Teleseminar Archive
Listen to our growing collection of seminar topics from leading construction authorities
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Critical Insurance Issues For Construction Companies
Construction projects present numerous insurance challenges. It is not uncommon for there to be multiple policies insuring the same risk. A whole host of issues can come into play with each insured and insurer alike seeking to avoid being stuck with substantial liability. Determination of priority among policies often depends upon the language of the insurance policies at issue, the construction contracts involved and the law of the jurisdiction which governs the loss.
This complimentary webinar will explore current issues and court decisions regarding general commercial, builders’ risk and EPLI policies.
Webinar Recording
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Litigation Avoidance: Managing Risks to Reduce Costs
Description: Minimizing potential risks and avoiding litigation are important goals for any business or business owner. Companies that meet these goals consistently can set themselves apart and achieve a competitive advantage in a down-market.
Learning Objectives: Learn strategies to manage risks and avoid costly litigation; Learn the best approach to preventing disputes through effective communication and well-documented policies and procedures; and finally; Learn the steps to take should a dispute arise.
Who Should Participate:Owners, general managers and relationship developers in the construction industry.
Webinar Recording
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Green Building: How to Get Your Share of Federal Spending
Description: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated $25 billion to green building related projects. All new construction coming out of the federal government will be "green" in some way, shape or form. This webinar will provide an overview of green building and help construction professionals position their organizations to capitalize on the opportunity.
Learning Objectives:Learn where Federal dollars will be going; Learn what regulations will drive spending; and Learn the green building basics, including risks.
Who Should Participate: Owners, general managers and relationship developers in the construction industry.
Webinar Recording
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Bid Rigging, Bid Protests and other Government Regulations Impacting the Construction Industry
Description: As a result of the economic stimulus package, bid protests and investigations of bid rigging and fraud in government contracts are increasing. The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division has identified the detection, prosecution, and deterrence of cartel offenses, including bid rigging, as one if its highest priorities. Investigations at the state level are increasing as well. Allegations of bid rigging have significant consequences for any company. At a minimum, the company may be faced with a lengthy and costly investigation that can lead to criminal convictions, fines, and jail sentences. Criminal investigations often are followed by even longer and costlier civil investigations and litigation, which can be costly to resolve in terms of penalties, damages, treble damages, and legal costs. Anti-competitive activity also can damage the company’s public image and lead to debarment from government contracting.
Further, it is inevitable that unsuccessful bidders will believe that their bids should have been accepted. While there are remedies available for disappointed bidders, the law requires prompt action if protests are to be considered.
Learning Objectives: Learn what constitutes bid rigging and what actions are likely to result in a bid protest; Learn how to protect your business and avoid costly investigations while participating in the government contracting process; and Learn when and how to protest if you believe your bid should have been accepted over that of another bidder.
Who Should Participate: Owners, general managers and relationship developers in the construction industry.
Webinar Recording
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Crisis Management – Lessons Learned from 2009
Description: The economic tumult of 2009 resulted in a fundamental change in the relationship between organizations and their key suppliers and customers. Adjusting terms and implementing procedures to allow relationships, that in the past might have been terminated, to continue is the norm. This webinar will provide a brief recap of 2009 and a forecast of the first quarter of 2010. The panel will outline various strategies for structuring relationships in an uncertain economy, focusing on the steps you should take to protect your businesses should a key customer, supplier or vendor experience financial difficulty.
Learning Objectives: Learn how to identify red flags in vendor customer relationships; Learn how to distinguish between partnerships that you should cultivate and partnerships that you should avoid; and Learn how structure your business to protect your interests and assets.
Who Should Participate: Owners, general managers and relationship developers in the construction industry.
Webinar Recording
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cultivating Relationships That Drive Your Bottom Line
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to identify and target opportunities that promise the best yields;
Learn how to convert opportunities to action; and
Learn how to distinguish between partnerships that you should cultivate and partnerships that you should avoid.
Who Should Participate?
Owners, general managers and relationship developers in the construction industry.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Dave Seitter,
Dave Seitter is a partner at Spencer Fane and head of the Firm's Construction and Manufacturing Practice Group. Dave is a recognized leader in the emerging government contracting segment.
Breandan Filbert, Managing Partner, Salezworks
Breandan Filbert, Managing Partner, Salzeworks has always had a passion for entrepreneurship. With her own experience she began her sales career at the age of 9 with the sale of her pony. As a coach she has worked with top selling professionals in many industries. Breandan works with sales people who are sick and tired of wasting their time with endless cold calls, frustrated by sounding just like every body else and ready to stand out from the crowd. Her passion is helping sales professionals learn to find great prospects they love to work with and achieve their financial goals and personal dreams.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Is Now the Time to Sell My Business?
