1/13/12 It's not too late to register

It's not too late to register

Pick up your phone now and call 800.788.3548 – or register online now – to register for WCOE's Annual Congressional and Leadership Conference, February 4-7, 2012.

We have a stellar line up of speakers and VIP's and a first-ever 2 hour Q&A session with the brightest legal minds on construction and small business legal challenges. Learn about Teaming & Joint Venture problems from Michelle Kantor, current Litigation issues from Lisa Colon Heron, Construction Contract issues from Elisabeth Kozlow and Prevailing Wage issues from Deborah Wilder. This seminar alone is worth the price of admission, plus there are dozens more.

Plus you will be having breakfast on Capitol Hill with Senators and Congressmen/women who are there to learn directly from you what challenges you face and how you think they should solve the nation's serious budget and economic problems. Let them know what you see as the “non-negotiable” items – like more onerous federal regulations – and why the new WOSB program doesn't seem to be working.

New member – Holli Dorr

Please welcome our newest member, Holli Dorr, President of Hollister Construction Company in Anaheim, CA. Holli's company does commercial, government and multi-family residential projects and has a long string of very satisfied customers.

She has a fabulous website that is worth a look as an example of a great way to tell a company's story. Holli found WCOE through referrals from long-time member Ida Brooker (Boeing) and Arnice Lamb (Disney), and has long been active in WBENC and WIPP.

We are delighted to welcome Holli to WCOE and those of you attending the Annual Congressional and Leadership Conference will be able to meet her in person. You can reach Holli at 714.701.1401 (x229), or holli@hollico.net.

A quick look at the Federal Budget problem

In this highly charged election year, the Federal Budget will be front and center in sound bites, campaign ads and political hyperbole. Keep this simple chart in mind as you listen to the candidates. All we did was take off 8 zeroes – so it brings it down to numbers we can all relate to.

Annual Family income = $21,700
Annual Family expenditures = $38,200
Resulting increased credit card debt = $16,500
Total outstanding balance on credit card = $142,710
Total Family expenditure reductions approved = $385

This is no solution to the Federal Budget mess

In case you missed it this week, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that backroom discussions are underway between the White House, Treasury and some Legislators on Capitol Hill to take a look at “modifying” the way most small businesses are taxed.

Today, over 60% of US small businesses are structured as pass-through corporate entities – primarily Subchapter S corporations, LLCs, or LLPs – and all profits or losses are passed through to the owners for reporting and taxation on their personal tax returns. Some in Washington DC say this “allows US businesses to enjoy tax-free status” while overlooking the fact that the taxes are paid by the individual entrepreneurs/owners who rarely see those profit dollars wash through their own bank accounts even though they have to pay the tax on them.

Watch for this issue to start surfacing in Presidential election debates. You will quickly be able to determine those who understand how small businesses operate and those who don't have a clue. WCOE has incorporated this issue into our 2012 Policy Positions and will be joining the US Chamber of Commerce in defending pass-through entities as being critical to the well-being of small businesses in this country.

Southeastern'ers Take Note

The School & College Building Expo is offering a $40 discount to WCOE members who want to attend the upcoming Expo in Orlando on January 24-26, 2012. The conference includes workshops on creative solutions to building challenges, keynote speakers Gardner Campbell and Michael Wesch, exhibit hall, and the Winter Conference of AIA's Committee on Architecture for Education.

More information is available at http://bit.ly/SCBESessns. Register online at http://bit.ly/SCBE12Reg and use discount code WEB40.

An invitation from our Northern Neighbors

The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum is inviting WCOE members to participate in their 2012 Conference & Exhibition on May 6-9, 2012 in Alberta, Canada. Details are available at www.cim.org/edmonton2012.

Remember that WCOE's Regional Conference is scheduled in New York City in cooperation with McGraw Hill's Groundbreaking Women In Construction Conference on May 5-8)

Strategic Partner QuickBooks offers January Promotions

WCOE friend Rozzie Brilliant has checked in with a special offer for WCOE members. A new year means it's also time to update your version of QuickBooks Pro or Premier. Not a QuickBooks user yet – then now is the time. For the next 30 days, you will receive a 30% discount off either the Pro or Premier series and she'll ship it free.

Need help keeping track of inventory – the QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions is the answer – and that's also being offered at a 30% discount.

Accepting credit cards from your customers is another hassle-free solution available from QuickBooks – and you can swipe the credit card right on your smart phone. Give Rozzie a call at 410.363.6482 or email rozzie@brilliantpaymentsolutions.com. She is ready to help make 2012 a financially organized year for you.

Women Construction Owners and Executives
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