the
leading
Advice and information to help
Published bY KatzAbosch you manage your business
networking
goes virtual
volume 9 n issue 3
Connect and collaborate
spring 2009
in online world to expand
plus:
doing Business in romania opportunities, savings
Keeping association memberships?
SPRing
voLuME 9
iSSuE 3
The Leading Edge
2009
Construction & Real Estate Services
• Tax planning services to minimize income
taxes using various tax methods specific
to the industry
Dear Clients and Friends, • Assistance in obtaining bonding and
maximizing bonding capacity
Welcome to the spring issue of The Leading Edge magazine. Our firm • Cost segregation studies
has had an exciting start to the new year with a name change from • Lease and financing assistance
KAWG&F to KatzAbosch, the launch of a rebranding campaign and • Job cost evaluation and design
• Selection and implementation of
the naming of Mark R. Cissell as president and CEO effective July 1.
construction software solutions
Although 2009 should present some unique challenges for Maryland
• Business valuations
businesses, we are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to • Forecasted and projected statements
another great year. of income and cash flow
• Business succession planning
In this issue, we address the burgeoning communication tools such • Preparation of compiled,
as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter as social networking reviewed or audited financial statements
continues to grow as a new way to do business in the 21st • Preparation of partnership and
century. How is social networking technology changing the ways corporate tax returns
organizations communicate with prospects, clients and employees?
We will examine how organizations are using social networking to Medical Practices
• Mergers and acquisitions of medical practices
their advantage and what it means for your business.
• Sales of medical practices and valuations
• Structuring and negotiating associate
Also, as businesses continue to look at their bottom line and agreements
evaluate the return on investment from their corporate memberships • Admission of new owners into practice
with organizations, associations, groups, etc. we will discuss how • Buy-sell agreements
to best utilize the benefits of these memberships and evaluate their • Consultation for the selection and
effectiveness to bring in new opportunities for your business. implementation of medical and accounting
information systems
Finally, now that tax season has come to an end, we encourage you • Cost management and budgeting
to contact us to discuss how to maximize your potential as you grow • Human resources consultation
your business. To speak with one of our talented accountants, please • Tax planning services
• Preparation of compiled,
call (410) 828.2727 or visit us at www.katzabosch.com.
reviewed and audited financial statements
• Management advisory services
Best regards, • Practice operational reviews
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• Strategic planning and practice retreats
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• All federal, state and local business tax returns
Alvin D. Katz, CPA, President & CEO • Tax planning and compliance services
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audited financial statements
Technology • Construction & Real Estate Services • Cost Segregation Studies
Estate Administration • Estate and Gift Planning • Audits
Reviews • Compilations • Litigation Support • Medical Practice Services Group
Personnel Interviewing • Business Acquisitions • Business Valuation
Tax Return Preparation • Individual and Business Tax Planning
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Non-Profit Entities • HR Solutions
2 VOluMe 9 n issue 3 n sPring 2009
the
leading
VOLUME 9 n ISSUE 3 n SprIng 2 0 09 contents
The Leading Edge
www.LeadingEdgealliance.com
The Leading Edge alliance is an international
professional association of independently
features
owned accounting and consulting firms. The
Leading Edge alliance enables member firms
to access the resources of a multibillion-dollar
4 networking goes virtual
global professional services organization, Connect and collaborate in online world
providing business development, professional
training and education, and peer-to-peer to expand opportunities, savings
networking opportunities nationally and
globally, around the corner and around the
world. 13 renew or not?
Members are top quality firms who are very Decide which association memberships
successful, have deep client relationships, and
strong ties to the community. The alliance
are worth the cost
provides members with an unbeatable combi-
nation: the comprehensive size and scope of
a large multinational company while offering 14 don’t keep social networking
their clients the continuity, consistency and
quality service of a local firm. policies virtual
Member firms have access to the best and
brightest teams of business advisors – a peer- 15 maximize linkedin network
to-peer connection that provides the right
business solutions for clients.
To find out more about the alliance contact
Karen Kehl-rose, president, at (630) 513-9814
or kkr@The-LEa.com.
Leading Edge advisory Committee
departments
Linda Watson
Brady Ware 9 news and information
Marshall Lehman from our firm
Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Co., LLp
Jen Lemanski
pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, p.C. 14 Bits & pieces
gary Voth
pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, p.C.
Karen Kehl-rose 16 top 10 misconceptions about
The Leading Edge alliance
doing business in … romania
in affiliation with Wise group
ann M. gynn
Editor 18 in a nutshell: Q&a
natasha Fletcher, amanda horvath,
Crystal Madrilejos, Stacy Vickroy Chris DeSantis responds to your
art directors workplace dilemmas
andrea Jager
graphic designer
19 the leading edge alliance
The Leading Edge is published four times per year by
Wise group, 812 huron road, Suite 201, Cleveland, Ohio,
44115, (216) 523-1212, FaX (216) 241-5458. periodicals
postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio.
IrS Treasury regulations require us to inform you that
any tax advice contained in the body of this com-
munication was not intended or written to be used,
and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose
of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Winner 2006 AGD award for publication design
Internal revenue Code or applicable state or local tax
law provisions.
ThE LEadIng EdgE 3
networking goes
cover
Connect and collaborate in online world
to expand opportunities, savings
Virtual
By ann M. gynn
I
n the last few years, a new, global and collaboration will drive the next generation and exchange e-mails through their corporate
language has been created. You of productivity, says Earle, co-author of system. “It’s really based on a more formal
probably know at least a few Mesh Collaboration, which details how social structure where your ability to collaborate is
words even if you may not fully networking tools such as blogs, wikis, etc., are limited to those you know,” Earle says.
understand their meaning. changing standard business models to allow for In the new world, collaborative technologies
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, wikis, global collaboration and more customization of now mean 80 percent of all communication
podcasts and online communities all are part of products and processes. happens outside of company boundaries. “It’s
the new lexicon—the language of Web 2.0. “A simple way to look at the shift is to draw about tracking down and connecting with
It’s a language that is increasingly critical for the distinction between collaboration that people who share the same interests and
organizational leaders to not only recognize but to we’ve been doing naturally for years and a new goals, and striking up rich data, voice and
understand how it can work in their businesses. form of collaboration we have defined as ‘mesh video communications,” Earle notes. “So mesh
Billions use the Internet around the world. collaboration,’” Earle explains. collaboration is a new form of collaboration
Two thirds of Internet users visit a social In the recent world, collaboration has been that’s primarily ‘outside-in.’”
networking site or blog, according to a recent a permission-based system. People tended to
Nielsen survey. When people are online they work for the same company, swap documents pull and pushback
spend an average of 10 percent of their time on
Most companies are vertical and hierarchical
social networking sites.
where status is assigned to rank. Online social
Nick Earle, senior vice president of Cisco
Services, European markets, says businesses Web 2.0 networking is the opposite, says Matthew
Fraser, senior research fellow at INSEAD and
can use social networking technologies to
co-author of Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom:
transform into a collaborative, borderless World Wide Web’s How Online Social Networking Will Transform
organization that harnesses the collective
efforts and insight of employees, customers and
seCond generation, Your Life, Work and World.
external partners. WhiCh shifts from “The dynamics are at odds. There is
tremendous resistance—some legitimate
Used properly, he says, social networking can: statiC Web pages to and some paranoid,” he says. Silicon Valley
• Create new business models
• Accelerate decisions
dynamiC, shareable and leading tech companies embrace social
• Increase productivity and innovation Content suCh as networking, while old-style organizations,
especially governments and banks, fight it.
