Case Study BenefitsHigh energy costs and increased public support for sustainable initiatives are driving local governments to respond affirmatively with the adoption of green codes - local ordinances that mandate and incentivize more efficient forms of development. Unfortunately, there are few good models to follow and little operating experience to judge what works and what will not. There is an obvious  more...

Project-Based Learning BenefitsAttend this live audio conference and learn how to increase the depth of student learning in many curricular areas by moving toward student-directed inquiry on academic topics in which students develop their understanding through the completion of in-depth projects. Many student projects are multidisciplinary, providing the chance for students to see the relevancy of their learning through  more...

Best Practices for Managing Large Classrooms BenefitsParticipation in this live audio conference offers educators a condensed system of preventative classroom management practices to address today's complex students. An ecological model of practical, research-based interventions is presented to create a functional classroom that maximizes student achievement and accountability. Field-tested in dozens of elementary-secondary schools,  more...

Social Networking and Electronic Communications: Issues for Public Schools BenefitsYou will examine teacher and student use of social media and social networking, and the intersection of individual rights with the school's authority to regulate the school environment. You will learn how student and employee policies should address teacher and student use of social media, including discipline of teachers and students, respectively. During this live audio conference, we  more...

Closing Budget Gaps With Asset Sales BenefitsThe lingering Great Recession and slow recovery have diminished the growth of state and local government revenues while expenses continue their increase causing structural budget gaps. A new source of revenue is the sale or conversion of government assets into revenues. These revenues may be one-time proceeds of asset sales, leases and franchise fees, redevelopment of existing buildings,  more...

Grant Management for Grant Recipients BenefitsJoin Edward T. Waters, Esq., an attorney with nationally recognized expertise in federal grants law, to review the essential elements of federal grants and subgrants from a legal perspective. Learn about the fundamentals of grant administration followed by a discussion of urban myths - that is, commonly misunderstood provisions of federal grants - and sharks in the waters, high-risk areas  more...

Public/Private Partnerships: Major Infrastructure and Other Development Projects BenefitsThe term public/private partnership, or P3, has recently emerged as one of the latest buzz words in the development area. States and local governments are struggling with resource limitations and ever increasing demands of infrastructure. The involvement of the private sector offers an enticing solution for meeting massive infrastructure needs. At the same time, P3s provide an opportunity  more...

Labor Law: Could 2011 Be the Turning Point for Unions? ...a Democratic majority now on the National Labor Relations Board, how will doctrines and decisions handed down from the Board change? Will the recent Supreme Court ruling on almost 100 NLRB cases have any major impact? If any of these questions seem unfamiliar and if unions are not part of regular management discussions at your workplace, now is the time to take action. This teleconference is  more...

Current Issues in Cell Tower Leases BenefitsThe wireless industry has built more than 250,000 cell sites in the United States in the past 20 years. But many more cell sites are needed as iPhones, iPads and the like strain existing network capacity with data, email, computer and video applications, as well as to fill gaps in coverage. New cell sites and significant modifications to existing cell sites will also be needed due to the  more...

Integrating Mobile Technologies in Our Classrooms BenefitsMany within the educational system today view the use of wirelessly enabled devices as a distraction in the classroom with students using the devices to text each other, surf the Internet, check on their Facebook page and Tweet . Many educators are discovering that permitting the use of wireless devices in the classroom can actually be beneficial for both the students and the educators.  more...

Introduction to California Subdivision Law BenefitsSubdividing land into marketable lots is a complex, time-consuming process in California. This teleconference takes you through the process step-by-step, introducing you to the basic legal principles and variety of players in this essential aspect of development law. Experienced practitioners provide practical tips on avoiding common pitfalls in the subdivision process. Learn how the  more...

Political Law Update: The Latest Developments in Election Law, Lobbyist Regulation and Political Activity Compliance BenefitsThe past two years have been a watershed period for the law of elections, politics and lobbying. At every level of government, across all 50 states, government regulation of elections, politics and lobbying is increasing in scope and changing rapidly. The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Citizens United v. FEC recognized the First Amendment right of business corporations to expressly  more...

Overdraft Opt-Ins: Protecting Your Bank Under Regulation E ...itigation relating to overdraft fees, the Federal Reserve Board revised Regulation E to give consumers the right to limit overdraft costs associated with certain transactions by giving consent or opting-in to a financial institutions overdraft program. Financial institutions must comply with the new regulation by July 1, 2010. This important teleconference will cover the changes to and scope of  more...

