I Have Been Telephone Seminars

First Company in India to Deliver all ITIL V3 Intermediate Module Training QLogy 1800-200-200-3 QLogy is a one stop training solutions to fulfill all your expectations and requirements from all available quality frameworks, practices and standards like ITIL, CobiT, ISO 20000, Six Sigma, PMP, ISO 27001, etc. QLogy has in-house capabilities for delivering training, consulting and tools for Service Management, Project Management, CRM and other important processes for an organization. QLogy  more...

Conducting Successful HR Audits BenefitsIncreasingly, human capital is an organization's most important asset - it's certainly one of its largest expenses. It also exposes organizations to material risks. Yet many of the management techniques and assessment tools used to manage and assess other assets and processes of the organization have not been applied to HR. That is changing. As the implications and risks of misaligned,  more...

Payroll Recordkeeping: What You Need to Know BenefitsIn recent years there has been an explosion in the number of lawsuits and claims for overtime and unpaid wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Did you realize that liability for FLSA violations can be enormous? Recent reports estimate that over the last few years companies have collectively paid out more than $1 billion annually to resolve FLSA claims! Learn the role of the FLSA and  more...

Fair Housing Act Design and Construction Requirements BenefitsThis live audio conference will provide an overview of the design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act. We will focus on specific building types that are required to comply, safe harbors and practical application of the design and construction requirements. The presenters have worked with residential builders across the country providing plan and construction reviews. In  more...

Medicare Secondary Payer Act: Protecting Medicare's Interest In Insurance Settlements BenefitsPursuant to 42 USC Section 1395y(b)(2), commonly known as the Medicare Secondary Payer Act, Medicare may not make payment for medical benefits where payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under a workers' compensation law or plan of the United States or a state, or under an automobile or liability insurance policy or plan (including a self-insured plan), or under no  more...

Social Security Benefits: Is It Worth It to Delay? BenefitsSocial Security has been the American workers' greatest investment and has been labeled the third rail of politics, and perhaps rightly so. However, dire predictions have recently been published about the collapse of the system. But are those predictions really warranted? This live audio conference will take you from the beginning of Social Security to the present day and probable future.  more...

Taxation and Accounting Conflicts of Interest BenefitsAccountants working in various disciplines have been involved in litigation resulting from or exacerbated by a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Failure to identify an actual or potential conflict of interest and to disclose or avoid it can lead to expensive legal fees, loss of a client or employment, a claim against malpractice insurance, bad publicity, or  more...

Wood Use: Original and Cutting Edge BenefitsFurniture, structure, skin, art - all have been made of wood since hominids had opposable thumbs. In America, wood is the default material for our houses. Wood is literally alive in our landscape and is a living material when used to make something, with enormous variability in its appearance, characteristics, and uses. Beyond physical properties, the emotional power that wood possesses in  more...

Form 706: Estate Tax Return Fundamentals BenefitsAmericans have been able to accumulate wealth. It is estimated more than $10 trillion in wealth will be transferred over the next 15 years. If a person has been fortunate to amass significant wealth, the government imposes a tax when the person transfers their wealth at death. In 2011, if a person's gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts equaled or exceeded $5 million in value, Form 706  more...

Water Audits and Nonrevenue Water Reduction Methodologies BenefitsThere are many recent issues affecting the importance of uniform, accurate and effective water utility auditing. The largest urban growth areas of the United States are in the southwestern portion of the country, including Phoenix, Las Vegas and southern California. Water resources available to the areas are fully allocated and becoming more expensive to obtain and deliver. In addition,  more...

Loan Modification Fundamentals BenefitsMortgage loan defaults and foreclosures are at historic levels. New businesses counseling borrowers and dealing with these crises have been created. How we deal with this crisis will have a significant impact on the nation's economy. Borrowers and lenders alike are working to resolve these defaults and foreclosures, attempting to find a balance between allowing consumers to remain in their  more...