• Reduce environmental impact blogs, Wikis and Fraser says it’s important to understand
• Strengthen customer relationships
soCial netWorking the pros and cons of social networking—and
‘outside-in’ collaboration forums like develop a way to address it. Evangelists of
Web 2.0 will cite productivity boosts, better
As the rise of the Internet and e-commerce faCebook, linkedin collaboration, research and development, and
dramatically boosted business productivity and tWitter ability to engage with suppliers and customers.
during the first phase of the Internet, Web 2.0 Dissenters of Web 2.0 will argue social
continued on page 6
ThE LEadIng EdgE 5
cover
continued from page 5
blogs networking is a time waster, poses security
risks because corporate information can be
chapter to the Obama campaign.
“Obama understood how to activate the
disclosed and presents a liability. intense passion of empowered Internet users
ContraCts the term Resistance also comes in the form of and actively sought to build relationships
“Web log”; an online players who may be threatened by the non- with dedicated individuals, online and offline,
hierarchical process. For example, middle who would serve as his own grassroots army,”
journal posted managers act as the gatekeepers between Powell writes.
on a Web site, upper management and lower-level employees. “Most importantly, Obama’s campaign
usually authored If online social networking allowed all levels understood the Internet’s vast capacity for
to interact, the middle managers may perceive networking and the possibilities for virally
by an individual, their roles as diminished. spreading a message, as long as that message was
With regular Fraser notes that some industries, considered meaningful, authentic and valuable.”
entries posted in particularly those that are heavily regulated,
may not be able to maximize social networking Clients as celebs
ChronologiCal like others can.
order Patrick Gray, president of Prevoyance Group,
Seattle photographer Barbie Hull uses her Web
site (barbiehull.com) to host her work and
an IT consulting firm, says Web 2.0 is not a
post weekly on her blog. She also uses Twitter
magic bullet. “It’s certainly a jungle out there,
and Facebook.
but if you use social networking for areas like
WIkIs product development, market testing and
word-of-mouth advertising, you can be quite
“I keep in touch with current clients.
Showcasing their photos on my site makes
them feel ‘famous’ so they share with friends
ColleCtion of Web successful,” he says.
and family, which obviously sends out my
Cultivating social networks take time and
pages designed care. Results accrue in months and years rather
name and info too.
to enable anyone than days. “Launching a major effort and
“I have booked many jobs from different
networking sites,” Hull adds. But, she cautions,
Who aCCesses them pulling the plug six weeks later when there are
the tools must be used wisely.
no results is a waste of time, and alienates the
to Contribute or group you were attempting to target,” Gray says.
“So many people out there are corporate—
modify Content; cheesy, ridiculous and overwhelming so they may
not get a good response. To avoid that is simple.
Wikipedia.org is a obama effect Be real. Be honest and of course, be yourself.
‘Wiki’ enCyClopedia Media experts of all political persuasions “If you are updating (a blog or social
agree that the way Barack Obama’s campaign networking page) two or three times a day with
used the Internet and social networking shameless self-promotion, people will delete
revolutionized political campaigning and can you as a contact. You have to post interesting
be a lesson for any organization. things that share not only what you are doing,
Juliette Powell, author of 33 Million People in but also links to places that they would like to
the Room: How to Create Influence, Build Social go, shop, visit or learn. You will be much more
& Cultural Capital and Run a Successful Business successful,” Hull explains.
with Social Networking (FT Press), devotes a
6 VOLUME 9 n ISSUE 3 n SprIng 2009
Find right street
Harvey Rovinsky, owner of Philadelphia jewelry
marketing as a strategic element of their
marketing plans at senior levels. facebook
But that doesn’t mean companies should
chain Bernie Robbins, knows business in 2009
forgo direct mail completely. “We have had soCial netWorking
requires innovative marketing ideas more
than any previous year. But that doesn’t mean
experience where companies that have a site (faCebook.Com)
the company engages in every online social
permission-based relationship combine e-mail Where users Create
and direct mail to improve the performance of profiles that Can
networking tool.
their direct mail programs,” Ayan says.
“We have seen a couple opportunities that
The companies sent an e-mail announcing
Contain photos, lists
we thought would work easily and have not,”
the arrival of a direct mail promotion or of personal interests,
Rovinsky says. “Twitter is a perfect example of
reminding customers that a promotion should etC., interaCt With
that. Being on Twitter is not enough. You must
build a database of followers who are interested
have been delivered in the mail. “Both methods online friends privately
in learning what you have to say. That task is
have been successful in increasing the response or publiCly, post events
rates for a traditional direct mail program,” and join groups Created
more daunting than it appears and has not lead
Ayan says.
us to direct results.”
Social networking and e-mail also go hand
by other users. last
A client brought the idea of 7Mainstreet.com
in hand. E-mail senders can include ways to year, the World spent
to Rovinsky. 7MainStreet blends e-commerce
forward the message to groups on Twitter, 20.5 billion minutes on
(think Amazon), business directory (think
Yellow Pages) and business online networking
Facebook or another social networking tool. faCebook, aCCording
(think LinkedIn). Companies can create free
“The key is to structure the e-mail message to nielsen. adults
in such a way that the recipient will find it age 35-64 are joining
profiles and post items for sale.
interesting enough and easy enough to include
“The basic premise matched directly what
it within their social network and they will
faCebook at rates at
we were looking for. The tool has increased
forward the message to their social network,” least double of people
our exposure and presence, and created a buzz
Ayan says. 18 and younger.
among some of the customers,” Rovinsky says.
measuredup sizes competition
Forget mass ‘blast’
Both the good and bad of online social Businesses also can ask their good customers to
Getting messages into people’s inboxes may
networking prompted Marc Karasu to create write recommendations online.
not seem difficult some days, but getting
MeasuredUp.com, a site that helps businesses “Most consumers understand a company
e-mail marketing messages noticed is much
connect with their customers to solve problems is not always perfect and that mistakes do
more complex than it was 10 years ago with
and answer questions. happen, but they can tell the companies that
the advent of spam filters and the explosion of
“The increasingly bad economy, combined really try from those that just talk,” Karasu says.
