HBC to Sponsor Third Boulder International Business Forum on May 12, 2011

HBC is once again pleased to sponsor the 2011 Boulder International Business Forum, a series of presentations and discussions on international business topics.  The third International Business Forum will take place at the offices of HBC (921 Walnut Street, Suite 200, in Boulder) on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at 10:30 a.m.  This session will focus on export assistance programs, explaining when an export license is required and what steps a business should take to comply with laws governing export of goods and services  A discussion of government funding and other resources to encourage exports will follow the presentation.  This session will answer questions such as:

• What is a "deemed export"?
• Is an export license required to provide professional services to foreign customers?
• Does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) apply to our foreign sales agents?
• Can our company benefit from the CO-EXist Program or Export Development Grants?
• What assistance is available to help companies deal with export issues?

Registration is free, and can be done by calling HBC at (303) 442-6514 or by sending an email to baudier@hbcboulder.com.  Please RSVP in advance, as space is limited.  Parking is available across Walnut Street at the St. Julien Hotel or at metered street parking along Walnut.

Scam Alert for Colorado Business Owners and Registered Agents

Owners and registered agents of business entities registered at the Colorado Secretary of State (such as corporations or limited liability companies) may have received an official-looking but misleading solicitation letter titled "Periodic Report" asking for payment of $225 to the "Corporate Controllers Unit" to file the entity’s corporate report.   The letter falsely implies that the filing fee for Periodic Reports in Colorado has been increased to $225, and that such payment must be made through the "Corporate Controllers Unit."  

In fact, the fee for filing a Periodic Report in Colorado remains only $10.00, and it may be paid online directly through the Colorado Secretary of State's website. The "Corporate Controllers Unit" is a private company, and the letter is a solicitation of business for its service of filing Periodic Reports on behalf of your business entity.  Entity owners are under no obligation to accept the "Corporate Controllers Unit" solicitation or to respond to this letter.  

Entity owners should be aware that as of January 1, 2012, postcard notifications will no longer be mailed by the Colorado Secretary of State to the registered agents of Colorado entities or to the entity.  Registered agents and business owners may (and should) sign up for e-mail notification service with the Secretary of State so that important filing dates are not missed and any filings relating the entity will be promptly noted.

If you have any questions, HBC business attorneys would be happy to speak with you regarding your entity's specific situation.

Connie Eyster Voted Colorado Rising Star for 2011

HBC partner, Connie Tromble Eyster, has again been honored among the state’s up-and coming attorneys by her selection as a Colorado Rising Stars for 2011 by the publishers of Colorado Super Lawyers®.

Bill Meyer, Baine Kerr, and Christopher Brauchli Voted 2011 Colorado Super Lawyers®

Three Hutchinson Black and Cook lawyers, Bill Meyer, Baine Kerr, and Christopher Brauchli have been voted 2011 Colorado Super Lawyers® by the publishers of Law & Politics magazine after a state-wide survey and independent review of the lawyers’ credentials.  HBC is very proud to have its lawyers recognized by their peers and to be named Colorado Super Lawyers®.

HBC Sponsors Second Boulder International Business Forum on April 5, 2011

HBC is sponsoring the 2011 Boulder International Business Forum, a series of presentations and discussions on international business topics.  The second International Business Forum will take place at the offices of HBC (921 Walnut Street, Suite 200, in Boulder) on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at 10:30 a.m.  This session will focus on how cultural factors affect deal negotiations and business relationships.  Our speakers are experts with years of experience in China, Europe, India and South Korea.  Audience discussion will follow the presentation.  Registration is free, and can be done by calling HBC at (303) 442-6514 or by sending an email to baudier@hbcboulder.com.  Space is limited.  Parking is available across Walnut Street at the St. Julien Hotel or at metered street parking along Walnut.

HBC sponsors Boulder International Business Forum 2/16/11

HBC is pleased to sponsor the 2011 Boulder International Business Forum, a series of presentations and discussions on international business topics of interest to Colorado businesses.  The first International Business Forum will take place on Wednesday, February 16, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.  That session will focus on cleantech business transactions in the international arena.  Registration is free, and can be done through the Chamber of Commerce at www.BoulderChamber.com or by calling (303) 442-1044.  You can also contact HBC attorney Amy Hirter, whose practice concentrates in international business transactions, for more information.

Maureen Eldredge becomes HBC's newest member 1/1/2011

As of January 1, 2011, Maureen Eldredge became Hutchinson Black and Cook, LLC’s newest member.  Maureen has been with the firm since 2006.  She will continue to focus her practice on helping new businesses get started on the right foot, and helping established businesses in all of their corporate legal needs, including contracting, private financing, employee equity plans and real estate acquisitions.  In addition, Maureen provides a variety of immigration services to corporations and individuals, including immigration law compliance, employment and family-based visas.  When not in the office, Maureen can be found coaching her daughter’s soccer team, riding horses and skiing.  Hutchinson Black and Cook is delighted to have Maureen as a member and colleague.

Kimberly Hult returns from sabbatical 1/1/2011

HBC is delighted to welcome back Kim Hult from her year-long sabbatical abroad.  Kim and her family spent 2010 in Morocco, where they made many friends and explored the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and the traditional medinas of Marrakesh and Fes.  When her husband, a philosophy professor at CU-Boulder, wasn't working on his Arabic, her children weren't studying at their French school, and Kim wasn't desperately trying to upload photos to her blog, the family traveled to southern Europe, Egypt, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.  For Kim, the best parts of the year included spending lots of time with her family and all those who came to visit them, traveling whenever possible, and taking advantage of the fabulous shopping in the Rabat, Fes and other medinas (for presents, of course).  Kim now fancies herself something of an expert on travel in Morocco (and other parts of Africa), especially with children, and is more than happy to share her thoughts and ideas for exploring North Africa.