Best Practices in Nursing Documentation: Writing Effective and Legal Proof Notes BenefitsLong gone are the days that nurses and other health care providers hand-wrote cryptic notes on essay paper-like chart pages that rarely were ever looked at again. Long gone, also, are the days that physicians would only look at labs, reports and other physician's notes, expecting the nurse to call to the physician's attention anything important about the patient so they didn't have to read  more...

Tax Diligence, Representations, Covenants and Indemnifications in Business Acquisitions BenefitsBuyers and sellers of businesses typically are focused on getting the deal done and the relative economic benefits to each. They often fail to consider potential undisclosed tax liabilities resulting from pre-closing operations, and rarely want to hold up negotiations thinking about the 'what ifs.' However, when the 'what ifs' turn into 'what now,' it is important that potential tax risks  more...

Telecommuting: The Next Wave of Wage and Hour Litigation BenefitsTechnological developments have resulted in a substantial increase over the last several years in the number of employers offering telecommuting as an alternative work arrangement, and the number of employees who choose it. Although telecommuting arrangements can be beneficial to employers and employees, many employers have failed to adequately meet many of the legal compliance and  more...

Enhanced Foreign Asset Reporting Rules for 2011: An Update on FBAR and FATCA Requirements BenefitsFor the past three years, much attention has been focused on offshore bank accounts and the obligation of U.S. taxpayers to report such accounts on the much-heralded Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts or 'FBAR' form. The FBAR rules require taxpayers to annually report whether they have a financial interest in, or signature or other authority over, foreign bank accounts, and  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...

Fair Labor Standards Act: Coverage and Compliance Issues BenefitsA major challenge is ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws. Those laws are extensive and complex, and claims against employers in virtually every industry are on the rise. In particular, employers often misunderstand the exemptions to overtime requirements and fail to properly classify their employees, resulting in potential back pay claims. Even where employees have been properly  more...

Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits: Using Tax Incentives to Develop and Invest in Historic Properties BenefitsThe federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) has grown into a key financing tool for economic development, historic preservation, and neighborhood revitalization. Combined in many areas with available state historic rehabilitation tax credits, HTCs have been used to rehabilitate historic city centers, theatres, warehouses and other historic buildings across the country. This live  more...

Mastering the Science of Cross Examination BenefitsIt has been called 'The greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth.' Nothing grabs the attention of the judge and jury like cross examination. Done well, it can lead to victory. Done poorly, it can lead to ruin. Listen to this program as two experienced trial lawyers cover the most important points that you need to know to become a master of cross examination. Whether  more...

Why Everything You Know About Roth Conversions May Be Wrong BenefitsLearn to capture your share of the multi trillion dollar IRA rollover marketplace. Most advisors have been ambivalent at best about the Roth conversion. This live audio conference will give you clarity so that you can recommend specific, accurate advice to your prospects and clients. This live audio conference is designed for accountants, presidents, vice presidents, controllers, CFOs,  more...

Medical Records Update for Paralegals: Releases, Retention and Confidentiality Requirements BenefitsMedical providers and health plans, vendors, and others who retain medical or health records are often subjected to complex and conflicting requirements to maintain the confidentiality and restrict the disclosure of the information. Complex and overlapping rules and regulations impose rigid requirements that must be met before information is released and require medical record repositories  more...

Understanding the Durbin Amendment's Impacts and Implications BenefitsThe Durbin Amendment was game-changing legislation for the debit card industry. Certain Durbin Amendment impacts have been immediate but the industry will continue to evolve for some time in response to the longer-term implications of these new requirements. Attendees at this live audio conference will engage with the speaker on an overview of the various provisions of the Durbin  more...

International Tax Forms and Reporting Requirements BenefitsTo compete in today's economic environment, U.S. businesses - large and small - must be able to compete globally. As the growth of U.S. businesses conducting business abroad increases at an exponential rate, many tax professionals must complete a number of IRS forms that have not been previously encountered. This live audio conference will deal with those IRS forms that tax professionals  more...