Leasing Public Infrastructure BenefitsFinancing of public infrastructure assets has been popular in Europe and Latin America but is a relatively new phenomenon in the United States. During the first part of this decade, the financing of public infrastructure through public/private partnership concession and lease agreements became increasingly popular. Although these transactions have slowed during the recent financial crisis,  more...

Accounting for Off-Balance Sheet Items Update ...Board, the SEC and others have wrestled with how companies should report their involvement with special-purpose vehicles and transactions with such entities in their financial statements. Frequently, these issues are mentioned in the context of structured finance or asset securitization or, more broadly, as off-balance sheet financing. The recent financial crisis elevated concerns about the  more...

Workout Strategies for Troubled Condominium Projects BenefitsThe present economic downturn has affected real estate projects of all types but perhaps none as significantly as condominium projects. To further complicate matters, strategies to cope with failing and failed condominium developments must address multiple overlays of statutory and other legal requirements and limitations, as well as the often conflicting rights and concerns of the many  more...

Tax Treatment of Charitable Fundraising BenefitsFundraising for charitable organizations has become a complex business. Charities no longer hold out a tin cup and ask for donations. They engage in sophisticated activities to generate revenue for their mission and the activities have tax consequences. This teleconference will review the federal tax consequences of fundraising activities and provide specific guidance on how to avoid tax  more...

Community Association Legal Issues - Charting the Course Through Rough Seas ...unity Associations presents new and complex issues to the board of directors and the management companies. The value of and the ability to sell real property in a common interest community are significantly affected by the appropriate and effective management of the Association. Implementing a budgeting process and establishing collection policies which are followed are critical to effective  more...

Current Issues in Digital Billboards and Sign Regulations ...s and degrade aesthetics? What tricks are used by the billboard industry to secure permits from local officials to build or operate unlawful digital signs? How can local governments take steps now to protect themselves from being the targets of the sign code shakedown scheme? A bad decision for one municipality today can lead to even worse outcomes in the future for other municipalities. Please  more...

Living With Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) BenefitsAs of March 19, 2009, 29 states have adopted UPMIFA as law and the Uniform Act is presently pending in an additional 16 jurisdictions. By the end of 2009, in most of the United States, attorneys representing nonprofit institutions and those who donate to them and their endowment funds will be governed by new state law which replaces the Uniform Management of Institutional Funds, which had  more...

Stimulus Reporting Requirements for Schools BenefitsTen months into the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this teleconference will review the impact on education entities to date, including compliance risks and challenges. An update and analysis of current issues and guidance will be discussed as well as recent reporting experiences and upcoming reporting requirements. School administrators, teachers, special education  more...

Who Should Bear the Risk? Top 10 Things Developers Need to Know About Loan Documents BenefitsWith the tightening in the commercial lending market, developers are under increased pressure to provide lenders with projects that present no more than a responsible risk. After an equity requirement, loan documentation is the primary vehicle for allocating risk between the parties. This teleconference will help you understand lenders' requirements and the variety of loan documentation  more...

Private Foundation Grant Agreements: Basics and Beyond BenefitsGrant making is the raison d'etre of most foundations. It is what you do! Therefore, a solid foundation grant agreement ought to be the legal backbone for much of a foundation's operations. Surprisingly however, for many private foundations the grant agreement is merely a form document that has been given little thought - if it exists at all. This teleconference will cover some of the  more...

Major Issues in WiMAX Tower Leases and Zoning BenefitsHigh speed over the air broadband service for your computer, home or office, often called WiMAX service, is being rolled out in more than 80 U.S. metropolitan areas in 2009 and 2010. WiMAX is like Wi-Fi computer service, but covers an entire city or county. WiMAX will lead to more leases of land for communications towers because an entire new set of antennas and some new towers will be  more...

Common Annexation Issues in Development BenefitsAnnexation is a process for the adjustment of government boundaries. Annexation can have a significant impact on the owners of the real property to be annexed, on the annexing government agency and on those who own property in the immediate area. This teleconference will discuss the pros and cons of annexation and how it is used to control development. You will gain useful information  more...

Private Foundation Requirements and Restrictions BenefitsMany families and corporations establish private foundations to carry on their personal philanthropy. While private foundations offer significant opportunities for family and corporate philanthropists, there are special federal tax rules that apply. Failure to fully understand these rules can subject the foundations and those involved with them to substantial excise taxes. This  more...

Maintain and Gain Downtown Businesses in a Tough Economy: Key Retention and Recruitment Concepts BenefitsIt is possible to pursue new growth and attend to those who have already invested in your community. In fact, we believe that it should be a goal of every economic development or downtown to have a balanced 'maintaining and gaining' approach to economic growth. This teleconference will illuminate a number strategies and tactics to consider as you pursue this goal. Learning Objectives -  more...