e-mails sent for all sorts of purposes.
with fragmenting mass media advertising
“Companies using e-mail successfully have
outlets and the rise of social networking, creates educate to sell
evolved from the concept of ‘blasting’ their
a perfect storm in which online customer
customers with e-mail messages towards Global background screening company,
service solutions can be quite powerful in
sending targeted, relevant content only to EmployeescreenIQ, knew the power of Search
driving a company’s traffic, building revenue
customers and prospects that have requested Engine Optimization (maximizing their
and managing reputation,” Karasu says.
communication,” says Jordan Ayan, CEO of presence when someone uses a search engine to
He explains that people have word-of-mouth
SubscriberMail. find information about a topic) and the Internet.
advertising long before the Internet, but online
He says organizations also now realize the It also knew its audience wanted to learn
access gives them a more focused, widespread
important role of e-mail marketing. In the about, more than they wanted to buy, screening
voice and allows caring companies to work with
past, the responsibility might have fallen to services.
consumers better than ever.
a junior staffer in the marketing department. So Employee Screening University
“MeasuredUp moves away from the ‘rant’
Today, more corporations are discussing e-mail (university.employeescreen.com) was created.
boards by encouraging true conversations
and questions,” he explains. “It’s hard for It’s not a ‘buy-me’ site, says Nick Fishman,
companies, especially smaller ones, to embrace executive vice president of the background
lInkedIn social networking and what I call ‘Customer
Online Reputation Management.’ But this is
screening company.
The educational vehicle has paid off—
promoting their services to clients without
similar to faCebook very important to them and they can really
hitting them over the head and helping
demonstrate their focus on customers.”
but linkedin.Com Employeescreen IQ’s search engine ranking.
Participating companies can use a
foCuses on business MeasuredUp tool, “Direct Connect,” that So when people Google or use some other
soCial netWorking allows them to assign employees to enter the engine to search for “background check,”
system and respond to customers’ complaints. continued on page 8
ThE LEadIng EdgE 7
cover
it’s all about honesty
tWItter continued from page 7
Employeescreen IQ pops up near the top. Prevoyance Group’s Gray says social networking
connects businesses to those who are most
a miCroblog; a soCial “We really bought into this Web 2.0. We’re
not following trends, we’re helping to set passionate about their products or services.
netWork to stay in them,” Fishman says. That passion, though, may be love or hate.
touCh With those Who Employee Screening University offers weekly “Are you comfortable with this group telling
the world that your latest and greatest product
eleCt to join your podcasts, frequent blog postings, articles from
its own staff as well as guest commentators, is a pile of dung? Will you be able to react
miCroblog; users videos, webinars and more. when the product this group loved and is
post messages of up Fishman says the company also has learned yearning for is delayed six months, launching a
smear campaign by the same people that were
to 140 CharaCters. that the number of comments posted to a blog
entry is not a good measure for success. He your biggest fans a few weeks ago?” he asks.
says successful measuring involves the site’s Connecting to your social networking
analytics, which tell him at a glance what’s communities requires honesty. “If you
being viewed, for how long, by how many, etc. attempt to interact with your most
“We can’t live without analytics. We look at passionate consumers and then sanitize your
analytics every single day.” communications, don’t admit failings and make
noncommittal comments that use a lot of words
save dollars, expand reach without saying anything, you can quickly turn
the community against you,” Gray says.
Job fairs, meetings, training sessions and other “Show that you are human beings who want
events all center on personal interaction— to listen rather than androids who admit no
people meet, talk and connect on a one-on-one failings, and speak volumes without actually
basis. Yet, the growing possibilities to socialize saying anything.” e
online have opened up the opportunities for
people to connect and meet virtually.
Since 2000, Unisfair has provided more than
500 virtual events, which cost about 50 analytIcs
to 70 percent less than their physical
counterparts, says Brent Arslaner, vice softWare that
president of marketing.
Recently, a global corporation
alloWs monitoring
hosted a 48-hour virtual of many faCets of
recruiting fair. More than Web site usage suCh
11,000 people from 15
countries attended—something
as traffiC patterns,
that would have been almost length of time on
impossible if everyone met page, etC. google
in person.
Arslaner says successful
analytiCs is free
virtual events involve all aspects and open to
of social networking. Participants everyone. details
at a trade show, for example, can
build their profiles with their interests,
Can be found at:
then interact with relevant vendors WWW.google.Com/
and sponsors, and participate in targeted analytiCs/.
educational programs. Everything is tracked so
no longer does a vendor or participant return
to the office with only a few scribbles on the
back of a bunch of business cards.
There’s another plus too, Arslaner says. more on online networking
Conversations are to the point. “People communicate on page 14, including
differently online. They’re more direct. If policy information, tips to
they’re looking for pricing, they’ll just say that.” use linkedin and more
8 VOLUME 9 n ISSUE 3 n SprIng 2009
KatzAbosch
VOluMe 9 n issue 3
sPring 2009
The Alternative Minimum Tax
By Michael J. Agetstein, CPA/PFS, and Andrew L. Bareham, CPA, MST
R emember back when you were
young and poor and nothing
made you madder than tales of
How the Tax Works
The best way to understand the
equity loan interest, if the loan
proceeds are not used for home
improvements. The AMT also
The AMT form has quite a few
other pluses and minuses, but you
can safely ignore them unless you
AMT is to view it as a separate tax
rich people who paid nothing in ignores some itemized deductions, own a business, rental properties
system. It has its own set of rates
income taxes? Well, you weren’t such as investment expenses and or interests in partnerships or
and its own rules for deductions,
alone, and that anger led to the employee business expenses, S corporations. If you do, you
which usually are less generous
creation of something called the and some medical and dental may need a tax pro to prepare at
than the regular rules. Because
alternative minimum tax, which expenses. It also counts as income least the Form 6251 part of your
of these confusing rules, the only
was designed to keep the rich the interest from private-activity return.
ways you can tell if you owe the
from living tax-free. bonds, a type of tax-exempt bond Finally, you get to deduct the
tax are by filling out the forms
Fast-forward a few years. You’re issued by governments, usually AMT exemption -- $69,950 for
(essentially doing your taxes a
a bit older, somewhat better off to finance sports stadiums and joint filers, $46,200 for singles
second time) or by being audited
and paying far more in taxes than the like. Finally, AMT rules force and $34,975 for married couples
by the Internal Revenue Service. If
you ever thought possible. So you to pay taxes on the “spread” filing separately. However, this
it turns out you should have paid
what’s the last thing you expect between the market price and the exemption is reduced by 25 cents
the AMT but didn’t, you will owe
to see when you fill out your exercise price of incentive stock for each dollar of AMT taxable
the back taxes plus any interest
tax return? That you owe the options granted by your employer. income above $150,000 for
and penalty.
alternative minimum tax. You can For example, if you exercised an couples ($112,500 for singles).