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Given the projected income tax increases, the sunset on estate tax and capital gains and the potential for a surtax to fund healthcare reform, not may be the optimal time to sell your business.
Join David Seitter, Jeff Crooks, and Doug Hubler as they walk through the decision making process and the mechanics of a sale with an eye towards maximizing and retaining value for the owner.
Who Should Participate?
Owners, general managers and financial officers of "Main Street" businesses including franchised and non-franchised restaurants, retail stores, professional service firms, small manufacturers, construction companies and a broad array of other small, privately-held businesses.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Dave Seitter,
Dave Seitter is a partner at Spencer Fane and head of the Firm's Construction and Manufacturing Practice Group. Dave is a recognized leader in the emerging government contracting segment.
Jeff Crooks, Senior Partner
Jeff Crooks, is a Senior Partner who joined the Overland Park Sunbelt Team in 1999 with more than 20 years of sales experience. He works primarily with small, privately held business owners with sales from 2-200MM gross revenue in a broad range of industries. Service companies, manufacturing, aerospace, medical and distribution companies are areas of his specific interest.
Doug Hubler, President
Doug Hubler, President, Sunbelt Business Advisors, is an experienced operations and sales executive in the finance and merger and acquistions industry. Doug is primarily involved with business owners and officers that need assistance developing and/or implementing an exit strategy, and bringing qualified Investors/buyers to complete a transaction.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Accessing Government Contracting: From Opportunity to Action Webinar
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has created unprecedented opportunities for contractors in all industries. However, due to the changing landscape, it is more important than ever that contractors - whether experienced in Federal work or looking to move into the this market - are aware of the ramifications of the Federal Stimulus Bill on the Federal contracting process. This webinar will provide an overview of the existing process, 1st quarter results and successes and tactical steps for capitalizing on the opportunity.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Dave Seitter,
Dave Seitter is a partner at Spencer Fane and head of the Firm's Construction and Manufacturing Practice Group. Dave is a recognized leader in the emerging government contracting segment.
Dr. Chris Kuehl, Director
Dr. Chris Kuehl is the Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence, a company created in 1999 to provide strategy foundation, competitive intelligence, business analysis and economic forecasting for corporate clients.
Monday, June 01, 2009
An In-House Counsel’s Strategic Viewpoint on Managing Risk and Building Business in Tough Economic Times
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
It's not business as usual. The economic environment is forcing us to look at different strategies to run our businesses. As margins shrink, it's increasingly difficult to manage the risk of new projects.
In this teleseminar, Danielle Curtiss, Corporate Counsel for GH Phillips Construction Company in Denver Colorado, will discuss her experience in dealing with:
• Growth strategies. The internal viewpoint and practical knowledge regarding what companies are doing to capitalize on government contracting opportunities, including the opportunities and pit falls surrounding small business set-asides. She will also discuss some issues she's encountered related to projects involving stimulus dollars that are supporting traditional markets.
• Risk management is increasingly difficult as budgets tighten. Danielle will share her concerns given the current economic times and discuss some strategies her company is using to reduce risk by managing insurance requirements, contract terms, project management, and claims.
Joining Danielle will be SFBB Partner, David Seitter. Dave is an experienced construction attorney, who has handled mechanics' liens, bond claims, construction litigation, business succession planning and mergers & acquisitions. Dave is uniquely connected to the people who make things happen in construction in the Midwest region.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Danielle Curtiss,
Danielle's primary responsibilities for the company are contract review/negotiation and risk management, but she also handles other legal issues that arise, such as: assisting with the Mentor Protege relationship with an 8(a) contractor, development of a plan for meeting the legal requirements of entering other states, and making sure they are compliant with Federal government regulations related to Federal work and stimulus projects.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Managing Your Construction Company in Uncertain Political and Economic Times
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
There are many issues facing the construction industry today. With a new administration and during this economic downtown, construction companies are challenged to think of new and more innovative ways to solicit construction projects and gain opportunities to sustain and grow their businesses. David Allison and Dave Seitter will provide insight that can assist companies in growing their construction business, and navigate through the complexities of construction regulations.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
David Allison, CPA, CCIFP,
David Allison is a shareholder in the national CPA practice of Mayer Hoffman McCann, PC. Mr. Allison, located in the Leawood, KS office, has more than 25 years experience in public accounting, providing a variety of attest, tax and consulting services for small and large contractors. He speaks on numerous topics including finance, taxation and construction financial management fundamentals.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Vapor Intrusion: New Challenges and Solutions
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
As concerns about vapor intrusion have evolved over time, so too have the challenges associated with vapor intrusion assessment and mitigation. Whether you are a current or prospective landowner, lender, insurance company, or otherwise an interested stakeholder, understanding how to deal with these challenges and knowing how to navigate around them is key to successful development of properties with potential or actual vapor intrusion impacts.
