Summer
Showing 673–688 of 760 results
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By the book – Setting executive compensation correctly
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1087
Abstract: Overpaying executives is a sizzling topic this year, as legislators — and the public — fume over salaries in the financial, automotive and other industries getting federal bailout dollars. In the nonprofit arena, the IRS, too, is cracking down on salaries it considers unreasonable and is requiring stringent information about compensation on the new Form 990. To protect yourself from sanctions, you need to make sure that your board of directors, at the time it sets an executive salary, arrives at a “reasonable” amount based on comparables for similar positions and adequately documents that research. And, if compensation is above the norm, you need to be ready to justify it. Follow the tips in this article — and in a sidebar listing often-overlooked compensation items — to avoid trouble with Uncle Sam.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Should we hire a CFO?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: A CFO may be a great addition to many construction companies for a variety of reasons. But taking on an employee of this stature is a big decision that warrants some careful consideration. You need to ask: Can your company can fit a CFO into its staff and be prepared to follow through on the initiatives he or she will be responsible for developing? What should the job description say, and how should the search be conducted? This may not be the ideal economic climate to add a major position to your payroll. But having a CFO can allow you to let someone else worry about — and improve — your financials, while you focus on winning and completing projects.
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Go ahead, sweat the little stuff – 3 things you shouldn’t ignore in today’s tough economy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 694
Abstract: According to the oft-cited self-improvement cliché, we shouldn’t sweat the little stuff in life. But, in the construction business, there’s a lot of seemingly little stuff that you shouldn’t ignore. And, during a recession, it becomes even more important. There are three things, in particular, you shouldn’t overlook while you’re fighting to keep your company competitive in today’s tough economy: indirect costs, receivables and payables, and change orders. This article offers some ideas on how to improve them.
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Futurescope: Construction Business Trends – BIM continues to win hearts, minds and disk space
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: The popularity of building information modeling (BIM) has been growing for some time. BIM is the digitization of the entire construction planning process. A BIM system generates computerized models of the structure to be built that you can view from any angle and at multiple levels of depth. Two of the most prominent benefits are cost cutting and improved procurement. There are other benefits — and challenges. But the use of BIM is growing.
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Midyear tax planning – Putting extended, expanded breaks to work for your construction company
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 969
Abstract: As expected, a new administration and Congress and a bad economy have led to significant tax law changes in 2009. Some extended and expanded breaks could help contractors reduce their tax bills this year; others may provide a much-needed infusion of cash. To maximize your benefit from many of the breaks, you must act soon to start putting them to work for your construction company. This article discusses depreciation-related breaks, the net operating loss deduction, and the Work Opportunity credit. A sidebar discusses infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline due to the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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New rules for bulk mailings
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 326
Abstract: This short article discusses new requirements and procedures stemming from the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. Paying attention to these changes can help nonprofits achieve the most favorable pricing and delivery efficiency when addressing, sorting and bundling bulk mail.
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Interns: To pay or not to pay
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: Before nonprofits search for an intern, they must carefully consider whether they can pay that person — and how much. Decisions made regarding job responsibilities and pay can affect the type of interns an organization attracts, the results it gets and, perhaps most important, whether it’s in compliance with labor laws.
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Policies are at the heart of good governance
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: The new Form 990 opens the door to a whole host of governance questions, including those posed in Part VI: Government, Management and Disclosure. The government doesn’t yet require nonprofits to implement these policies. However, they should consider putting policies in place before it does. This article lists specific target areas of Form 990, and four types of policies with broad applicability: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention and destruction, and chief executive compensation.
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Helping your staff cope with economic uncertainty
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 500
Abstract: Staffers are likely to be as concerned as their organizations’ leaders about the future of their nonprofit, its constituents and their own future employment. Now more than ever, frequent and honest communication is essential. Otherwise, top performers might look for greener pastures or worse, become paralyzed with worry and stop doing their jobs well.
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Desperately seeking sponsors – How to boost support for your annual event
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: Professional organizations’ annual conferences and nonprofits’ annual galas are prime opportunities to raise funds and gain publicity. These events, however, often represent large line items in a nonprofit’s expense column. Sponsors — individuals and companies that help foot the bill through cash or in-kind participation — can take some of the financial pressure off organizations. This article offers a number of tips to help find the right sponsors and ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. A sidebar shows how to boost the visibility of sponsors.
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The 411 on enhanced charitable contribution deductions
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 363
Abstract: Under previous law, the charitable contribution deduction was limited to cost. But, through Dec. 31, 2009, businesses contributing food, computer equipment and books to qualifying organizations can receive a deduction of up to twice the cost or basis of an item, if the value is higher than cost. This offers some companies a great opportunity to reduce their tax burden.
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2 expanded business tax breaks deserve your attention
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: Two valuable tax breaks were expanded earlier this year that can provide many businesses with substantial benefits if they act soon. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) extended the 50% bonus depreciation through 2009, making it more affordable for businesses to invest in asset purchases this year. The act also expanded the net operating loss (NOL) carryback period for smaller businesses with 2008 NOLs, potentially providing them with a much needed cash infusion this year.
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Risk management: How to use ERM to plan for the worst
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) hasn’t saved every company in these difficult times, but it remains the most viable solution to the numerous and varied risks that companies face during this era of financial uncertainty, globalization and technological change. There are some best practices you can follow in building sound, companywide risk protection. They involve assessing risks, developing a plan, and bringing ERM into the company culture.
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Attract and retain top talent – Offering deferred compensation plans can keep ’em happy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: Even in these times, attracting and retaining top executive talent is crucial. An appealing compensation package may be just the ticket, and deferred compensation can be an important part of that package. In considering compensation, companies have two options: qualified deferred compensation (QDC) plans or nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans. Both can benefit your top employees; the major difference between the plans is how they affect your business. In particular, companies must pay attention to Section 409A compliance rules.
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Ready to convert? To a Roth IRA, that is
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Even if converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA isn’t an option for you today, it will be next year. That’s because starting in 2010 the income and marital status restrictions that might otherwise restrict your ability to make that conversion will no longer apply. But it’s not for everyone. This article discusses the pros and cons, while a sidebar looks at the advantage of contributing to a charity directly from your IRA.
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5 low-cost ways to market your practice
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 408
Abstract: In a weak economy, marketing is more important than ever. But your law firm also may be concerned about spending in this area. This brief article reviews five low-cost — but effective — ways to market your firm.