You should definitely run the
take some solace in the fact that option to buy 100 shares of stock After the exemption (if any)
numbers if your gross income
thousands of taxpayers just like for $3 a share and the stock was has been deducted, the result is
is above $75,000 and you have
you have been snagged by this trading at $10, the spread would subject to AMT rates -- 26% on
write-offs for personal exemptions,
nasty bit of tax law in recent years. be $7 a share, or $700. Under the the first $175,000 ($87,500 for
taxes and home-equity loan
While only 19,000 people owed regular rules, you wouldn’t pay married couples filing separately)
interest. Ditto if you exercised
the AMT in 1970, about 600,000 taxes on that amount, but under and 28% on the excess. Again, the
incentive stock options during
had to pay it in 1996, according the AMT, it’s considered income. AMT brackets are not adjusted
the year, or if you own a business,
to a congressional study. And Don’t give up hope. You do get for inflation, which causes much
rental properties, partnership
by 2007 that number rose to an a few small breaks under AMT greater exposure to the tax as the
interests or S corporation stock. If
estimated 8.4 million taxpayers. rules that you wouldn’t see under years go by. If the AMT exceeds
you earn more than $100,000, run
What happened? Inflation, the regular tax rules. You know your regular tax, you have to pay
the numbers for that reason alone.
mostly. While the standard those itemized deductions you the greater amount. Technically,
That means filling out Form
tax brackets, exemptions and lose under the regular tax rules the AMT is just the liability over
6251. In effect, you are simply
deductions are adjusted annually because your income is too high? and above the regular tax, and this
adding back some tax deductions
for inflation, the AMT brackets Well, you can take them under figure is entered on its own line
and income exclusions to your
and exemptions are not, so many the AMT, because income phase- on page two of Form 1040.
regular taxable income to arrive
people whose income has grown out rules don’t apply. While it’s Sorry, you’re not finished yet.
at your alternative minimum
with the economy enter the awful that you can’t deduct state, People get pushed into the AMT
taxable income. Here is where the
dreaded AMT zone each year. local and foreign taxes under AMT zone for different reasons, and
middle class gets soaked. First you
Especially vulnerable are people rules, you can deduct the refunds, some are actually better than
have to add back your exemption
with income over $75,000 and which would be considered others. That’s because you could
deductions ($3,500 each in 2008,
some large deductions, but not the income under the regular tax be eligible for the so-called
$3,650 each in 2009), then your
exotic ones that were originally rules. And because you’re taxed minimum tax credit, which allows
standard deduction if you don’t
targeted by the AMT’s creators. on the spread on your incentive you to claim a credit on your tax
itemize ($10,900 for joint filers
Most vulnerable are taxpayers with stock options, your tax basis for return in future years for some of
in 2008, $5,450 for singles).
several children, high state and the shares you bought is higher the money you paid under AMT
You also lose your state, local,
local taxes, interest deductions under the AMT, meaning your tax rules. So you have to fill out
foreign income and property-tax
from second mortgages, and bill will be lower when you sell another document, Form 8801, to
write-offs, as well as your home-
incentive stock options. the shares. determine if you are eligible. e
THE LEADING EDGE 9
KatzAbosch
How can CPAs assist their clients in going green?
W hether it’s typical accounting
and tax services, business
consulting and tax planning or the
are making these changes
through building codes, land use
restrictions and other regulations.
broader role of trusted advisor, a For example, some jurisdictions
certified public accountant wears are incorporating Leadership in
many hats and can assist clients Energy and Environmental Design
in various ways. Providing these (LEED) or other green building
services should be no different standards in their building codes.
when assisting clients in their The rules, incentives and
desire to go “green.” For many, potential penalties are different,
the terms “accountant” and “going and sometimes conflicting,
green” only refer to tax benefits for federal, state and local
(credits and deductions). This governments. Additionally, they
article details the tax benefits as are also changing quickly in these
well as consulting areas in which uncertain times. Understanding
CPAs can assist clients. who is eligible and how to
In today’s energy sensitive calculate the benefits can be
environment, the various levels complicated. Your CPA can
of government are beginning to assist you with understanding,
either encourage (by providing navigating and properly applying
financial benefits) or mandate for the available benefits, as well
(through legislation and as referring you to other industry
regulation) both the public and experts to take advantage of new
private sectors to go green. The technologies. Some of the federal
government incentives can take tax incentives available for green
many forms. For example, the buildings are the Energy Efficient
federal government offers income Commercial Building Deduction
tax credits and accelerated (Section 179D), the Credit for
deductions for green buildings, New Energy Efficient Homes, the
energy efficient components, and Residential Energy Property Credit
renewable energy. Some states and the Residential Alternative
offer income tax credits or sales Energy Credit. These tax benefits
are based on current tax law as of HVAC and the building envelope.
and use tax exemptions and
Feb. 17, 2009. When combined the deductions
certain local governments offer
equal $1.80 per square foot.
property tax exemptions.
In addition to tax benefits, Commercial building
Owners of the property that incur THE RuLES,
government agencies at all
The most popular green building
the costs report the deductions.
If the owner is a government INCENTIVES
levels are also offering grants
or subsidies to encourage green
tax incentive is the Energy Efficient entity (federal, state or local), AND POTENTIAL
investments. Federal, state and
Commercial Building Deduction
(Section 179D). This benefit is a
then the deduction is available
to the primary designer(s) of PENALTIES ARE
local governments are starting
to force behavior changes to
$1.80-per-square-foot immediate the building. In the process of DIFFERENT, AND
limit energy consumption and/
tax deduction for meeting certain
energy cost reductions above
going green, a cost segregation
study in connection with an SOMETIMES
or an individual’s impact on
the environment. The federal
an existing benchmark. The
deduction is available for projects
energy tax deduction study CONFLICTING
may net significant cash flow
government is beginning to
placed in service before Jan. 1, through accelerated depreciation
require a green standard for
2014. The deduction has three deductions as well as a one time
all federally owned and leased
distinct 60-cents-per-square-foot (per project) per square foot energy
buildings, while local governments
components for lighting systems, deduction under Section 179D.
