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  • Contractor’s Toolbox – Don’t wait! Time’s running out on certain tax breaks

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 591

    Abstract: In the wake of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), contractors stand to benefit from not only spending initiatives for infrastructure and other construction projects, but also several tax incentives. These include a temporary extension of the 50% bonus depreciation and the enhanced Section 179 expensing election. Contractors planning any asset expenditures should take an immediate look at these incentives, but also keep in mind the bonding and banking effect of any major asset acquisition, so that liquidity and leverage ratios don’t suffer.

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  • What’s so captivating about captive insurance?

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 720

    Abstract: Captive insurance is a type of self-insurance that can help all types of businesses reduce costs. But is it right for every construction company? Maybe, maybe not. It can depend on the size of a company, the kinds of insurance covered, the location of a captive and the tax consequences of that location. But, if the conditions are right, there are specific benefits that a captive can offer a construction firm.

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  • Know your financial pulse: It could save your company’s life

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 934

    Abstract: Just as a wise patient undergoes regular medical checkups, a construction company should have regular financial checkups. Doing so will help it stay in compliance with loan covenants and maintain its bonding capacity. There are numerous ratios and other metrics that can be used, but it’s important for a contractor to select a manageable number of indicators that makes sense for the company and measure its performance in various areas. Four especially important kinds of ratios involve profitability, liquidity, leverage and efficiency; this article gives examples of each kind. A sidebar discusses the importance of negotiating loan covenants with lenders in this constricted lending environment.

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  • The $65,000 question — Will your practice get all it can from Medicare/Medicaid incentives?

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1252

    Abstract: The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) has significantly increased the potential return physicians may receive from either Medicare or Medicaid, depending on their payor mix. But to get the most from this opportunity, practice leaders will need to stay on top of the details. This article discusses participation criteria, along with details concerning Medicare incentives, HIPAA privacy rules, and penalties on physicians who don’t meet the “meaningful user” criteria. Medicare and Medicaid payment schedules for the coming years are provided.

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  • 8 key elements to an effective EHR system action plan

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1039

    Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also known as the stimulus bill) includes a section known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) that devotes $17 billion to the implementation of electronic health records (EHR). The good news is that funding for implementation is finally available to physicians and health systems. The bad news is that the funding is the easy part — the hard part is the implementation of an EHR system. An outline of eight key elements points the way.

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  • Marketing your practice in a difficult economy

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Vital Signs

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 769

    Abstract: No matter what changes come to the medical profession, a basic reality is that all medical practices will need patients to exist. Great opportunities exist in this time of change. Marketing your practice is a crucial way of keeping up your patient base. It doesn’t always have to cost money, but it does require energy and focus. This article offers tips involving networking, getting your name into the marketplace, and maintaining high standards of service.

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  • What’s the valuation Rx for unhealthy companies?

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 435

    Abstract: The recession has taken its toll on many companies. Factors driving companies to the brink of bankruptcy include weak demand, scaled-back corporate budgets and rising commodity prices. This brief article discusses the warning signs of trouble, including late or missing financial records; deferred maintenance, repair and equipment updates; and sales of fixed assets to generate cash. It then points out how valuators can work with management to help distressed companies accurately project value in light of turnaround plans as well as determine liquidation value if needed.

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  • Identify a qualified appraiser with these questions

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 782

    Abstract: This article offers advice to help attorneys identify qualified valuation experts and facilitate questioning in deposition and at trial. It lists several points that can help determine whether an appraiser is qualified, including years of experience, percentage of time spent valuing businesses and professional business valuation credentials. The article suggests that obtaining clarification up front can help attorneys get the most from a valuator’s expertise and avoid costly mistakes.

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  • For what it’s worth — The issue of owners’ compensation

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1027

    Abstract: One of the biggest expenses for private businesses is owners’ compensation. Value often is based on comparisons between a subject company and guideline companies. If owners are overcompensated compared with similar businesses, the subject company will be undervalued on a controlling basis — and vice versa — unless the valuator adjusts the company’s income stream. This article discusses the issues involved with owners’ compensation, including executive compensation in divorce cases, tax issues, the company’s industry and the general economy.

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  • Electronic discovery: Federal Rules meet the 21st century

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1087

    Abstract: Most businesses create and retain information in some type of electronic format, which may include e-mails, spreadsheets, voice mails and accounting records. And all of this electronically stored information (ESI) could be relevant in a lawsuit. The federal judiciary’s Civil Rules Advisory Committee recently amended the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP). The new rules, which took effect in December 2006 and govern ESI, provide litigants with a cost-effective, timely way to share data. This article looks at how valuation experts can help attorneys address such issues as potential sources of electronic data, control concerns, preferred formats for electronic documents, and ESI preservation and authentication. A sidebar outlines an 11-point checklist for authenticating electronic records.

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  • Are your business customers looking to switch banks?

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 449

    Abstract: A recent survey revealed that nearly half of small and middle-market companies in the U.S. are “actively seeking a new bank or would consider changing banks if presented with a compelling offer.” The main reasons companies want to switch banks are “lack of demonstrated commitment to the business,” “poor communication” and “uncertainty regarding financial health.” But many banks should be able to reverse the trend and hold onto customers by improving communications, making credit decisions on a case-by-case basis, showing more appreciation for long-term customers and providing greater transparency for their own financial condition.

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  • Dealing with troubled loans

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1115

    Abstract: For the first time in years, banks face significant numbers of troubled loans. As you review your loan portfolio and make decisions about how to handle troubled borrowers, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with “troubled debt restructurings” (TDRs), which can affect your financial statements. This article discusses the red flags of a troubled loan, the difference between TDRs and other restructurings, and the accounting implications of TDRs. A sidebar offers an example of a TDR.

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  • Avoiding “capital” punishment – Maintain adequate capital in today’s economy

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 775

    Abstract: The current financial crisis has most banks focusing on liquidity issues and credit risk. But neither can you afford to neglect capital adequacy. Without adequate capital, it’s difficult for banks to make new loans and engage in other activities that drive future growth. There are two basic approaches banks can use to address capital deficiencies. One is to raise new capital. The other is to eliminate risk. Your risk assessment should consider six major risk areas outlined by the Federal Reserve’s banking risk framework.

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  • Leverage online banking to generate deposit growth

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 674

    Abstract: As a byproduct of the current financial downturn, more people are keeping their money in savings accounts and other investments they consider “safe.” This presents an opportunity for financially sound banks to attract new deposits. And one way to spur deposit growth is to take advantage of the Internet and other technologies that encourage people to save and make it easier for them to make deposits with your bank. But online banking also can increase your bank’s exposure to fraud, identity theft, money laundering and other risks. This article lists potential online services, along with risks to guard against.

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  • What makes you special? Finding a USP that differentiates your dealership

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 374

    Abstract: Competing on price alone is a tough way to survive – it requires significant sales volume to turn a profit. In today’s economy, successful dealerships differentiate themselves with a unique selling proposition (USP). A USP is a focused message that promises something unique that others can’t (or don’t) provide. When choosing a USP, you should consider your strengths, your competitors’ weaknesses and, perhaps most important, who your best customers are and what they want.

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  • Buying while the buying is good

    Summer 2009
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 637

    Abstract: In this downturned economy, many dealerships in sound condition are wondering if this is a good time to expand by taking over dealerships that are for sale. But this is a decision that should be weighed with the utmost care. It will be necessary to size up one’s own financial health, calculate the risks, and look at the strengths and weaknesses of the prospective workforce.

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