Financial Fitness in Today’s World

By Krysten Hambrook

A common misconception is that an association’s financial position can be assessed by simply looking at a bank statement or perusing an annual financial statement. While these and other cursory reviews can provide a small snapshot of an association’s financial fitness, they by no means provide the big picture. The need for the board of…

How to Become a Business Development Superstar

By Krysten Hambrook

Share Whatever your business and however you see your role in your business, success often depends on your relationship-building skills, especially those that lead to new business opportunities. Let’s look at what you need to learn, practice, say and do to help you improve those relationship skills. Understand Your Customers Long-term success in any industry…

Managing Foreign Currency Risk

By Krysten Hambrook

Companies of all sizes are increasingly conducting business in a variety of currencies as they look for growth in new markets and procure more goods and services internationally. Businesses are affected by exchange rate movements in relation to overseas suppliers, customers and indirectly, their competitors. Exchange rate fluctuations could result in significant foreign currency risk…

Active Shooter Preparedness: Protecting Your Employees and Guests

By Krysten Hambrook

An active shooter event is one that no organization ever hopes to experience. Unfortunately, active shooter preparation for teams and creating a response plan are becoming an essential emergency response practice for all organizations. These situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, and most are over within 10-15 minutes, often before law enforcement can even arrive…

New No-Action Letter Giving Broker-Dealers Relief on Lease Liabilities

By Krysten Hambrook

Share In October 2018, the SEC issued another no-action letter and withdrew the original letter they released in November 2016. The new letter reiterates the previous one; however, it removes the requirement that a broker-dealer deduct from net capital the excess of a lease liability over a lease asset. Lease Liabilities Background In February 2016,…

Tips and Considerations to Lower Real Estate Taxes in New York City

By Krysten Hambrook

Property tax bills significantly affect property owners and landlords and often represent one of the largest expenses for commercial real estate owners. Furthermore, real estate taxes may be a major factor in leasing negotiations since they can be passed to commercial tenants as part of escalation calculations. Therefore, it is essential to consider potential ways…

Substantial Improvements to Opportunity Zones

By Krysten Hambrook

The Qualified Opportunity Zone program was passed into law last December as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Qualified Opportunity Zones (QO Zones) are federally-recognized areas chosen by local governments that provide investors with favorable tax incentives. QO Zones are made up of low-income census tracts and they cover roughly 10% of the…

Introduction to Technology for the Emerging Contractor

By Krysten Hambrook

Share In order to compete in today’s business environment, the small tomid-size contractor can no longer rely on the technology of 20 years ago. Failure to identify and upgrade outdated technology could ultimately cost your company a low bid on a competitive project or a lucrative credit on your tax return. While most people agree…

Jobsite Meals – How Much Can I Deduct?

By Krysten Hambrook

Share The implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has brought about stricter guidelines for the deductibility of jobsite meals and entertainment expenses. With the revisions to Section 274 there have been some misconceptions regarding how to apply the new rules and the opportunities that remain. To better understand the changes that have…