Dear Friends & Colleagues,
Whew! I know that you are simply over it. Our time clock has stopped on and off for two years. It is time to reclaim our time and refresh our dreams and aspirations with vigor and intentionality. My goal for this quarterly INSIGHTS e-newsletter is to highlight insights of value in our world of law, business, government and local community. Thanks for receiving it with an embrace. I look forward to connecting with you on mutual goals. Wishing you a blossoming Spring season.
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Legal Audits: Is It Time For Some Spring Cleaning in Your Business or Organization?
Tell us the truth, we all have some things to fix around the home, including relocating laundry to the right basket, organizing the infamously overcrowded garage space, or ridding the kitchen of stacks of dishes in the sink. In the same way, your business or not-for-profit organization must conduct an occasional audit and inspection of its legal affairs to determine any hidden legal issues or risk exposure. This opportunity for spring cleaning affords the leadership of your business or organization to evaluate its corporate governance, contracts with third parties, intellectual property, methods of marketing and communication, pending and future litigation, insurance coverage, human resource practices, employment agreements, government compliance, and future succession planning.
More importantly, this spring cleaning of your business or organization will expose any potential areas of liability or opportunities for improvement in strategic efficiencies before the unnecessary creation of any challenges. Without getting rid of the “clutter” or taking corrective actions, your company or organization could easily fall in the troublesome zone of expensive lawsuits or operational losses.
There is never a perfect time for spring cleaning. The most critical thing to do is to take a first step and to refrain from doing too much in a short period. As a result, it is advisable to develop a timeline to:
- Assemble an internal team who will lead your legal audit of your business or organization;
- Schedule an appointment with outside legal counsel, your accountant, or other strategic advisors to discuss all the details and factual background of critical aspects of your business or organization, including, governance, business plans, financing, insurance, human resources, taxes, and other operational areas;
- Develop a status report and establish a timeline for review and recommendations;
- Develop a strategic timeline for implementation of recommendations.
After completing this exercise, be sure to celebrate the accomplishment with your team and commit to making this process part of your annual corporate actions of your organizational culture.
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For the People, By the People: Untapped Community & Business Resources in Government
In our local government, we often overlook the countless gems of resources to assist our businesses, support our families, and provide opportunities for personal development. In fact, we pay for these publicly available resources with our well-earned tax dollars. Below are some highlighted resources that you must explore utilizing and maximizing at your next click of the button of your favorite device:
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Score for Women Entrepreneurs: Score free and confidential business advice for women-owned small businesses;
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8(A) Business Development Program: Access training and technical assistance for contracting opportunities in the federal marketplace;
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Go global with your business with the help of U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency Business Centers to procure assistance with securing capital, competing for a contract, or identifying a strategic partner;
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Start your own podcast or VLOG at your nearest public library studio;
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Start a new skill at your local library: Check out a wide array of books, newspapers, magazines, and newspapers and other materials for business owners exploring new opportunities or skills;
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Build your family support system from a wide variety of social services at Community Resource Centers aimed at helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency;
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Grants.gov: Build your non-profit organization through creative funding sources from a number of governmental grants available to fund ideas and projects that provide public services and stimulate the economy;
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AxisHelps.com: Connect with community resources for small business owners, non-profit organizations, and families to secure stability and strength;
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Arts & Culture: Connect with a variety of resources available for arts organizations and individual artists;
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Public Safety: Connect with your local police department to access numerous programs and initiatives to help keep our streets safe and protect our children.
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Black History Month & Beyond Events
Black History is our history. There are a number of ways to celebrate this commemorative month of Black history. Here are some highlights of public South Florida events:
BAAB All Black History Month Celebrations: The Miami Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board has a long list of Black History Month events ranging from performances by local artists to festivals, runs/walks, essay contests, fundraising campaigns, etc.
Black Professionals Network has organized a number of exciting Black History Month events that you can take advantage of. These events range from topics such as entrepreneurship and tech innovation, black men in excellence, and shades of melanin in fashion, etc.
Florida State University College of Law Black Alumni Network’s BAN-tv presents a riveting Black History Month special with attorneys and alumni Ben Crump, Daryl Parks, and Sean Pittman discussing the “Strength of Black Brotherhood”. These powerhouse attorneys have a friendship dating back to freshman year of college. Tune in on February 21, 2022 at 7 pm as they share how their bond has been the catalyst for their success. Register here.
H.T. Smith BLSA Blackout Day: Join BLSA in celebrating black excellence at your work, school, even the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is wear all black on Thursday February 23, take a picture, and post it. Be sure to tag @fiu_blsa.
Florida State University College of Law Black Alumni Network invites you to join a virtual discussion on “Demystifying the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” This virtual chat will include attorney and U.S. Congresswoman, Sheila McCormick, and National Bar Association President Hon. Carlos Moore. This even will be co-hosted by BAN President Salesia-Smith Gordon, Esq. and Marlon Hill, Esq. Register today for this all-important discussion.
CARTA BLACK HISTORY DEI IG Take Over Day: Celebrate Black History Month with CARTA’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion team on Instagram live on Friday, Feb 25th from 9am to 4 pm. This DEI Takeover will include a series of IG lives related to topics such as Black Community Health, CARTA Careers, Ratcliffe Stars entrepreneurs, and Real Talk roundtable with Black women leaders in CARTA. Be sure to check out their IG stories in order to participate in their trivia questions and win prizes.
Opa-locka Community Development Corporation and Circle of One Marketing invite you to a special VIP Private Opening of BEYOND TRADITION, exploring the global appeal of traditional African art and how it has influenced and inspired modern life. The event takes place on Thursday, February 24, 6pm. Enjoy a brilliant night of celebration of African art, inspired bites, and cultural presentations. RSVP here.
Florida Panthers 28 Days of Excellence: In celebration of Black History Month, the Florida Panthers are hosting ‘28 Days of Black Excellence,” a program recognizing South Florida residents who are making an impactful difference in the local community The stories and achievements of Black business owners, teachers, althetes, and healthcare workers will be shared daily through the month of February The Florida Panthers will celebrate with all honorees on Thursday, February 24th at the FLA Live Arena at the BB&T Center.
City of North Miami Beach Commissioner Daniela Jean invites you to the “Ladies Who Lead Breakfast,” in commemoration of Women’s History Month , Monday, March 7, 2022, 10:30am, at the Marjorie and William McDonald Center, 17051 NE 19th Ave, North Miami Beach. For more information, tag @CommissionerDanielaJean.
In commemoration of Black History Month, Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation invites you to the Annual BLSA Reception on March 9th, 2022 at 6pm in the outside courtyard behind the 2525 Ponce de Leon office building, where KTT and several other law firms are located. This reception celebrates mentoring, diversity and inclusion in welcoming local Black law students, their mentors and allies. RSVP here.
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Office: (305) 854-0800
Cell: (305) 244-4456
Marlon A. Hill represents local governments, businesses and entrepreneurs in business transactions, intellectual property and government matters concentrated in the hospitality, tourism, arts and entertainment and technology sectors. He works with growth-oriented businesses in South Florida and the Caribbean, helping them navigate the structuring, launch, and growth of their ventures and advocating for them before state and local government entities. For international entrepreneurs, Hill also manages the filing of business immigration visa petitions for investor entrepreneurs, specialty occupation professionals, intra-company transferees, and entertainers, artists and media talent.
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The information contained in this document does not constitute legal advice.
#WSHCBLaw
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