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Breakfast / Registration

7:00am

Welcome

Room 1

7:45am - 8:00am

Trends in Construction Technology:
Mobile and the Cloud

by Chad Ode - Regional Sales Manager, Foundation Software, Inc.

ROOM 1

What are the latest trends in construction software, and how can you get the most advantage out of them for your business? Chad Ode of Foundation Software will review some of the most recent changes in the industry, including the growing shift to cloud computing. We’ll look at what it is, how it impacts construction, and some of the pluses and minuses in moving from on-premise to cloud software. Finally, we’ll talk about the mobile revolution and its opportunities for companies like yours, such as real-time data collection from the jobsite with smart-device field logs for weather, notes, job costing and more.

8:00am - 8:50am

The Current State of the Surety Market

by Kevin Keller - Senior VP, Construction Services, The Fedeli Group

ROOM 1 – DUAL SPEAKER PRESENTATION

The Fedeli Group’s Kevin Keller will lead a look into the current state of the surety market, from industry loss results to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. Kevin will also talk about the importance of working with a team of professionals, including a professional surety agent, to maximize your bonding capacity.

 

How to Finance Fixed Assets and Sales Growth in a High Risk Industry

by Todd W Wade – Senior VP, Key Bank

Most banks have designated the construction industry as high-risk, which has made it hard for contractors to find the capital needed for fixed-asset purchases or sales growth. This session will address Small Business Administration (SBA) programs that are available to small businesses that are not able to obtain conventional financing on favorable terms. The flexible loan terms can help a company conserve cash and better plan for the future. Use of SBA programs can turn a decline into an approve.

 

9:00am - 9:50am

Tax Strategies for the Construction Industry

by Alex Bagne, JD, MBA - President, ICS Tax, LLC & John Hanning, MBA, CCSP - Directors, KBKG

ROOM 2

There are numerous tax planning ideas that can benefit construction companies as well as their clients. Despite significant savings, many are often overlooked and underutilized. This session will cover several tax minimization strategies, including cost segregation, energy efficiency incentives for both commercial and residential construction, and tax credits for renewable energy.

9:00am - 9:50am

Common Succession Planning Techniques
and Maximizing Your Return

by John Stenger, CPA – Owner, Stenger & Company & John Forbes, CPA PFS CCIFP CCA - Principal, HW&Co.

ROOM 1

Succession planning can be a difficult process since both financial and nonfinancial aspects need to be considered. One must not only look at the tax effects but also analyze the ultimate goal when it comes to related parties. This session will discuss advantages and disadvantages of four common succession planning techniques: asset and stock sales, tax-free reorganizations, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), and gifting. Each scenario offers both tax and nontax planning opportunities unique for both buyers and sellers. We will also discuss planning techniques commonly used to maximize sales price when transitioning your business.

10:00am - 10:50am

The Affordable Care Act: The Next Chapter

by Michael McGrath - Senior VP, Employee Benefits Division, The Fedeli Group

ROOM 2

Join us as we explore the history of the ACA from initial passage through 2016. From initial regulatory guidance to financing the law and practical fallout, we’ll dissect its components to give a practical roadmap to employers. Most pressing for many employers today is the “dust settling” after the initial filing of IRS Forms 1094 and 1095 and the recent letters many employers are receiving from the Department of Health and Human Services. To wrap up the conversation we’ll contemplate future changes as the 2016 presidential election takes shape and insurers react to losses sustained in the exchange marketplaces.

10:00am - 10:50am

Top Five Contract Pitfalls and Opportunities for Contractors

by Peter W. Hahn, Esq. - Partner, Construction Group Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP

ROOM 1

What are the top five contracting terms a contractor should look for before signing a contract with an owner on a commercial construction project? And what language should the contractor propose as a compromise to unreasonable contract terms? This session will address common clauses in construction contracts that increase contractors’ risks on a project and threaten their ability to be paid for work performed, including what compromise language can help level the playing field. Learn how best to protect yourself when faced with these difficult contracting issues.

11:00am - 11:30am

Panel Discussion:
Contractors — What Keeps You Up At Night?

by Columbus Contractors Network

ROOM 1

Have you ever lost sleep over a job’s tight profit margins? Or maybe the newest complex regulations in taxes or health care? Or an employee relations issue? You’re not alone. So don’t miss our wrap-up interactive panel discussion — led by you. Come share your concerns, further the conversation in Mid-Ohio construction and get answers from our panel of construction industry experts. This is your chance to get some peace of mind and clear the road ahead for the greatest success in your construction business!

11:30am - 12:00pm