Tapping into the resources of several of the nation's premier vapor intrusion experts, Mr. Anthony J. Buonicore, Chairman and CEO of the Buonicore Group, and Mr. David J. Folkes, EnviroGroup Limited, this one-hour Teleseminar will focus directly on two of the most challenging vapor intrusion issues:
- screening and evaluation of properties under the new ASTM standard (E 2600-08); and
- evaluating alternative mitigation techniques and reviewing new mitigation developments to determine appropriate corrective action.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Anthony J. Buonicore, Chairman and CEO of the Buonicore Group
Anthony Buonicore is a past president and Fellow Member of the Air & Waste Management Association, and is the Chairman and CEO of the Buonicore Group, a real estate and environmental risk management consulting company. Mr. Buonicore is also a Diplomate in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, a Qualified Environmental Professional and a licensed professional engineer. He is a member of the ASTM E 50.02 Property Environmental Due Diligence committee, former chairman of its ASTM Phase I/Transaction Screen Task Group, and currently chairs the ASTM Task Group that developed the U.S. standard for vapor intrusion assessment in real estate transactions. Mr. Buonicore holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in chemical engineering from Manhattan College.
Dave Folkes, President of EnviroGroup Limited
Dave Folkes is the President of EnviroGroup Limited, based in Centennial, Colorado, and was co-chair of one the sub-committees that helped develop the new ASTM standard for evaluating vapor intrusion during real estate transactions, published in March 2008. He conducts classroom training on vapor intrusion for the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC), and helped develop the ITRC guidance on vapor intrusion in 2007. Dave has worked on over 60 vapor intrusion sites across the US and overseas over the past 10 years, including management of one of the largest vapor intrusion sites in the country. He has overseen the testing and mitigation of hundreds of buildings, including commercial and industrial sites involved in real estate transactions, and has served as an expert witness on several vapor intrusion lawsuits.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tight Credit Markets Require Businesses to Consider Alternative Funding Options
In today's economy, it is even more important to know ALL your funding options. If you are a business that invoices or bills progress payments - you can accelerate your cash flow through the use of factoring. Factoring has grown from a $95 billion industry in 2000 to $135.5 billion in 2007, although it is still relatively unknown to many business owners. Join us to learn more about factoring! See if it can be a viable option to increasing your cash flow and enabling your business to thrive during these challenging times.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Jeff Kocen,
Mr. Kocen has 30 years of financial services experience achieving success in commercial leading business units at JP Morgan, American Century and GE Capital prior to establishing The Interface Financial Group business in Overland Park, Kansas. The Interface Financial Group (IFG) is North America’s largest alternative funding source for business, providing short-term financial resources including spot factoring (invoice discounting) to help businesses grow.
Kim Deveney,
Ms. Deveney has a background in accounting and finance. She earned her BS in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration. She has a passion for working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. American Funding Solutions is a Kansas City based factoring company specializing in providing working capital to growing businesses. She enjoys working with local businesses and provides factoring services to clients nationwide.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Government Contracting Opportunities in a Down Economy
The dramatic change in the economy has prompted all of us to search for ways to generate new business opportunities. This teleseminar discusses how you can effectively reach out and obtain valuable government contracts through entry points not typically pursued by local businesses.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Tom Mason,
Mr. Mason is chair of the Government Contracts Law Group for Williams Mullen in Washington DC. He concentrates his practice on all aspects of government contracts law and litigation, including grants, co-operative agreements, the management of major government systems and programs, and the resolution of related claims and disputes. Most importantly, Mr. Mason is an expert on how to effectively reach out and obtain valuable government contracts by entry portals not typically pursued by local business.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Managing Benefits Risks in a Tough Economy
Economic downturns and stock market turbulence present unique challenges for all employers who sponsor benefit plans. Employment actions and other cost saving measures can have significant financial consequences for retirement and health plans such as increases in COBRA liability, potential fiduciary exposure for retirement plan investment decisions, and the need for increased employee communication.