But It's Only Our Opinion:The Legal Opinion In Commercial Transactions BenefitsA client is about to borrow $10,000,000 for acquisition of a new project and a copy of the bank's loan commitment and its 'standard form' of borrower's counsel legal opinion letter have just been received. Even for those who have dealt with such third-party legal opinions in the past, it's important to make sure everyone understands the applicable standards and the diligence expectations  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...

Preventing and Recognizing Financial Elder Abuse BenefitsFinancial crimes against the elderly are generally considered to fall into two categories: fraud committed by strangers, and financial exploitation by relatives and caregivers. These categories are not discreet, and sometimes overlap. A clever stranger can often become a trusted caregiver. Although financial exploitation of the elderly has long been recognized as a 'national disgrace,'  more...

Waiver of Subrogation Clauses and Provisions in Construction Contracts BenefitsThis live audio conference will aid in understanding which parties to a contract have truly minimized the risk of lawsuits and claims that could arise among the parties. It will address if the intended risk allocation sought by the waiver of subrogation clause has been achieved. Further, this live audio conference seeks to educate participants in a better understanding of other key  more...

Municipal Finance Fundamentals BenefitsThe global economy has endured tremendous stress and fluctuation during the past three years. Investors are seeking investments that will provide them with a favorable rate of return and yet afford them a higher degree of security. Increasingly, investors are looking to the United States tax-exempt municipal market to obtain those two objectives. As a result, the volume of the municipal  more...

Planning for Renewable Incentives in 2011 and Beyond BenefitsThe grant in lieu of tax credits under section 1603 of the ARRA has been both a lifesaver and a game changer. However, section 1603 is likely to disappear after 2011 unless construction has begun on a project before then. This live audio conference will focus first on what is required to 'begin construction' under section 1603, and will feature Victoria McDowell of the Treasury Department.  more...

Drafting Document Retention Policies BenefitsThere can be little question in today's world that a thoughtful, well-designed document retention policy is a must for every corporation. Yet many have failed to take this important step to protect their companies. Many more have failed to effectively implement their document retention policies after they have been adopted. The cost of these shortcomings is significant. A corporation may  more...

Dealing With Employees Who Have Been Charged With a Crime BenefitsOne of the most perplexing problems that can confront an employer arises after the employer discovers that one of its employees has been arrested and charged with a crime. Under our legal system, the familiar mantra is that an arrested person is innocent until proven guilty. So, what can you do to address situations where an employee has been arrested, or has been charged, or incarcerated  more...

Microsoft Project Best Practices: What's New on the Desktop BenefitsOver the past two decades, Microsoft Project has evolved into the industry leading desktop project management tool. With each new release, Microsoft Project provides new and enhanced features designed to assist with managing construction projects and in a manner that allows more time for managing projects and less time working Microsoft Project. Over the past few years, the Microsoft  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...

Owner Construction Risk: How a Controlled Insurance Program Can Protect Your Assets BenefitsOwners and contractors have been subject to increased litigation arising from risks created by construction operations. However, due to changes in the insurance market, contractors are increasingly challenged to secure insurance coverage to meet owner insurance requirements. As a result, many owners have turned to incepting an owner-controlled insurance program or relying on a  more...

Reactive Attachment Disorder BenefitsAttachment to a loving caregiver is the foundation for healthy brain development. Trauma, abuse, neglect and loss derails normal neural connections. Chaotic inappropriate behaviors result when this occurs. Nancy Thomas is renowned for keeping audiences on the edge of their seat as she brings home the powerful message of hope and healing for children struggling with the challenges of  more...

Illinois Leave Laws: Navigating a Minefield BenefitsAlthough the economy may have been stagnate, the legislature has not. Over the past couple of years, Illinois has passed or expanded numerous leave laws presenting even more obligations for employers. The interaction of these laws can be complex and difficult to institute. This teleconference will assist you in understanding their obligations in implementation and compliance. Leaves  more...