10 VOluMe 9 n issue 3 n sPring 2009
KatzAbosch
water heating, fuel cell, small wind Bottom line profitability will the overall market?
new homes
energy and geothermal heat pump. continue to be the chief driver in Once the project is completed,
The Credit for New Energy Efficient The credit applies not only to the transition to green. Clients your CPA can assist with tracking
Homes is available to contractors an individual’s principal residence want to know: will going green and monitoring financial results in
and manufacturers of new homes but also to vacation homes. truly save green? No matter order to compare to the budget.
that are more energy efficient as There is no maximum credit for how simple or complex, some On a case-by-case basis, your
compared to a benchmark. The solar electric (previously capped cost-benefit analysis has always CPA can help create a process of
credit of $1,000 or $2,000 per at $2,000), small wind energy been prepared for most business tracking savings (i.e., gas, electric,
constructed or manufactured home (previously capped at $500 for decisions. This is no different and water usage) within actual
depends on the energy savings each half kilowatt of capacity) when deciding to go green and building structures (for owners)
achieved by the home. The credit and geothermal heat pumps determining how green. Your CPA and operations (for owners and
is available for new homes sold (previously capped at $2,000). can assist with these calculations. tenants). The key is to take
through Dec. 31, 2009. The maximum credit for qualified Similar to traditional (a.k.a. non- advantage of all available saving
fuel cell property is $500 for each green) projects, the breakdown opportunities in order to enhance
Residential property half kilowatt of capacity. of costs includes all direct and bottom line profitability.
The Residential Energy Property indirect costs. The evaluation for On Feb. 17, 2009, President
Credit is a tax credit available What else? a green project also needs to take Obama signed the American
for qualified energy efficient into account other factors such Recovery and Reinvestment Act
While advising and assisting
improvements or expenditures as anticipated operating cost sav- of 2009. This economic stimulus
clients to take advantage of all
made to an individual’s principal ings, additional tax benefits and plan will cost almost $800 billion
energy efficient tax benefits is an
residence, including new the potential soft benefits for being and is made up of approximately
expected role for the CPA, what
insulation, replacement windows, green (such as marketing and one-third tax cuts and two-thirds
else can the CPA do to assist
skylights and doors, central air advertising or community goodwill). federal spending. Portions include:
clients in going green? Much of
conditioners, certain water heaters, Creating partnerships with the • Assistance to rebuild our nations
the assistance still involves typical
furnaces or boilers and a new metal architects, engineers, general and infrastructure and schools
number crunching as well an
or asphalt roof specifically treated subcontractors, and project owners • Incentives for the development
understanding of the client and
to reduce heat loss. The credit, is instrumental in achieving the of renewable sources of energy
their business. For contractors
which was not available in 2008, desired results, efficiencies, and • Benefits to promote existing and
and construction-related business
has been reinstated for eligible cost savings. Prior to building, new commercial and residential
owners, the spectrum of going
property placed in service in 2009 your CPA can work with you buildings to go green.
green can be as simple as offering
and 2010. The credit is 30 percent and the rest of your design and For individuals and business
customers new options (such as
of eligible costs up to a combined construction teams to research owners alike, this is an enormous
using energy efficient appliances)
maximum of $1,500 over both current best practices and actual opportunity. Your CPA will
to as complex as creating and
years. To qualify, all improvements results of other projects. The be available to assist you in
implementing new sustainable
and expenditures must meet certain following are just some of the understanding how your business
land use and energy efficient
energy efficient standards. questions your CPA can assist with: can benefit from these incentives.
building designs, developing or
• Are the projected (and The push to go green has
implementing innovative building
sometimes promised) operating just started. Over the next few
Residential alternative energy techniques (such as building
cost savings discussed in green years, industries will transform
The Residential Alternative Energy information modeling), and using
building articles coming true for themselves by utilizing new
Credit is a tax credit allowed recycled material resources.
the existing inventory of green technologies and best practices.
for qualified expenditures that A CPA can assist with tying
buildings? At some point, being green will
produce energy for home use. The in these new technologies
• Is there a certain size, scope, or be the norm and will no longer
credit is 30 percent of the eligible with accounting policies and
type of project that achieves better be a competitive advantage. Your
costs for the following residential procedures as well as internal
or worse anticipated results? CPA is waiting to assist you in
property placed in service after control protocols. Your CPA needs
• Over the past few years, have the this process, just give them a call
Dec. 31, 2008, and before Dec. to know where you are on this
costs of entry for green projects and ask “How can you assist my
31, 2017: solar electric, solar spectrum and how far along you
become more competitive with business go green?” e
are willing and able to go.
THE LEADING EDGE 11
KatzAbosch
KAWg&F names Mark R. Cissell new CEo
and announces new brand identity
By Arlene R. Ciroula, COO
K atzAbosch is proud to
announce it has named Mark
R. Cissell, CPA, as President and
firm provides the highest quality
service to our clients, to focusing
on business development to grow
and commitment to KatzAbosch
are characteristics to be admired
and ones I will carry over in my
KatzAbosch
Chief Executive Officer effective
July 1, 2009. Cissell succeeds
our firm, and most recently to
providing strategic oversight on
new role as CEO,” said Mark R.
Cissell. “I am excited to work with
news
Alvin D. Katz, CPA and Co-Founder our re-branding initiatives,” said Alvin, and the entire KatzAbosch
team, to continue to grow our firm,
KatzAbosch names
of the firm, who will remain as Alvin D. Katz.
provide superior client services
Melissa Pitchford new
Chair. The firm also announced it “Mark’s appointment as CEO is
and move Alvin’s vision forward.”
shareholder
changed its name to KatzAbosch a significant step forward for our
effective January 1st and firm to next generation leadership By simplifying the firms name KatzAbosch has named
introduced a new corporate logo. and we are excited about the and implementing a fresh, bold Melissa J. Pitchford, CPA, to
Cissell, a Shareholder with the passion and commitment Mark look, we are able to preserve the shareholder with the firm.
firm, becomes the third CEO in brings to his new role as CEO. firms strong brand equity, while Pitchford joined the firm in
KatzAbosch’s 40-year history. Today’s announcement further visually capturing the qualities 2002 and provides auditing,
Cissell joined the firm in 1985 and highlights our continuing of innovation, service, and accounting, and taxation
has over 25 years of experience goal to reward talented and leadership that are our company’s services. She serves as co-chair
in auditing, accounting, and experienced professionals, ” said greatest strengths. of the firm’s Medical Practice
taxation. He is a member of the John P. Abosch, Co-Founder and KatzAbosch is recognized Services Group working directly
firm’s Board of Directors as well Shareholder. throughout the mid-Atlantic with medical practices and
as the Medical Practice Services “Since co-founding the firm region for our leadership, technical physicians throughout the state
Group. Katz will continue to in 1969 with John P. Abosch, expertise and innovative business of Maryland and specializes in
play a key strategic role with Alvin Katz has led our firm as practices with a proven track record business advice and assistance
KatzAbosch moving forward. a forward-thinking, innovative of providing responsive, accurate to medical services institutions
“Since joining our firm, Mark and passionate CEO and I am very and reliable service to our clients. and providers, business advice
has played an instrumental role fortunate to have been provided With Mark at the helm, KatzAbosch and assistance to closely held
in key business initiatives at with many amazing opportunities will continue to grow as one of the businesses, and tax planning
KatzAbosch—from ensuring our and experiences. Alvin’s leadership top accounting firms in the region. and preparation.
