Fall

Showing 561–576 of 705 results

  • Lending to start-up businesses

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 479

    Abstract: In this down economy, it pays to be more cautious than ever when lending to start-up businesses. This article reviews some of the factors to look for when a potential customer walks in the door — and what to require of the borrower. Specifically, bankers should consider the business’s industry and the entrepreneur’s qualifications and objectivity. Then they should determine what the benchmarks for success will be and ensure that they’ll be getting timely and reliable financial data.

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  • Mobile banking: How do we get there?

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 618

    Abstract: Many banks now allow customers to access their accounts, make transfers and payments, and conduct other transactions — all from their mobile devices. However, despite the many benefits of mobile banking, customers are still wary of electronic banking methods. As a result, many community banks are reluctant to fully plunge into the mobile arena. This article shows some of the procedures banks can implement to make the most of this fast-growing market.

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  • Handle mergers with care

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 954

    Abstract: The possibility of rising regulatory capital requirements has prompted many banks to consider a merger as a potential compliance strategy. These complex transactions raise a variety of corporate, financial, valuation, regulatory, tax and liability issues. This article provides an introduction to the merger process — with a focus on tax-free transactions. A sidebar offers a checklist to ensure that all the bases are covered during each phase of the merger process.

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  • How much should you be paid?

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 845

    Abstract: Among the tough decisions dealer-owners face at year end are how much money to take out of the business and how to split that amount between salaries, bonuses and dividends. Although owners’ compensation is somewhat discretionary, it needs to withstand IRS scrutiny. As this article explains, the IRS is looking for both over- and underpayments, depending on whether the subject company is a C corporation or a flow-through entity. A sidebar discusses other parties that have a vested interest in how much dealer-owners are getting paid.

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  • Buying fixed assets never looked so good

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 493

    Abstract: Dealerships that are considering purchasing equipment and other “fixed assets” should take a look at Section 179 and bonus depreciation deductions — they’re especially generous in 2011 but will diminish after the end of the year. This article offers details.

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  • Nip it in the bud – Background checks thwart fraud, but be careful

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 738

    Abstract: No matter how strong a dealer’s internal controls, it needs to “begin at the beginning” with complete employee background checks. It’s one of the best ways to protect one’s business and customers, although it’s still important to be careful with the final decision. This article explains how to conduct background checks without violating privacy rights and other laws, and why dealers that choose to hire an outside agency need to check its credentials.

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  • Your next warranty audit: Be prepared!

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 641

    Abstract: Manufacturers’ periodic warranty audits have become more frequent as they seek ways to compensate for more dealer-friendly warranty laws that some states have passed to increase warranty reimbursement rates and eliminate manufacturer surcharges. Every dealer gets audited at least once, so this article shows how they can prepare.

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  • Newsbits – Dos and don’ts of setting prices

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 406

    Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” discusses the dos and don’ts of setting prices for products; how cash-strapped state and local governments are considering rescinding tax breaks for nonprofits and increasing fees; and IRS guidance to make it easier for tax-exempt organizations to find out if they qualify for the new health care tax credit.

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  • Internal controls: Is it time for a checkup?

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 595

    Abstract: Many nonprofits might have cut staff during the recent recession — and that means fewer people to “mind the store.” As the economy continues to mend, now is a good time to inspect the condition of the internal controls that safeguard an organization’s finances. This article looks at how to ensure strong internal controls, while a sidebar emphasizes that an annual audit shouldn’t be relied on, in and of itself, to detect fraud.

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  • Just for nonprofits – Accounting rules change for mergers and acquisitions

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 610

    Abstract: Those who are considering joining forces with another organization will want to understand the effects of new accounting standards for mergers and acquisitions — and plan their financial strategies accordingly. This article takes a look at Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 164, Not-for-Profit Entities: Mergers and Acquisitions, which outlines how to determine if a new business combination is a merger or an acquisition, and addresses the different methods of accounting involved.

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  • Wrapping up a gift acceptance policy

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 956

    Abstract: All gifts aren’t created equal. Having a gift acceptance policy to refer to — and using it to decide whether to accept a donation — is important to an organization’s balance sheet, workload and reputation. This article explains why it’s important to reject gifts that are incompatible with an organization’s mission or that might present financial or administrative problems. It discusses the elements of a good gift acceptance policy and the particular considerations that may be involved with different kinds of gifts.

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  • The Contractor’s Corner – Construction company owner tires of failing fleet

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 403

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” addresses the concern of a hypothetical owner: Is there a better way of maintaining a fleet of construction vehicles? This article answers “yes”: Fleet management is a formalized, comprehensive approach to buying, using, maintaining and disposing of construction vehicles. With the appropriate software and GPS technology, owners can keep track of where their vehicles are and how they’re maintained, and make more informed lease-vs.-buy decisions.

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  • Satisfying your surety in today’s economic environment

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 390

    Abstract: Because of the continuingly rocky economy, many bonding firms have tightened their requirements considerably. This article offers some ways contractors can satisfy their sureties: good communication, well-ordered financials, and a sound business plan.

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  • Are you forgetting something? For many contractors, sales and use taxes are too easily ignored

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 838

    Abstract: With year end fast approaching, many contractors may be thinking about income tax planning. But there’s another tax issue that also warrants their attention: sales and use taxes. This article explains the distinction between the two, and how to avoid double taxation. It also shows how contract structure plays a big role in how sales and use taxes affect construction companies, while a sidebar looks at two valuable tax breaks for hiring certain unemployed workers.

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  • Construction trends – Integrated project delivery puts teamwork to the test

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 620

    Abstract: Under the traditional construction paradigm, the three major parties — owner, architect and contractor — are theoretically working toward the same goal: getting a structure built. But their immediate objectives don’t always gel with one another and, when they don’t, conflicts can arise. But this article explains how integrated project delivery (IPD) can serve as a means to reduce conflicts and speed efficiency.

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  • New L3C structure – Building a bridge between nonprofits and for-profits

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 694

    Abstract: Traditionally, nonprofit and for-profit organizations have operated in very different financial and regulatory spheres. The new low-profit limited liability company (L3C) option could change that. Although this business structure has become law in only a handful of states, it’s available to any organization that wants to pursue a charitable mission and realize a profit. This article explains how L3Cs operate and why they appear to offer promise for social entrepreneurs and nonprofits with clear revenue streams.

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