2014
Showing 657–672 of 740 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – What’s a smart building?
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” takes a look at “smart buildings,” which have sensors that gather and track information about the structure’s usage and performance. With this data, owners can better regulate the building’s energy consumption and, ultimately, save money. But this trend isn’t limited to new construction; it’s also in renovations and rehabs. Going forward, this trend will be particularly important for companies that work on design-build projects, where complex technologies are often factored into building plans upfront.
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Planting the seeds of tomorrow’s skilled workforce
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 558
Abstract: Last fall, the Associated General Contractors of America released the results of an industry study in which 74% of respondents reported having difficulty locating qualified “craft” workers such as carpenters, equipment operators and technicians. This article notes ways to steer young people toward a construction career, such as supporting or participating in job fairs, mentorships, or even a construction learning academy. It also mentions the recent launch of an online social network specifically designed for skilled construction labor.
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Bonding outlook: A familiar scene in 2014
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: Generally, when it comes to bonding, contractors should anticipate a pretty familiar scene in 2014. Sureties will likely continue to see the positives in the construction industry along with the negatives. As always, though, startup construction companies could have a tougher time. This article discusses ways to increase working capital and maintain a strong relationship with a dependable surety.
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Get some answers – Final IRS regulations address capitalization vs. expensing
Winter 2014
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 904
Abstract: This past fall, the IRS released its long-awaited final regulations on the tax treatment of expenditures related to tangible property. So contractors and other business owners finally have some answers to the “deduct or capitalize” quandary. This article discusses a couple of safe harbors to the capitalization requirement; the tests that are used to determine whether an expense should be capitalized; and replacement of the former ceiling on expensed amounts with a new safe harbor determined at the invoice or item level. A sidebar looks at key changes to rules covering materials and supplies.
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Giving USA survey – Donations are up but funding challenges remain
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: Every year, the Giving USA Foundation, in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, surveys nonprofits to gauge the health of charitable giving. The most recent Giving USA report is cautiously optimistic, showing modestly higher giving levels. This article looks at some of the numbers and offers suggestions for increasing donations.
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Unbudgeted expenses? Operating reserves can help
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: Even the best-laid plans can go awry. A major grant an organization counted on could fall through or its facilities might require emergency repairs. And, as many nonprofits have learned in recent years, even slightly lower-than-anticipated donations can make meeting obligations difficult. This article discusses how to increase and manage cash reserves to help cushion the blow of unbudgeted expenses, while also noting the dangers of having too much in reserve.
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Partnership power – Cause marketing can boost your charity’s profile
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: One source of support many charities may not have seriously considered is a corporate partnership known as cause marketing. Although corporations and nonprofits have been teaming up for mutual benefit for decades, cause marketing is gaining new popularity in the Internet age. This article looks at different forms of cause marketing, such as transactional giving, message promotion, and licensing.
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Setting executive compensation – How to attract the best without attracting criticism
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 857
Abstract: Nonprofits need to offer enticing executive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. But the IRS can impose excise taxes if it considers a nonprofit executive’s compensation “excessive.” At the same time, nonprofits must provide adequate incentives to ensure executives are accountable for achieving organizational goals. This article examines how to attract the best candidates without overpaying them or running afoul of the IRS or watchdog groups. A sidebar offers ways besides cash to compensate staff.
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Use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Federal law requires employers to hire only U.S. citizens or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization to work in the United States. Employers normally verify employment status with Form I-9, “Employment Eligibility Verification.” But how does a company know a new employee isn’t lying or providing counterfeit documents? This article discusses the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, which helps employers validate whether employees are truly eligible to work in the United States.
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Are your information systems secure?
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: Cyber attacks are estimated to cost U.S. businesses as much as $250 billion per year, according to one estimate. Manufacturers and distributors rely heavily on electronic data systems — for example, to transfer freight manifests, track inventory with RFID tags and dispatch load routes — so they can’t afford to be unprepared for computer security breaches. This article discusses several ways to beef up information technology security.
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Playing “tag” – Tracking technologies can improve inventory management
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: Before investing thousands of dollars in converting to RFID tags and readers, distributors should consider whether bar coding — or a combination of these two options — is the optimal choice for their company. Bar codes are generally less expensive, but RFID offers a host of additional benefits. This article discusses how the two technologies work and the considerations that should be addressed in deciding which technology to adopt.
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Health care reform: What employers can expect in 2014
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 863
Abstract: The launch of health care marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is just one of the many important developments that go into effect during the next year. New tax credits, recordkeeping requirements and waiting periods all require tax planning and diligence for manufacturers that already offer — or are planning to offer — health insurance policies to their employees. This article discusses options for small businesses in regard to public marketplaces, along with the option of private marketplaces for larger businesses. A sidebar discusses the ACA’s large-employer health insurance mandate, to begin in 2015.
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Newsbits – Court says donor is entitled to return of restricted gift
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: In this issue, “Newsbits” discusses a court case that resulted in a nonprofit being forced to return a restricted gift that it had used for another purpose. We look at how the concept of kaizen, or continuous improvement, has been applied to the operations of a food bank. And we note a study showing that asset, gift and grant amounts for community foundations have reached new heights.
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Keeping an eye on UBI – Understand unrelated business income and how to avoid excess amounts
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 711
Abstract: If an activity conducted by a nonprofit is a trade or business carried on regularly, and not substantially related to furthering its exempt purpose, the income generated is considered unrelated business income (UBI). And accumulating too much can subject the nonprofit to taxes — and even threaten its tax-exempt status. This article explains what kinds of activities do and do not generate UBI.
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Make the most of peer-to-peer fundraising
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Peer-to-peer fundraising events — for example, walks and runs — have become one of the most common ways for nonprofits to raise money. This article offers tips for maximizing and safeguarding those funds. It observes that one of the most effective ways to encourage fundraising by participants is to set goals, and notes the importance of implementing appropriate financial controls from the outset.
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Tips for communicating financial information to the board
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 819
Abstract: While board members typically bring a variety of talents and expertise to the table, they don’t always have extensive experience in financial and accounting matters. But they can’t properly perform their functions if they don’t obtain and understand information about the organization’s financial position. This article explains how to best communicate the essential financial information board members need. It looks at the specific kinds of information they should receive and how it can be presented in a user-friendly format. A sidebar notes that a dashboard — a one- or two-page snapshot of key metrics — may be especially useful in some instances.