KatzAbosch clients speak out about the firm’s great service
By Mark R. Cissell, CPA
K atzAbosch is dedicated to providing responsive, accurate and percent. Additionally, out of 150 accounting firms across the nation,
reliable service to our clients. In an effort to ensure that the firm has KatzAbosch averaged 5 to 26 percent higher than the median group.
been meeting the needs of our clients, we recently engaged Nisberg & A full 97 percent of those who responded to this client satisfaction
Associates, a leading consultant to the accounting industry, to conduct an survey indicated that they would recommend KatzAbosch to another
independent client satisfaction survey. business or colleague. These excellent results showcase the firm’s superior
Across the board, the results of the survey showed that the firm reputation in the mid-Atlantic community and beyond as well as our
overwhelmingly exceeds our clients’ expectations by more than 90 commitment to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.
Question KatzAbosch (refers to expectations that Median group (refers to expectations that % Difference
have been met/exceeded) have been met/exceeded)
Timeliness of our firm 89% 83% 7% higher
Quality of our work 93% 85% 9% higher
KatzAbosch personnel 93% 87% 7% higher
Tax services 93% 74% 26% higher
Accounting and auditing services 88% 84% 5% higher
12 VOluMe 9 n issue 3 n sPring 2009
strategic
renew or not?
decide which association memberships are worth the cost
By ann M. gynn
t he association membership renewal form
arrives. Should you or your company re-up
even though budgets are tight?
“All expenses are being scrutinized more
than ever. However, I do believe that many
people are considering their association
membership more valuable than ever because
of the resources available to assist them in
meeting the challenges they are facing,” says
Christie A. Tarantino, CAE. She is president
& CEO of Association Forum of Chicagoland
(associationforum.org), an association for more
than 1,500 business, charitable, civic and
professional organizations headquartered in the
Chicago area.
Greg Malia, CAE, vice president of member
relations at the American Society of Association
Executives and the Center for Association
Leadership (asaecenter.org), says organizations
in hard-hit industries, such as real estate and “many people are Considering
banking, are taking a bigger hit. However,
he says, the bad economy is opening up
their assoCiation membership more
opportunities for other associations to get valuable than ever."
their members involved and show how the
association can help them get through these
challenging times. • Will association membership help the newsletter. “Those close conversations are
Tarantino says many times membership member advance in the industry or most likely to pay benefits. One-on-one
benefits are intangible. “What one person profession in these challenging times? [interaction] helps get the most out of your
finds valuable may not be valuable to someone Both Tarantino and Malia say that to get the membership dollar,” Malia says.
else,” she says. “I think each person needs most out of membership dues, members must • Spend at least five to 10 minutes each week
to determine whether or not the education, be engaged in the organization. to get an update on what the association
networking, lobbying or publications offer Tarantino says that involvement can be is doing—through its blogs, e-mails,
value that more than covers the cost of dues.” participation in educational events, a volunteer newsletter or other communication vehicle.
Malia says companies and individuals leadership role or contributions to listservs. If the group doesn’t have a general member
reviewing their association membership should “Members who are actively participating will communication, send an e-mail or call up
ask questions such as: see their efforts returned tenfold,” she says. the staff.
• How have individuals been involved in the Being involved in an association is one of the In the end, if you know the membership
organization in the past year? Have they top ways to differentiate yourself as a leader in is valuable but just cannot afford to renew,
participated in educational programs or the field, Malia says. “Being involved” are the contact the association and make it aware of
networking events? Have they interacted operative words. A member can’t just pay dues your situation. Malia says some associations
with the association staff and found a and expect a return on that investment. are permitting members to pay in installments,
positive reception? He offers these tips to get involved: while others are extending memberships
• What are the company or individual’s plans • Ask for an orientation session. You don’t without charge.
for the coming year? Are employees taking have to be a new member—learn about all If a no-cost membership extension isn’t
on new responsibilities as people are laid the offerings from the association. possible, don’t stop, Malia says. Remember
off? Is the business consolidating, altering • Connect with the association staff—ask that most associations welcome non-members
processes or starting a new line? Will the questions relevant to the association’s to events and other opportunities at a non-
association help the member tackle those interest, which perhaps may result in member rate so you can pick and choose
answers? an educational program or article in a relevant to topic and your budget at the time. e
ThE LEadIng EdgE 13
cover
don’t keep social networking policies virtual,
write them down
c
orporations naturally resist social • Don’t provide IBM’s or another’s confidential
networking and other types of user- or other proprietary information. Ask
generated content because they permission to publish or report on
lose control of the message and the conversations that are meant to be private
medium, says Jen Benz, founder of or internal to IBM.
Benz Communications, which focuses on human • Don’t cite or reference clients, partners or
resource communication strategies. suppliers without their approval. When you
“Control is no longer possible,” she says. do make a reference, where possible link
“Really, it probably always was impossible— back to the source.
just it was easy to have a false comfort level • Respect your audience. Don’t use ethnic
before the Web 2.0 tools exploded. slurs, personal insults, obscenity or
She says resistance generally can be resolved • Know and follow IBM’s Business Conduct engage in any conduct that would not
by looking at case studies and hearing what Guidelines. be acceptable in IBM’s workplace. You
worked well within and outside their companies. • IBMers are personally responsible for the should also show proper consideration for
“The vast majority of companies have had content they publish on blogs, wikis or others’ privacy and for topics that may be
success when they have embraced social any other form of user-generated media. considered objectionable or inflammatory
networking and trusted their employees to do Be mindful that what you publish will be such as politics and religion.
the right thing,” says Benz, who blogs about public for a long time—protect your privacy. • Find out who else is blogging or publishing
social media and other HR topics at www. • Identify yourself—name, and when on the topic, and cite them.
benzcommunications.com/blog. relevant, role at IBM—when you discuss • Be aware of your association with IBM in
She explains that good corporate online IBM or IBM-related matters. Write in first online social networks. If you identify yourself
policies, like IBM’s, also helps lawyers become person. Make it clear that you are speaking as an IBMer, ensure your profile and related
comfortable with the process. for yourself and not on behalf of IBM. content is consistent with how you wish to
In 2005, IBM created a set of guidelines for • If you publish content to any Web site present yourself with colleagues and clients.
employees who wanted to blog. They have outside of IBM and it has something to do • Don’t pick fights. Be the first to correct
evolved to become the official “IBM Social with work you do or subjects associated your mistakes and don’t alter previous posts
Computing Guidelines,” which some refer to with IBM, use a disclaimer such as: “The without indicating that you have done so.
as “THE” guidelines for companies and social postings on this site are my own and don’t • Try to add value. Provide worthwhile
networking. The complete details can be found necessarily represent IBM’s positions, information and perspective. IBM’s brand is
at: www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.html. strategies or opinions.” best represented by its people and what you
Here’s a glimpse of guidelines detailed in its • Respect copyright, fair use and financial publish may reflect on IBM’s brand. e
executive summary: disclosure laws.