HBC joins "10 FOR CHANGE" Challenge

HBC is a member of “10 FOR CHANGE” in which Boulder businesses have challenged each other to reduce their use of energy and to promote recycling of office equipment, paper products, water and other resources.  10 FOR CHANGE is a voluntary program operating under the auspices of the City of Boulder.  Its goals are consistent with the action plan independently adopted by HBC.  Go to http://www.10forchange.net/index.php for more information.

 HBC is also participating in the multi-week Sustainable Systems at Work roundtable offered by the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.  That program examines characteristics of sustainability and technologies and strategies to achieve sustainability in the workplace.

HBC ranked among First Tier law firms in Colorado by U.S. News

HBC received a “First Tier” ranking among all law firms in Colorado in the inaugural “Best Law Firms” publication by U.S. News in the practice areas of Construction law, Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice law and Trusts and Estates law.  In preparing its rankings, U.S. News and “Best Lawyers” surveyed thousands of clients and attorneys and ranked nearly 9,000 law firms.

HBC welcomes Keith Edwards as an associate attorney

HBC is pleased to welcome Keith Edwards as an associate attorney with the firm.  Keith is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, graduating in the top 6% of his class, and was an Articles Editor for the University of Colorado Law Review.  Keith obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado.  Keith's practice will encompass general civil litigation with an emphasis on commercial litigation.

Maureen Eldredge represents Madhava Honey in a major private offering

Madhava Honey Ltd, a leader in the honey and agave syrup industry, was represented by Hutchinson Black and Cook attorney Maureen Eldredge in connection with the recent investment in the company by Greenmont Capital Partners II.  Madhava Honey produces Madhava Mountain Gold Honey, Ambrosia Honey and related products, and organic Agave Nectar.  The Colorado-based company started operations in 1975 and provides honey and agave syrup to countries around the world.  Madhava Honey’s existing management team will be joined by Hass Hassan, as Lead Director.  Mr. Hassan is a former owner of Alfalfa’s Market and long-time Boulder investor in natural products and related markets.  The capital investment will allow Madhava to expand into more markets and continue its role as a leader in honey and agave production. http://www.madhavahoney.com/ 

Carla Sledge speaks at LEGUS conference in Barcelona, Spain

Carla Sledge was a featured speaker at the annual meeting of LEGUS, an international network of law firms, in Barcelona, Spain, in June.  HBC has been the exclusive Colorado member of LEGUS for over 11 years.  LEGUS has member firms in 34 US states and 32 countries worldwide, allowing HBC to offer its clients seamless representation in any member state or country.

Melissa Sullivan to speak at Trust and Estate Law Seminars

Melissa Sullivan will be a presenter at the upcoming Annual Legislative Update for the Taxation, Trust & Estate, Real Estate, and Business Law Sections of the Colorado Bar Association where she will speak about the 2010 legislative updates affecting trust and estate law.  She is also speaking about these 2010 legislative updates at the 2010 Estate Planning Retreat, a 3-day seminar in Vail, Colorado, for attorneys who practice trust and estate law.

Bill Meyer wins appeal in ERISA case

In a 2-1 decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirmed the trial court’s judgment for the plaintiff in LaAsmar v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co, a closely watched case addressing the rights of insurers to deny accident benefits to beneficiaries of ERISA plans.  Bill Meyer handled the case and appeal for the LaAsmar family.

Bill Meyer, Baine Kerr, and Christopher Brauchli voted Colorado Super Lawyers®

Bill Meyer, Baine Kerr, and Christopher Brauchli have been voted 2010 Colorado Super Lawyers® after a state-wide survey and independent review of the lawyers’ credentials.  HBC is very proud to have its lawyers recognized by their peers and to be named Colorado Super Lawyers®.

Connie Tromble Eyster, Justin Konrad and Melissa Sullivan voted “Colorado Rising Stars” by Colorado Super Lawyers®

Connie Tromble Eyster, Justin Konrad and Melissa Sullivan have been selected for inclusion in 2010 Colorado Rising Stars by the publishers of Colorado Super Lawyers®.  We are thrilled to have our colleagues and their accomplishments recognized by their peers in this manner.

Bill Meyer inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers

Bill Meyer has been inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. The ACTL is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada and is widely considered to be the premier professional trial organization in America.

Connie Tromble Eyster honored as a “Forty Under 40” winner

Connie Tromble Eyster has been selected as a winner of the Forty Under 40 Honor Roll.  She will be honored at the inaugural event sponsored by the Boulder County Business Report on February 16, 2010.  Connie was recognized for her role in creating the Lyons Community Foundation and the Pro Se Probate program at Boulder District Court as well as her extraordinary legal accomplishments and dedication to her clients.

Adam Chase to present sales and use tax seminar

Adam Chase will present a Lorman® seminar entitled Sales and Use Tax in Colorado on February 18, 2010 at the Curtis Hotel in Denver.  During the day-long presentation, Adam will discuss the taxability of tangible and intangible property, multistate issues, exclusions and how to survive sales tax audits.