01.20.12

The Power of Volunteering Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Carla Denison-Bickett

Whether sitting on a finance committee, completing work pro bono, or getting involved with issues close to home, when it comes to volunteering, we often stick with what we know. While we offer our talents to others, there is an untapped power in volunteering outside of your comfort zone.

01.16.12

Keep an Eye on your Numbers

In the restaurant industry, the ability to effectively improve the management of food and labor costs (a.k.a. prime costs) is a huge key to maintaining that profitability. Even with lower sales revenues, the improvement in the management of prime costs could actually result in an increase in the bottom line.

01.13.12

BINGO! What now?
Jeffrey Chiles

In the current state of the economy, organizations are trying new and unique ways such as holding gaming activities including bingo, raffles, or card games either as stand-alone activities or as part of larger special events to draw in contributors. Gaming activities, however, come with a number of specific rules surrounding filing and withholding requirements that organizations need to be aware of prior to hosting these events.

01.11.12

Protest Now or Pay More Later
Richard Lang

The time for protest is ripe. Each year the Cook County Assessor reassesses one-third of the nearly 1.8 million parcels in Cook County. Starting in January, 2012, the Assessor will reassess all properties located within the boundaries of the City of Chicago with taxes payable in 2013.

01.06.12

Heavyweights Including Pritzker, Mansueto Launch Tech Investment Fund

We get excited whenever we see more tech investing in Chicago. This fund’s investment in a start-up will serve as an immediate credibility booster for that startup. Family offices and other potential investors would be wise to make follow-on investments in the start-ups that are backed by this fund of experts. Read article: “Heavyweights Including […]

12.23.11

Form 990 to the Rescue!
Harry Fox

You’ve seen the pleas for assistance, read the organization’s brochure, why you’ve even spoken to a few friends to get their thoughts on the organization. You’ve finally found the perfect non-profit to share your good fortune with. But wait, you’re still asking yourself “How do I know what my donation is really being spent on?”

12.22.11

Close the Books!
Brian R. Israel

Does your business traditionally close on a particular day of the week? If you analyze your profit and loss statements on a weekly basis, as many restaurants do, you may want to consider adopting an accounting period known as a 52-53 week year.

12.14.11

Energy Efficiency Makes “Cents”

The benefits of constructing energy efficient commercial buildings are not just environmental. For business owners and designers, the 2005 Energy Policy Act (EPA) created Section 179D which allows a substantial federal tax deduction for the costs of installing certain energy efficient systems in commercial buildings.

12.09.11

Holiday Tipping Guide
Robert Swenson

With the year drawing to a close, now is an ideal time to review your tax situation and evaluate strategies that may help minimize your bill. Here are five tax planning tips to consider before year-end that could keep more money in your pocket.

12.05.11

Gift Card Crazy II: Holiday Edition

As Black Friday and the official start of the Holiday Season have passed, many of us will buy and receive gift cards within the coming weeks. While they make for an easy holiday gift, they also can be useful to the businesses selling them. Take a look at the pros and cons gift cards can have for business owners.