MOrE Than hUMan, an InnOVaTIVE FUTUrE
“The Business Impacts of Social Networking,” a white paper produced by AT&T in cooperation
with Early Strategies Consulting, offers an interesting perspective on Web 2.0. Here are three
areas where they point out online social networking can make a difference:
In real-person terms, a human can have around 150 stable relationships, but electronic tools
increases the number of active connections someone can make.
In addition, contacts you rarely see and barely know actually create more value
when you need help than contacts you see every day and know well.
Finally, the generation now entering the workforce was “born with
a mouse in their hand … and have a radically different approach to
computing, with profound implications for the professional world,” the
study reported.
14 VOLUME 9 n ISSUE 3 n SprIng 2009
cover
maximize linkedin network
l
ewis Howes, co-author of
LinkedWorking: Generating Success
on the World’s Largest Professional
Networking Site, recently used
his online space to offer tips
for individuals about how to make the most
of their LinkedIn efforts. You can learn
more about Howes at his LinkedIn profile:
www.linkedin.com/in/lewishowes or www.
linkedworking.com.
take control of your personal brand. This is
the most important aspect for me. The best
way to take control of your personal brand on reach out to you as a consultant, hire you for
LinkedIn is to fill out your entire profile and connect with, this expands your searching
a full-time position, or contact you for future
write concise, compelling, value-driven content. capabilities, even more importantly, expanding
opportunities.
If you type in your name on Google, and you your reach for others to FIND YOU! Don’t limit
don’t have an active blog or produce other yourself, expand your reach and some major make recommendations. Making a
content on the web, I bet your LinkedIn profile players may find your profile. recommendation does a few things: When you
is one of the top five pages that show up. write a recommendation for someone else, they
ask compelling questions. That’s right.
usually will return the favor which helps build
Connect with your niche. There are thousands Actually get on LinkedIn and ask a few
your street credibility. The next time anyone
of groups on LinkedIn; connect with the ones questions every now and then… is that so
views a profile you recommend, then that
that fit your interests or industry. The more hard? I asked two questions that took me
adds a link back to your profile as well, which
you reach out to those who are linked in your five minutes of my time and received over 50
increases your chances of being found.
area, the more powerful you become to that helpful answers in return. Just make sure you
niche. ask the right questions and tag it in the right don’t be a stranger. If you never call or e-mail
places. people, or go out to networking events and
add everyone you know (and don’t know). I gatherings, then how do you expect to stay
know there are some of you who like to click Become an expert. You don’t become an
connected to those you know, and build a
the dreaded “I don’t know this person” button expert by sitting on your rear all day, you
network with those you don’t know? Follow
if you have never seen an invitee’s name before, become one by answering questions attached
up with all of the messages you receive in your
but you are only doing a disservice to yourself. with insane amounts of value. The more value
inbox, and continue to get online and network. e
If you think about it, the more people you you give away, the more people will begin to
aT&T offers 10 predictions on how corporations will be impacted The white paper also offers
and make the most of the Web 2.0 opportunities: 10 associated challenges:
1. Corporations will change the way they communicate. 1. Adopt new return on investment concept
2. Corporations will change their vision. 2. Security
3. Corporations will change their organization. 3. Intellectual property
4. Collective intelligence and customer experience will lead innovation. 4. Adoption
5. Networking will be key to employee excellence. 5. Storage
6. Employee mobility will increase. 6. Interoperability
7. Corporations will adapt their motivation and career path systems. 7. Speed
8. IT/telecom applications will mutate. 8. Indirect benefits of social networking not appreciated
9. Corporate adoption will happen at different speeds. 9. Risk of loss of employees, losing human and intellectual capital
10. Social networking may allow increased revenue. 10. Capturing value
To access the full report including explanations and details for the
predictions and challenges, visit http://tinyurl.com/attstudy.
ThE LEadIng EdgE 15
global
misconceptions about doing
business in romania
By alin Stan | dasons Business Services romania
the elimination
1
romania is a poor country somewhere far away in eastern europe
of Corruption Romania is a democratic republic, a member of NATO and a member of the European
Union, thus considered a rather reliable country. In the last few years Romania has
is one of
developed rapidly and continues to grow.
the targets of
the romanian
2
romania is “gypsy” country.
justiCe This negative “gypsy” image promoted in international media is inaccurate. The Romanian
population is dominated by Romanians, Hungarians and Germans, and includes Gypsies
ministry and and other minority populations.
the romanian
parliament.
3
romania has hyperinflationary economy.
The economy of Romania has not been hyperinflationary since 2004. In 2007 the inflation
rate was 5.7 percent.
4
romania has a high taxation rate.
The flat taxation rate of 16 percent in Romania is actually one of the lowest in
Europe. The government is constantly improving the taxation system, assuming social
responsibility in the field of taxes and salary contributions.
16 VOLUME 9 n ISSUE 3 n SprIng 2009
5
distinction and discrimination exist between international and national companies.
The Romanian Tax Code is aligned to EU legislation and all necessary measures have been
taken to eliminate the potential distinctions between the profits of the national companies
9
compared with those of the international companies. (The flat tax on profit is 16 percent;
politics affect romania as a whole
tax on dividends works to eliminate the differentiation, according to EU instructions.)
and the operation of business.
The local government is undertaking
changes that are bound to affect
the way public administration works. The
6
private companies however, are able to
Cheap labor costs are paid in romania. perform their daily activities in a well-
An increase in the salaries in Romania has been scheduled and carried out for 2007-08 balanced business environment.
in an effort to match the level of the income earned in the Western European countries.
Romania, however, still needs to improve the direct link between the remuneration and the
work productivity.
7
it is complicated to register a company in romania.
There is a clear procedure for setting up and registering a company in Romania. After the
10
submission of the necessary paperwork to the Trade Registry, the certificate of registration
is obtained within five days. romania is not a good
place to do business.
Come and bet on the
Romanian market, the
Romanian people with their enthusiasm,
dedication and willingness to succeed, and
8
the Romanian positive perspective! e
the justice system in romania is corrupt.
The elimination of the corruption is one of the targets of the Romanian Justice Ministry and For further information, please contact Alin Stan
the Romanian Parliament. The Romanian legal system is under strict monitoring of the EU of Dasons Business Services Romana, a Leading
Commission. EU standards and principles will soon be implemented in Romania as well. Edge Alliance firm, at alin.stan@dasons.edu.