Understanding the Legal Concepts of Adverse Possession of Real Property in New York State BenefitsAdverse possession is a recognized legal doctrine in the state of New York that enables a party, through litigation, to acquire title or ownership to real property belonging to someone else, and to thereby extinguish the record owner's rights in and to that property. While the New York courts have historically disfavored settling property disputes in this manner and thus the courts have  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...

New Features and Functions in Updating to Excel 2007 BenefitsAny Excel user who is making the transition into Excel 2007 needs to get up to speed and needs help in locating familiar features that have been redesigned or relocated. Version 2007 is the biggest change in Excel's history and without a road map to its new features, you will waste a lot of time and be inefficient - you need this teleconference! We will give you indispensable tips for  more...

Emerging Trends in Metal Roofing BenefitsThis teleconference will provide information on the current state of the metal roofing industry as well as the trends for the future. Metal roofing is the fastest growing residential roof product, and its share of the commercial roofing market continues to grow. It is becoming a product of choice for architects, designers and facility managers looking for a durable and energy efficient  more...

Labor Law: Could 2011 Be the Turning Point for Unions? BenefitsIt's been almost two full years of President Obama's administrative initiatives - a rollout of many campaign promises. Unions played a vital role in the 2008 elections and they continue to have a large voice in upcoming Congressional elections this fall. While most of the country has been focused on health care reform, 2011 could prove to be a pivotal year for union activity. What  more...

Utilizing Data in Microsoft Access BenefitsOriginally released in 1992, Microsoft Access is part of the Microsoft Office Suite. Microsoft Access is the most popular Windows desktop database used by most organizations around the world, from small to large businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, etc. Microsoft Access fits a unique space between the skills of the information worker and professional developers. It's a database  more...

Best Practices for MRO Purchasing BenefitsMany organizations lack thorough MRO purchasing strategies that are comprised of a guiding strategy and supporting tactics to achieve the goals that have been identified for the MRO purchasing function. This is often a significant opportunity to reduce operating cost and improve mean time to repair. This teleconference will help you understand and design the MRO purchasing system and  more...

How to Save Millions in Claims Through Ergonomics and Injury Prevention BenefitsWe all know how to do our jobs, but no one has ever taught us how to work 'safely.' While there have been attempts to federally regulate ergonomics, these have failed in all but one state, California, which has the only active OSHA regulation to protect workers from repetitive motion injuries. With this in mind, employers are encouraged to voluntarily support an active ergonomics process  more...

Ohio Commercial Activity Tax Update: Now Fully Phased in, What We Have Learned and What We Can Expect Going Forward BenefitsIt has been five years since Ohio elected to move away from its more traditional, net income and net worth based corporate franchise tax to the commercial activity tax, or CAT. In addition to the CAT, in recent years a number of states have made significant changes to their income and franchise tax regimes, which has created a complex and arduous landscape for companies' state income tax  more...

Social Networking in the Workplace: Policies, Monitoring and Discipline Issues BenefitsSocial networking via online tools such as MySpace , Facebook and Twitter has exploded in popularity over the last few years. According to an October 2008 survey, 51 percent of employees accessed social networks at least once per day at work; many of them did so for an hour or more per week. Despite these numbers and the risks inherent in employees using social networking tools, such as  more...

Climate and Energy Policy: Interpreting State, Regional and Federal Discrepancies BenefitsYou will gain an in-depth understanding of the federal, regional and state requirements - and incentives - with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. Many states are already regulating these emissions and EPA is adopting regulations to require reporting by a wide spectrum of industry and businesses. Understanding the existing rules is critical for analyzing the effects of pending federal  more...

Writing Scripts That Sell BenefitsWe may not think about it, but we use scripts all the time. In our everyday lives, in interviews and especially in sales situations, we are using scripts to get our point across to the other person. Sometimes we are in front of the other person and sometimes we are on the telephone. Nevertheless, in all situations there are definitely key items and statements that we want to make, and in  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...

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...

