Good news! On December 20th, the Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 867 into law, reducing Illinois' excessive limited liability company's (LLCs) filing and maintenance fees. This law went into effect immediately upon signing, i.e. December 20, 2017. Although Illinois has a long way to go to make this state attractive for small businesses [...]
The holidays are quickly approaching and many of you will have a chance to see your parents and, for some of you, your grandparents. This would be an excellent opportunity to discuss your parents’ future and estate planning needs among the loved ones. Yet, discussing the retirement plans and estate planning needs with your [...]
Every small business owner is faced with various business risks, whether related to an injury, theft, damage to property, employee discrimination claims, or liability suits. As much as you plan for success, as a business owner, you must have these risks on your radar. You should be prepared if and when they materialize. What [...]
Hedge funds have been around for decades, but recently they have seen a sharp increase in popularity. This popularity is due, in part, to the Wall Street’s focus on the investors’ short-term benefits (or “short-termism”) and the lack of oversight over the hedge fund industry. Now, the question is whether the newly proposed Brokaw [...]
The past few years have seen an increase in small to middle-sized business sales. The economic forecast suggests that this trend will continue. If you are considering a business sale, it’s vital to understand the selling process and prepare your business for the contemplated sale well before you try to put your business on the [...]
It’s getting to be that time of year again….kids are back in school, days are cooler and shorter and colds, flus and viruses rear their ugly heads. Along with feeling terrible, come doctor’s visits, medications, missed work days and sometimes hospitalization making paid sick leave is essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports [...]
In June 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released the enforcement guidance regarding pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. The new rules cover current, past, and even potential or intended pregnancies. More than 4 million American women become pregnant each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s vital to review [...]
Everyday companies form and business partners come together with the best of intentions and hopes. Often things begin smoothly but trouble rears its ugly head down the road. If you have formed a company and have a business partner, it’s devastating to find your trusted partner stealing from you. If you find yourself in this [...]
The global business market has seen an increase in M&A deals in recent years. According to the Mergers and Acquisitions Condition Index, in July 2016 middle market business sale and business acquisition deals increased for the second consecutive month. Another noted trend is a decrease in deal closures - often the result of lack of [...]
The US Department of Labor (DOL) announced new overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Many workers who before were exempt from such overtime regulations will now become eligible to have their overtime pay. Under the new regulations, any worker making $47,476 or less must be paid overtime for hours worked in excess [...]