ThE LEadIng EdgE 17
Q&a
in a nutshell by Chris de santis
lean times require greater produCtivity from remaining employees
Q: our organization has cut staff in half. who depart but few invest in the “survivors”
Business has declined so i need the who remain. Trust is damaged, anxiety runs
remaining people to be more productive. high and productivity drops. Studies show these
How do i create an environment where effects can last for 12 to 18 months after initial
people strive to do more than the minimum layoffs. With half your workforce gone, you
to keep their job? will definitely need to attend to these needs, as
not only is productivity down but the number
of people available to do the work is greatly
reduced as well.
Another interesting corollary is that if
things are not handled well, turnover may
increase because the most talented people (the
ones you have presumably kept) may choose communicate a clear and compelling vision
to leave as they no longer wish to be a part for the future. As employees embrace new
of an organization that doesn’t attend to the responsibilities, they need to understand how
needs of its people. While layoffs are often their performance directly contributes to the
necessary, how you handle the situation says a success of the team and the business.
great deal about what the survivors can expect There will be those employees who may
from you in the future. not wish to open up, but the overwhelming
Losing a job can be traumatic—particularly majority of survivors likely are willing to
in this economy—but there are good and bad talk, listen and learn from each other. Your
ways to take action. I assume you chose the more seasoned employees could share their
dear survivor: Your situation is one that is good way by explaining why job cuts were experiences on handling layoffs during
being experienced in businesses across the needed and helped to ease their transition to past downturns and they could remind the
United States and the world. We are facing the best of your abilities. Your focus should younger employees that, “this too shall pass.”
one of the sharpest downturns since the early then turn to those who remain. Everybody The younger employees may need to express
1970s. Job losses are staggering. Many have is going through a grieving process, whether their anxieties without fear of being mocked
lived through this and have painful memories; they realize it or not. The process I am most or seen as weak. The concern and caring you
others may be experiencing this kind of event familiar with is the SARAH model: Surprise, show in times of stress will be remembered
for the first time and are fraught with anxiety Anger/Anxiety, Rejection/Rationalization, when times are good.
and concern. Regardless of your experience, it’s Acceptance, Help. This grieving at the loss of Treating people with respect and dignity in
a difficult situation that preoccupies the minds friends and colleagues will occupy minds and, tough times is a sign of real leadership and
of those who go AND those who stay. in turn, affect productivity. The solution is to is most often rewarded with loyalty. If you
From your question I’m guessing you have talk about it. want people to give more, to make personal
decided to have one major layoff rather than Oddly enough, processing this with others sacrifices for the business by taking on more
letting a few people go at a time. I liken this who are going through the same experience responsibility for the same or less pay, you
to yanking the band-aid off verses peeling can be cathartic. It helps get the individuals have to show that you care and empathize
it back slowly. Having said that, it doesn’t and the group to the “H” in the grieving with them. This goes a long way in creating
necessarily mean that those you’ve kept model, asking for assistance and refocusing the environment you need to ride out this
are feeling substantially better than those their energies on the work at hand. It is also downturn. Be open, honest, willing to listen
who have left. Your question focuses on an important for leaders in your organization to and hopeful. e
important challenge: how to get improvements
in productivity when the people you still
employ are preoccupied with their own guilt,
depression and/or anxiety. do you have a workplace question you want
I’ve asked advice of my friends at Velocity answered? What do you want to know to make
Advisors, a consulting firm in Chicago that deals work a better place? send your questions to
with productivity issues after layoffs. According desantisCp@aol.com to get Chris desantis’ two
to Velocity, most organizations provide cents as to what he thinks you might want to do.
severance and outplacement for the employees
18 VOLUME 9 n ISSUE 3 n SprIng 2009
The members of the Leading Edge alliance
are leaders in many key markets, including:
alabama
albania
hungary
India
palestine
panama
the leading edge alliance is an international professional
afghanistan Indiana paris association of independently owned accounting and consulting firms. The
argentina Indonesia peru alliance enables member firms to access the resources of a multibillion-dollar
atlanta Iowa philadelphia
global professional services organization, providing business development,
australia Ireland phoenix
austria Israel philippines professional training and education, and peer-to-peer networking
Bahrain Italy pittsburgh opportunities nationally and globally, around the corner and around the world.
Baltimore Jordan poland
Bangladesh Knoxville providence
Belgium Kenya puerto rico Members are top quality firms who are very successful, have deep client
Bolivia Korea richmond relationships, and strong ties to the community. The alliance provides
Boston Kuwait reno
Brazil Las Vegas romania members with an unbeatable combination: the comprehensive size and scope
British Virgin Islands Latvia russian Federation of a large multinational company while offering their clients the continuity,
Buffalo Lebanon San Francisco
consistency and quality of service of a local firm. Member firms have access to
Bulgaria London Saudi arabia
Cayman Islands Los angeles Scotland the best and brightest team of business advisors—a peer-to-peer connection
Chicago Luxembourg Seattle that provides the right business solutions for clients.
Chile Macedonia Senegal
China Madison, WI Serbia
Cincinnati Malaysia Singapore
Cleveland Malta Slovakia the leading edge offers:
Colombia Mauritius Slovenia
Croatia Mexico South Carolina • Access to the best and brightest CPAs and business advisors—a peer-to-peer
Cyprus Miami Spain connection that provides the right solutions for clients.
Czech republic Michigan Sweden
dallas Minneapolis Switzerland • Innovative, practice-proven strategies for improving performance in
dayton Missouri Taiwan management, business processes, finance, operations, information technology
denver Moldova Thailand and marketing.
dominican republic Montenegro Tokyo
Ecuador Montreal Toronto • A leading knowledge resource for multi-disciplinary information and
Egypt Morocco Tucson industry-specific expertise responsive to clients’ unique needs.
El Salvador nashville Tunisia
Finland nebraska Turkey • The strength and reputation to attract the highest quality team members.
Fort Lauderdale netherlands Ukraine
ghana new Orleans United arab • The Alliance offers accounting and consulting services through a global network of
germany new Jersey Emirates firms with more than 15,000 professional staff in more than 430 offices.
greece new York Uruguay
guatemala new Zealand U.S. Virgin Islands • The Leading Edge Alliance offers world-class business advisory expertise and
harrisburg, pa north Carolina Venezuela experience with innovation, progressiveness and quality.
hartford norway Washington, d.C.
hong Kong Orange County, Ca Vietnam
honolulu Oregon Virginia/West Virginia
houston pakistan To find out more about The Leading Edge alliance, visit
www.LeadingEdgealliance.com or contact Karen Kehl-
Visit LeadingEdgeAlliance.com for a detailed listing of member firms. rose, president, at (630) 513-9814 or kkr@The-LEa.com.
ThE LEadIng EdgE 19
prsrt std
u s postage
paid
cleveland oh
9690 Deereco Road
Suite 500
permit no. 1702
Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 828-CPAS
www.katzabosch.com