Collection Issues for Condominium and Homeowners' Association: Legal Tips, Concepts and Current Trends in Assessment Collection BenefitsThis teleconference will address relevant legal issues and practical considerations related to the collection of assessments for condominium and homeowner associations. Given current economic trends, the suppressed housing market and rising rates of foreclosures and bankruptcies, homeowners' associations are now inundated with delinquencies and legal issues in degrees not previously  more...

Criminal Liabilities Under HIPAA BenefitsMany hospitals, physician offices and other covered entities have been surprised to learn that HIPAA rules provide for criminal penalties - up to 10 years in prison for intentional violations! Now the stakes are higher and there are more stakeholders: recent stimulus legislation dramatically increased the stakes for HIPAA compliance by substantially increasing penalties for HIPAA  more...

Design Tips for Rain Gardens: Storm Water and Runoff Control BenefitsRain gardens have been used to beautify landscapes while improving runoff quality since their inception in Prince George's County, Maryland, in the early 1990's. Research has shown that their cousin, bioretention, does a very good job of reducing pollutant loads, reducing runoff volumes and increasing infiltration, spurring regulators to look favorably on these practices. What these  more...

Screening Applicants Using Social Networking Sites: Legal or Liability? BenefitsJob applicants have long used the internet to research employers. But now, employers are using the internet to research job applicants as well. Employers aren't only using search engines to find information on applicants but are now examining social networking sites, such as Facebook or MySpace . For job applicants, social networking site are places to interact with peers in any manner  more...

Understanding LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance BenefitsThe U.S. Green Building Councils' LEED for Existing Buildings Operations Maintenance program goal is obtaining higher performance in buildings that have already been constructed and are currently in operation. LEED EBO M emphasizes maximizing operational service and efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The system addresses whole-building energy and water use, indoor comfort  more...

Construction Contract Bid Errors BenefitsThe pressures on contractors to obtain work have never been greater. The competition for contracts, often coupled with precarious financial health, leaves very little margin for error - yet bid mistakes are on the increase with adverse consequences for owners, contractors and subcontractors. This teleconference analyzes the legal consequences of bid errors and how to avoid them. Those who  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...

Health Insurance Basics For Employers BenefitsMany people do not understand the basics of health insurance. This includes people new to the health insurance industry or new to interacting with the industry. It also includes people who have been in or interacting with the insurance industry for a while but never received adequate training. Attend this teleconference and come away with an understanding of the basics of health insurance  more...

Internet and Email: Monitoring Employee Conduct BenefitsTechnology has made privacy issues a hot bed of legal, moral and ethical debate. The development of new technology in recent years has created the ability to access seemingly limitless information resources and has changed irrevocably the way business is conducted. Companies literally have the world at their fingertips. The ever increasing developments in technology will only add to the  more...

Reductions in Force Litigation Update BenefitsWith the continued recession, employers have been faced with significant challenges to reduce costs. Since personnel accounts for a major proportion of overhead, one possible area of consideration is that of a reduction in the workforce. While reaching and implementing such a decision will, in optimum circumstances, involve significant input from counsel experienced in both employment and  more...

Providing Investment Advice to Retirement Plan Participants Without Triggering Liability BenefitsThe current recession and volatile financial markets highlight the importance of financial literacy. Until recently, retirement plan sponsors have been constrained in the types of investment advice that can be provided to plan participants. Plan sponsors have long wanted to provide the investment advice their participants desire, but without incurring liability for advice given in good  more...

Obtaining a Portion of the Stimulus Grant Funding BenefitsThis past year the federal government has provided a significant economic stimulus program that has been primarily implemented through grant funding. The Recovery Act (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed by President Obama on February 16, 2009) is the economic stimulus package of $787 billion. Because of the national scope of the economic situation, stimulus money has  more...

Current ERISA Fiduciary Issues for Financial Institutions BenefitsFinancial institutions have long been faced with difficult and complicated issues under ERISA's fiduciary rules. The current economic downturn has given rise to a new round of legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding ERISA's fiduciary rules and has more generally affected the manner in which ERISA may affect financial institutions. In addition, the regulatory environment continues  more...

