Business Law Update: A Booming Downtown Real Estate Market Means Businesses Should Pay Careful attention to Contracts.

Happy Tuesday, all. I took this photo yesterday from the skywalk between the Amway Grand Plaza and the DeVos Place Convention Center. I like walking downtown and watching the development unfold. It is an exciting time to be working or living in downtown Grand Rapids. Everywhere you look, real estate development is transforming the town. CheckContinue reading “Business Law Update: A Booming Downtown Real Estate Market Means Businesses Should Pay Careful attention to Contracts.”

Small Businesses and Startups: What you Don’t Know Can Hurt You.

It is truly starting to feel like summer in downtown Grand Rapids! This was the scene today from my office.   Summer is coming fast and so is Detroit Startup Week. Scheduled from June 18-22.   According to its website, Startup week is: “A week long celebration of Detroit’s entrepreneurs. Volunteer-led and completely free forContinue reading “Small Businesses and Startups: What you Don’t Know Can Hurt You.”

Michigan is Back Trending Towards Social Entrepreneurship: April 24, 2018 Benefit Corporation Legislation Proposed.

Good morning! Downtown Grand Rapids is starting to look and feel like spring. The trees are just starting to get their leaves – I can’t wait for West Michigan to become green once again. Speaking of new life – the legislature has breathed new life in the possibility of benefit corporations (“Bcorps”) becoming a viableContinue reading “Michigan is Back Trending Towards Social Entrepreneurship: April 24, 2018 Benefit Corporation Legislation Proposed.”

Business Law Update: Michigan Bill Would Prohibit Non-Disparagement Clauses with Consumers.

I’m not going to sugar coat it – it is a gray day in downtown Grand Rapids. I had lunch with a friend today, who told me – he can’t stand it when in response to the question “how are you doing” someone gives a pat answer – “good”.   I agree. I appreciate authenticity.Continue reading “Business Law Update: Michigan Bill Would Prohibit Non-Disparagement Clauses with Consumers.”

Business Law Update: Michigan LLCs Filing with LARA: Pardon the Delays and Thank you for your Patience.

Happy Thursday, all! I took this photo earlier today – the sun is out in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and people are enjoying  the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle. Last week I posted about an update I received from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (“LARA”) extending the deadline to file annual statements andContinue reading “Business Law Update: Michigan LLCs Filing with LARA: Pardon the Delays and Thank you for your Patience.”

Michigan Limited Liability Companies: LARA extends 2018 Annual Statement Filing Deadline to March 1. Stay in Good Standing and Maintain your Corporate Formalities.

It is the middle of the dreary season – February 15th. Not too long and I, like many folks in West Michigan with school-aged kids will be heading to Florida for Spring Break. This is a photo I took last year – sunnier days ahead. Anyway, on to the point of this post:   Today IContinue reading “Michigan Limited Liability Companies: LARA extends 2018 Annual Statement Filing Deadline to March 1. Stay in Good Standing and Maintain your Corporate Formalities.”

Business Law Basics: A 5 Million Dollar Comma

Today in downtown Grand Rapids is the “World of Winter Festival” where Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.  provides a “Snow Globe” experience. Very colorful.  A lot of fun downtown.     Today I read an article posted by the ABAJournal that illustrates the profound impact on word and grammar usage in contracts and legislation. As the ABAJournal reported: “A dairyContinue reading “Business Law Basics: A 5 Million Dollar Comma”

Business Law Update: Concerning Current Politics and Non-Disparagement Clauses

Today I read an interesting article published by the ABAJournal. The ABAJournal article asks an interesting question (all politics aside): “If Trump sues Bannon for violating a nondisclosure agreement, what are his damages?” Again, all politics aside, the article presents interesting questions that comes up in business transactions: when faced with entering a business relationship shouldContinue reading “Business Law Update: Concerning Current Politics and Non-Disparagement Clauses”

Business Law Update: Another Call to Clear Contract Drafting.

It is Artprize again in downtown Grand Rapids! See one of the exhibits on Monroe Avenue in front of the Venue.   Question: Did you know: “Shall” has a different meaning then “May”? One is mandatory. The other is permissive. In business, it pays to be clear in the contract language you use.   Check outContinue reading “Business Law Update: Another Call to Clear Contract Drafting.”

Removing Employment Barriers For the Most Vulnerable. Work To Be Done.

Today I read an article from the ABA Journal – NY District Attorney’s efforts resulted in some $644,000 of minor offenses being dismissed. Check out the article here. In making his argument in support of the massive dismissals, the District Attorney explained to the Judge that: “New Yorkers with 10-year-old summons warrants face unnecessary unemploymentContinue reading “Removing Employment Barriers For the Most Vulnerable. Work To Be Done.”