As state leaders attempt to develop guidelines for reopening safely, you may have questions about the requirements for maintaining a safe environment for your business. Specifically, you may be wondering how to document the steps you have taken if someone in your workforce is exposed to COVID-19 and tests positive for the virus. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) …
Upcoming Deadline for 40-Hour Online Mediation Training in Illinois
When I first moved home from New York City, I instantly investigated mediation training programs in Illinois. I have a mediator heart and wanted to ensure I had the requisite training to be approved on the various court rosters. However, I live in Champaign, Illinois and the closest mediation training that I could find was in Chicago. I’m a single girl …
Episode 27 of Ag Law Today: Community Supported Agriculture
I’m talking Community Supported Agriculture (“CSA’s) in this week’s episode of Ag Law Today featuring Jesse Haskins, a fellow agriculture lawyer in Florida. Please check it out and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or YouTube so you don’t miss a beat! Share this Article
The Dangers of DIY Contracts
Contracts are an essential component of effective business management and development. Savvy business owners recognize the value of contracts but often explore ways to reduce the cost of obtaining them. In some instances, business owners attempt to create their own contracts by using templates available online. However, creating your own contract is fraught with risks. What you do not know …
Agriculture Mediation Programs
Did you know that the US Department of Agriculture administers agriculture mediation programs organized at the state level to help mediate right-to-farm and federal farm program disputes for free? You can find the fact sheet for the program here. I am on the agriculture mediation roster for both New York and New Jersey, and pending admission on the Illinois roster. …
More Good News for PPP Borrowers: Simplified Loan Forgiveness Applications
On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the Flexibility Act) into law, after lawmakers passed it almost unanimously. The original Payment Protection Program (PPP)—a key component of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act signed in March—and the accompanying guidance issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of the Treasury, …
Upcoming 40 Hour Mediation Training for the Sixth Circuit of Illinois
Champaign County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee is teaming up with the Dispute Resolution Institute, Inc. to hold a 40 hour mediation training via Zoom. The first 20 hours will be the basic civil mediation training and the second 20 hours will be focused on family law mediation. This has been approved by the Sixth Circuit in Illinois and may …
Episode 26 of Ag Law Today: Mitigating Risk with Livestock Shows in COVID-19 World
Very excited about this podcast episode of Ag Law Today discussing risk mitigation with livestock shows in a COVID-19 world. My phone has been blowing up from folks on these issues so I hope you enjoy my conversation with Texas associate, Stephanie Bradley Fryer, who also grew up in the show area. Share this Article
Navigating Periods of Uncertainty and Unrest as a Business Owner
Uncertainty and unrest have defined 2020. From COVID-19 and record-breaking unemployment to ideological, political, and societal conflicts, business owners have faced significant challenges to their survival and success. Regardless of their current political views or health and financial statuses, business leaders agree that they must navigate this time with care. The decisions that business owners make during difficult periods could …
Key Considerations for Managing a Remote Workforce
The post-COVID-19 world will likely see a major shift toward companies maintaining remote workforces. Due to government-mandated business closures and stay-home orders, many owners and employees of small businesses have been forced to work virtually, and they have seen the benefits. Studies show that remote working increases productivity.[1] Large technology companies like Facebook and Twitter have announced that they will …
Livestock Show Liability Considerations in Light of COVID-19
Livestock show families have been hard at work in the barn while the world sheltered in place during the height of the pandemic. Now these families are chomping at the bit to get back on the show circuit. And, as a livestock show coordinator, you are probably anxious to host your next big show, but you are worried about liability …
Good News for PPP Borrowers: The New Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020
The landmark COVID-19 stimulus package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has been a significant tool for assisting struggling small businesses during the current international pandemic. However, the centerpiece of this legislation, the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP), has been a source of confusion and frustration for many business owners seeking this aid. In an attempt to alleviate …