Slope Stabilization: Best Practices and Challenges BenefitsThis teleconference will address the types of slope stabilization failures and techniques used to avoid failures by the application of best practices. There are well-established engineering principles for the design and maintenance of stable slopes. This teleconference summarizes practices to overcome challenges to enhance slope stability. Many engineers are faced with challenges to  more...

The New World of EEO: What Is Coming BenefitsEEO claims with the EEOC and in state and federal court are significantly on the rise. While this increase has been impacted by the significant reductions in force around the country, this has also been driven by the fact that the plaintiff's employment bar, the U.S. Attorney's offices and the EEOC have become more aggressive in pursuing claims of discrimination against employers. The  more...

Retaining Wall and Slope Design Considerations BenefitsLow cost sites ideal for development are becoming scarce as growth continues to increase in high density population centers. As a result, sites considered less ideal (small sites, sites with limited right-of-way, and/or sites with excessive topographic relief, etc.) are becoming more attractive. As a result, the design and construction of retaining walls and slopes are becoming more  more...

Gatekeepers & Voice Mail: How to Reach Your Prospects Directly BenefitsIf on your prospecting calls you leave voice mails that are not returned, if your introductory emails are deleted and/or if you have been screened out by ruthless gatekeepers, then this information-packed teleconference is a must. Decision makers today are busier than ever and less accessible than ever in history. Gatekeepers screen calls, spam filters trap emails and voice mail blocks  more...

ConsensusDOCS Contract Fundamentals BenefitsIn the fall of 2007, the Associated General Contractors of American and the Construction Owners of America folded their AGC contract documents program into a new organization and issued a new series of contracts called the ConsensusDOCS. These forms, some revised and some entirely new, were issued at nearly the same time as the American Institute of Architects' 2007 revision of the AIA  more...

Implementing a Health Risk Assessment for Your Health Plan: What Works, What Doesn't, What's Legal BenefitsMaybe you've heard about health risk assessments and wonder if they're a good idea for your organization. Or you've been tasked with implementing a health risk assessment as part of your health plan and don't know much about them. You have a lot of questions such as 'How can a health risk assessment help control health care costs?,' 'What makes for an effective health risk assessment?,'  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...

Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Couples BenefitsThe arena of estate planning for non-traditional couples is a growing field laden with opportunities and land mines. Whether it be a gay or lesbian couple, or a heterosexual couple living together but simply choosing not to get married, the need to be proactive in their planning is essential. Two primary issues arise when it comes to planning for non-traditional couples: (1) Unlike  more...

Stormwater Management for TMDLs BenefitsTotal Maximum Daily Loads are increasingly identifying stormwater as a significant or even major source of loading to impaired waters. Stormwater loading is difficult to identify and quantify even when regulated stormwater dischargers exist in the system. Often, TMDLs that include stormwater loading allocations give target reductions in loading, but give little guidance as to how to obtain  more...

Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits Update BenefitsOn July 1, 2007, the rules governing letters of credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, changed for the first time in over 12 years. The objective of this change is to clarify the rules, reduce discrepancies and disputes, and encourage renewed usage of letters of credit. Significant revisions include a change in the amount of time banks are allowed to examine  more...

Healthcare Self-Disclosure Update BenefitsThe program will review these and other key questions: - What options do health care providers have for voluntary disclosure? - What factors should health care providers consider when determining whether a potential violation should be reported? - How have these been changed by health care reform legislation and the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act? - How does the position of CMS alter  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...

Simplifying PPE Program Implementation BenefitsThe implementation of a PPE program can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Multiple OSHA standards have sections that have PPE requirements, causing confusion regarding which standards apply to a particular situation. New provisions regarding the payment for PPE have been published by OSHA and you need to have this knowledge to be compliant. This teleconference will provide the  more...