Julia and Greg will provide employers with information regarding their legal obligations as benefit plan sponsors -and help prepare you to answer some tough questions you should expect from your employees. We will offer suggestions to help you manage your fiduciary risks and maximize the value of your benefit programs. The presentation will include recent changes in the law that may require employer action before the end of 2008, as well as practical tips for ensuring that you do not make a mistake when deciding what benefits to offer - or what benefits to cut.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Greg Ash, Partner
Greg is a partner in Spencer Fane’s Overland Park office, where he is a member of the firm’s Employee Benefits Group and Chair of its ERISA Litigation Group. For more than 15 years Greg’s practice has focused exclusively on ERISA and other laws governing employee benefits, including matters affecting pension, profit sharing, ESOP, 401(k), executive compensation, and welfare plans.
Julia Vander Weele, Partner
Julia is a partner with Spencer Fane and practices in the firm's Employee Benefits Group. She is also a member of the ERISA Litigation Group. Prior to joining Spencer Fane, Julia worked as in-house counsel for Fortis Benefits Insurance Company, where she managed ERISA litigation and advised senior management on other ERISA issues related to group disability, life, and dental products.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Labor Law Revolution: Preparing for the EFCA and the Unionization of Your Business
Senator Obama has described The Employee Free Choice Act as his "number one legislative priority" if he is elected President. If passed, the EFCA will make it EASY for unions to organize companies. The new law would also require newly organized companies to agree to a union contract within just ninety days after being organized, or face the potential that an arbitrator will set mandatory wages, benefits, and working conditions that both the company and the union would be obligated to honor for two years. This teleseminar will provide an overview of the EFCA's major provisions, and a discussion about the strategies employers may want to adopt to deal with the EFCA's sweeping changes to U.S. labor law!
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Jeff Place, Partner
Jeff practices labor and employment law exclusively on behalf of management, with an emphasis on traditional labor relations and employment litigation. He handles collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, counter-union campaigns, and matters before the National Labor Relations Board and other federal and state agencies, in addition to litigating state and federal employment discrimination and wrongful discharge cases for companies of all sizes.
Dave Wing, Partner
Dave is a partner in Spencer Fane Britt & Browne's Labor and Employment law group. Dave represents management in connection with a wide variety of labor and employment issues including union campaigns and elections, unfair labor practice proceedings, discrimination claims and litigation, and consultations to improve employment practices and reduce litigation risks.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Prevailing Wage Compliance Issues
This important topic will provide an overview of prevailing wage compliance issues on large, complex projects and conflicts between wage determinations, and CBA’s and record-keeping issues. The discussion will address full credit for payments made to or on behalf of workers and proper calculations. The two presenters are knowledgeable regarding new developments in city/county enforcement and Attorney General enforcement of misclassification claims under new legislation.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Mike Delaney, Partner
Mike Delaney practices with Spencer Fane's Labor and Employment Law Group and serves as practice group leader. His practice includes representation of management in traditional labor relations matters as well as employment litigation and human resources counseling.
Colleen White,
Colleen White is recognized nationally as a leading expert in labor law compliance and addressing workplace issues. She served for more than 12 years as Director of the State of Missouri’s Division of Labor Standards. She wrote and implemented the first prevailing wage compliance programs for Kansas City, Missouri, and Jackson County. Colleen currently serves as the Prevailing Wage Coordinator on the Truman Sports Complex Renovation Project.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Year-End Tax Planning for Contractors in Uncertain Times
This timely presentation will discuss several recent IRS tax positions favorable to contractors. Informed presenters will focus on anticipated capital gains and income tax rate increases for constructions business owners. In addition, discussions will include the impact on surety bonding, banking capacity and return-oninvestment to shareholders which could be severely impacted.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
David Allison, CPA, CCIFP,
David Allison is a shareholder in the national CPA practice of Mayer Hoffman McCann, PC. Mr. Allison, located in the Leawood, KS office, has more than 25 years experience in public accounting, providing a variety of attest, tax and consulting services for small and large contractors. He speaks on numerous topics including finance, taxation and construction financial management fundamentals.