Recognizing and Responding to Excited Delirium ...tally ill, or who have alcohol, licit or illicit drugs on board are core tasks for you, the officer and/or first responder. It is not a matter of 'if' you are confronted by an individual who is mentally ill or who has ingested alcohol or drugs (or their combination), only 'when' you will face this situation. In rare situations, individuals have died during or shortly after struggling with law  more...

Board Governance BenefitsWith increased scrutiny from legislators, the press and the public, it is imperative that tax-exempt organizations meet the best practices and requirements in terms of their organization and operation. Those involved with governing, guiding and counseling tax-exempt organizations need to be fully informed of the complex rules and operating requirements pertaining to them. This  more...

Best Practices in Budget Development and Analysis BenefitsIn difficult fiscal times many budget officers and municipal managers begin the process by a rather simple approach: 'Revenues are down 10%, we need to cut the budget by 10%'. Then they wait for the battles to begin, internally with department heads, externally with council members and other public stakeholders. This teleconference will provide budget preparers with a comprehensive  more...

Understanding Insider Lending and Regulation O ...C 375a and 375b) and its accompanying Regulation O of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (R CFR 215). Recordkeeping requirements and compliance will be addressed. There will also be an overview of the impact of Regulation W and the relationships between a bank and its holding company. Presidents, vice presidents, branch managers, loan officers, compliance officers, loan  more...

Business Combinations and Goodwill: What Is the Latest With Fair Value? ...Board recently issued a Statement on Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157) which clarifies the concept of fair value in financial reporting. Along with the FASB's proposed revision of its Statement on Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), fair value measurements may change the way acquiring companies report the acquisition on its financial statements. These changes could ultimately impact deal  more...

Creating Investment Policies For Your Nonprofit: Risk Tolerance, Reserve Funds and Portfolio Management Capacity ...ur organization, spending rates, communications with your board committee and other stakeholders, the treatment of unrestricted and restricted funds, endowment fund accounting and performance measures. n nYou will be guided through the investment policy process from both a managerial and accountant perspective. This teleconference will provide you with the skills to develop policies to support  more...

Community Benefit Agreements nCommunity benefits agreements can increase public participation in the planning process, promote smart growth and environmental justice goals, and bring neighborhoods, local governments, and private interests together to make development projects more sustainable, transparent and accountable. Negotiating a CBA can be a win-win solution for community groups and developers. The community receives  more...

Real Estate Market Studies: Critical Decision Tool or Superfluous Information? nMost significant real estate projects are required to pass the market study hurdle during due diligence. What factors impact the applicability, reliability and timeliness of these market studies? This teleconference will help real estate professionals identify the best providers of market studies, formulate a scope of work to suit the needs of the assignment, assist the consultant without  more...

Hot Topics for 501(c)(3) Organizations ...e compliance and in communicating with and involving your board. But wait, there's more! After this teleconference, you'll also be prepared to take advantage of the renewed IRA charitable rollover provisions, be up to speed on the compensation aspects of providing or paying for employee cell phones, and be aware of recent changes in what makes a charity a "public charity." Although the public  more...

Current Trends in Transit-Oriented Development nAs the United States faces the most severe economic recession since the Great Depression, one sector of real estate - transit-oriented development - is situated to protect investors from the economic downturn and deliver attractive long-term profits. TOD provides a new investment opportunity for both the public and private sectors as our cities are faced with the challenges of rapid price  more...

Writing the Critical Teacher Evaluation nThe act of teaching is what finally determines the success or failure of the school. To that end, a well-developed and wisely used evaluation system is the most important tool of school administration. Teacher associations will (appropriately) protect memberships from evaluations that are poorly constructed or poorly delivered. Teacher associations also understand the importance of working with  more...

Capital Improvements for Condominium and Homeowners' Associations .... It is the fiduciary responsibility of the association's board of directors to protect and maintain the community. It is not optional to address the physical condition of the community in a well-considered manner. This teleconference will help you develop strategies. The board itself needs to be convinced of the need for action. They then need to be able to convince the unit/lot owners of  more...

Effective Program Evaluation for Nonprofits nThe importance of evaluating your nonprofit cannot be underestimated! The data you collect and analyze will let you know the extent to which you have met your goals and objectives, how your clients feel about your organization and its services, whether you are using quality processes, what you can celebrate and how you can improve! Effective evaluations can also tell you about the program design  more...