Structured Settlements - The Changing Landscape BenefitsWhether plaintiff or defense, this teleconference will provide you with a better understanding of structured settlements and their practical application to claims resolution. Since the early 1980's, structured settlements have been a major part of negotiating and settling cases involving physical injury or sickness. With the changing financial landscape, structured settlements have been  more...

Restrictive Covenants: Common Disclosures, Restrictions and Land Use Issues BenefitsThe ongoing real estate downturn has caused a re-evaluation of virtually every aspect of the real estate finance and development landscape. Restrictive covenants have long been a part of that landscape as property developers and owners have sought long-term protection for a variety of interests, including commercial territories, community character and architectural style. Over the last  more...

Determining When an Individual With a Disability Is "Qualified" Under the ADA BenefitsAlthough recent amendments have been made to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the requirement that an applicant or employee with a disability be 'qualified' for the job sought or held has not changed. Drawing on regulations from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and decisions from federal courts across the country, this teleconference will provide participants with  more...

Resolving Form 1099 Discrepancies BenefitsThis innovative teleconference will provide the required knowledge to correct any errors discovered in the initial filing or reporting requirements, either by the company reporting these amounts or in reply to the Internal Revenue Services' inquiry to discrepancy in the records reported to them via a CP-2100. By following the practices discussed, you and your client's business entities  more...

Return-to-Work Compliance When Jobs Are Gone BenefitsThe last couple of years have been financially difficult for employers and employees. Many organizations have undergone one or more phases of reductions-in-force, as well as restructuring and creative solutions such as reduced work hours or pay. What can such organizations legally do when employees on a leave of absence want to return to such a changed workplace? This teleconference will  more...

Understanding Insider Lending and Regulation O BenefitsLending to insiders can be a regulatory danger zone for bank officers and directors. While loans to bank insiders are not prohibited, they are tightly regulated and attract greater than normal regulatory attention, and not without good reason. Insider loan abuses historically have been a major reason for bank failures. This teleconference will review the rules applicable to loans to  more...

Managing External Health Information BenefitsMany health care providers remain frustrated and uncertain about how to handle external health information. This information may come in the form of unsolicited health information - i.e., information that is volunteered by patients or by other health care providers, either at the time the patient arrives for treatment or thereafter - and in some cases even after the patient has been  more...

Collection Techniques for Landlords BenefitsFor many commercial landlords, consistent receipt of rent and other tenant charges is the key to their business. However, as a result of the recent economic downturn, fewer commercial tenants are making these payments on time and in full. Most leases specifically outline collection techniques and security mechanisms (such as security deposits and guaranties), but landlords are finding that  more...

Practical and Legal Aspects of Real Estate Auctions nIn today's uncertain real estate economy, many real estate developers, investors and fiduciaries are holding surplus inventory with poor turnover performance and a grim outlook on return on investment. The carrying costs to maintain the property during a lengthy conventional brokerage sale weaken the asset's physical properties and investment potential. Real estate auctions have been a viable  more...

Understanding the New Penalties for Tax Preparers nSignificant changes have been made to the preparer penalty of IRC §6694 since 2007. The standard of care needed to avoid the penalty has been raised, the penalty is greater and the reach of the penalty is broader. In addition, there are various other penalties and rules of conduct you must be aware of and new guidance has been issued in several of these areas in the past year. It is imperative  more...

Introduction to New ICD-10 Coding: Preparing for Implementation nThe International Classification of Disease and Operations, Ninth Edition has out-lived its usefulness for capturing morbidity and mortality amongst the world population. Most developed nations transitioned to ICD-10 several years ago, but because of the tie of ICD-9-CM to payments in the United States there have been a series of delays in the US implementation. As the US moves a lightening speed  more...

FCRA and FACT Act Regulatory and Litigation Update 2009 nIn the last year, new federal rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act have become effective. These rules restrict cross-marketing by financial institutions and other companies; impose new requirements on companies that use credit reports; and require lenders and others to establish new fraud prevention programs. In addition, a spate of federal court  more...