John Armour, CPA, CCIFP,
John Armour is a shareholder in the national CPA practice of Mayer Hoffman McCann, PC. Mr. Armour is the leader of the West Region Construction Industry Group located in Colorado. He serves in a leadership role in professional organizations dedicated to the construction industry. Mr Armour is knowledgeable in working with commercial construction companies, home builders, manufacturers and real estate companies.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Risk Management, Liability & Indemnification for the Construction Industry
This informative presentation by a nationally acclaimed expert will address contracts, insurance policies and a myriad of issues that affect construction and environmental managers. You can't afford to miss this important presentation designed for project owners, design professionals and construction contractors involved with contract negotiations, claim resolutions, disputes and litigation.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
J. Kent Holland,
Kent Holland is founder and president of the consulting firm Construction Risk, LLC, providing consulting services on construction projects - including assistance with contract drafting, review and negotiation; change order and claims analysis (preparation or defense). His advice on risk management concerning insurance coverage – including assistance with negotiating and drafting the terms and conditions of policies and endorsements, advice to insurance underwriters; guidance to those procuring insurance; change order and claim preparation, analysis and defense contract preparation, contract review and contract negotiation is recognized throughout the industry. Mr. Holland is publisher of ConstructionRisk.com Report and is a construction lawyer.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Missouri Immigration and Employment Issues
This interactive teleseminar will review newly enacted rules applicable to Missouri employers, specifically as they apply to contractors on state-funded projects and state-imposed OSHA training requirements. New Missouri highway patrol obligations for enforcing federal immigration laws will also be discussed.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Dave Wing, Partner
Dave is a partner in Spencer Fane Britt & Browne's Labor and Employment law group. Dave represents management in connection with a wide variety of labor and employment issues including union campaigns and elections, unfair labor practice proceedings, discrimination claims and litigation, and consultations to improve employment practices and reduce litigation risks.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Construction from a Developers Perspective
This interactive teleseminar will take a look at the most up-to-date issues impacting companies involved in construction and business development. This Q&A session will offer solutions to the complexities of expanding your business and ways to avoid costly litigation.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Don Tuttle,
Don Tuttle, Senior Project Manager for Jones Development Company, administers many of the key functions of the company including management of all construction projects, cost estimation and contract negotiations. With more than 15 years in construction management and commercial real estate, Don provides significant insight into each of the company’s projects. He has been directly involved in projects spanning over 4,000,000 sq. ft. and exceeding $100,000,000.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Litigation Update - Forecasting for Construction and Business Development
This interactive teleseminar will take a look at the most up-to-date issues impacting companies involved in construction and business development. This Q&A session will offer solutions to the complexities of expanding your business and ways to avoid costly litigation.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Doug Weems, Partner
Doug is a partner in Spencer Fane’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. He has been involved in a wide variety of business litigation matters, including contract, construction, real estate, employee benefits, bankruptcy disputes and litigation. Doug has handled a number of mechanics' lien matters including two reported appellate decisions.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
FMLA Expansion Is Now a Reality: First Major Expansion of the FMLA Becomes Law
Compliance with the FMLA frustrates employers more than any other employment law. Employers, the courts, and DOL have now had 15 years of experience with this law. Where exactly are we at and in what direction are we heading? This session will focus on the FMLA regulations (including DOL's proposed revisions to them), expansion of the FMLA (the new military family and caregiver leave provisions), and what employers should be doing while we await final rules from DOL.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Sue Willman,
Sue is a member of Spencer Fane's Labor and Employment Practice Group. She has more than 25 years of experience in advising clients in numerous industries on a wide variety of labor and employment laws, including OSHA. She works with clients on safety standards, safety policies, record-keeping requirements, training requirements, and agency proceedings (inspections/complaints, responses to citations, settlements and conciliations, and administrative hearings).
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tax Updates on Recent and Proposed Legislation That Directly Impacts Contractors
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Dave Allison, CPA,
Dave Allison is a shareholder in the national CPA practice of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. in Topeka and Leawood, Kansas, and Leader of the CBIZ Midwest Construction Industry Group. With 25 years of experience in public accounting, Dave provides a variety of attest, tax and consulting services, including IT and operations reviews, for small to large contractors.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Moving Border Enforcement into the Construction Worksite (and Other Employment Holiday Treats)
The Department of Homeland Security continues to increase efforts to hold employers civilly and criminally accountable for hiring workers who are not authorized for employment in the U.S. These efforts include attempts to change the rules concerning Social Security "No-Match" letters. These new rules have been the subject of litigation and currently are enjoined from implementation. Dave will address the impact of the rules and the injunction, the most current information on the issuance of the No-Match letters, the DHS response to the injunction, and the continuing risks that employers face even without the new rules being in place. Additionally, a new I-9 Form has been released and is the only valid I-9 Form to be used when hiring new employees. Dave will address the changes in the form and talk about the critical importance of having complete and accurate I-9 Forms, training for key personnel responsible for completing and maintaining the forms, rules on retention of the forms and copies of underlying documents, and other knotty I-9 issues.
Files
Featured Speaker(s):
Dave Wing, Partner
Dave is a partner in Spencer Fane Britt & Browne's Labor and Employment law group. Dave represents management in connection with a wide variety of labor and employment issues including union campaigns and elections, unfair labor practice proceedings, discrimination claims and litigation, and consultations to improve employment practices and reduce litigation risks.