Tenancies in Common - Legal and Practical Issues nDuring the last five years, the tenant-in-common offering industry has grown to approximately $5 billion in annual equity raised. While specific data is hard to find, industry experts estimate that between $10 billion and $12 billion has been raised and spread across more than 2,000 offerings. In the last year, the number of materially under-performing TIC transactions has increased. As the  more...

Management and Protection of Wetland Buffers nBuffers are upland or riparian areas that separate wetlands or other aquatic resources from upland areas, which are often found in developed or agricultural states. They are very critical to the ecological integrity of the wetlands and typically consist of native plant communities that reflect the local landscape and ecology. They perform a variety of habitat functions for wildlife and other  more...

Writing Construction Specifications: Formats and Practices nAfter a facility's design is complete and construction products have been selected, construction specifications must be prepared that are clear, correct, complete and concise. Specifications also need to conform to recognized standards for formats in order to be expediently produced and used. This teleconference is an overview of current construction specification formats and writing practices,  more...

Impact of the New ADA Amendments on Schools nOn January 1, 2009, new federal legislation took effect that dramatically expanded the range of individuals eligible for protections guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. ADA specified the rights guaranteed to individuals broadly qualified as "disabled." These rights applied to the areas of hiring and working conditions for all employees and also to students eligible for  more...

Workplace Flexibility: Innovative Strategies for an Evolving Workforce nOver the last three decades, the needs of the American workforce have changed dramatically. In response, many businesses have turned to workplace flexibility in order to recruit and retain the best workers, boost productivity and increase their competitive advantage. At the same time, policymakers in Washington have been exploring various approaches for increasing access to workplace flexibility  more...

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Children nExposure to substantial amounts of alcohol during pregnancy is known to produce a wide spectrum of morphological and behavioral outcomes. The most affected children in the spectrum display a characteristic pattern of morphological anomalies known as fetal alcohol syndrome. The majority of children exposed to alcohol, however, do not display morphological anomalies, yet they may show significant  more...

The Streamlined Sales Tax Project - How and Why It Affects Your Business nThe Streamlined Sales Tax Project is an effort by state representatives to implement a national uniform, simplified system of sales and use tax compliance. After more than five years of their efforts, the Simplified Sales and Use Tax Agreement came into effect on October 1, 2005. The SSTP now includes 19 full member states and three associate member states. Although initially taking effect as a  more...

Current Trends in Green Lending nDon't let the housing market slow down get you down. Learn an exciting new business opportunity while aiding the environment. Green lending, also known as Energy Efficient Mortgages, have been around for more than decade but have been seldom used. With the growing concerns over the nation's addiction to imported oil and climate change there is a new push to create a greater market demand for this  more...

Same-Gender Marriage Rulings: Impacts on Employee Benefit Plans Across the Nation nIn May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot deny same-gender couples the right to marry. Same-gender couples - many of them, in fact - flocked to California and started getting legally married on June 17, 2008. But then in November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage going forward. Massachusetts and Canada also allow same-gender  more...

Sustainable Development and Land Use: The Future is Here and it is Green nBuilding green was for years entirely voluntary. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® program and other high performance building rating systems are not legislated by any governmental entity and they are not designed to be mandatory. But thanks to an explosion of state legislation and local ordinances across the country, green building methods and requirements have now been given the force of  more...

Strategies Short of Foreclosure: Real Estate Short Sales and Beyond nRecord numbers of foreclosures have radically changed the residential real estate market in the last year and affected all aspects of the practice of residential real estate law, real estate closings, lending and sales. Whether your real estate market has experienced a bubble burst or merely a fizz, your practice has been affected by slowing markets, the subprime meltdown and the record number of  more...

AIA and ConsensusDOCS Contract Documents: Comparison and Contrast nHardly a business day goes by in the construction industry when the parties involved in the construction contracting process encounter standard form contract documents. Two of the principal sources of such standard form construction contract documents have both recently issued the 2007 editions of their respective families of contract forms. The long established family of documents published by  more...