Correction
Jim Merrilees, CLFP, is Not Retired

Vice-Chairman, The Alta Group

James "Jim" R. Jackson Jr., Co-CEO the Alta Group was the first to contact Leasing News:

"I must say that I was disappointed to read in this morning’s newsletter that Jim Merrilees, our Vice Chairman at The Alta Group, LLC, is now retired.

"Jim does great work and assists us with business development efforts through his extensive and impressive network in the industry.  He has authored several recent articles for industry publications and continues to share his knowledge and insight with all of us here at Alta."

Leasing News was able to reach Jim, who confirmed he joined The Alta Group, July, 2022.

Merrilees was quite active in the industry from his days as head of Colonial Pacific Leasing, the first with developing a Super Broker group exclusive to Colonial Pacific, and using early FinTech programming.

He is also one of the first to promote Super Brokers, other specific leasing companies and brokers who would submit deals to Colonial Pacific. They either had reached their limit with the leasing
company or the broker had no source for the transaction at the rate, terms, or equipment type for their regular sources.

Happy Holidays, Jim

Jim Merrilees, CLFP
Vice Chairman, The Alta Group
jmerrilees@thealtagroup.com
503-267-1110

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Ida Profera Bove was hired as Senior Credit Analyst, PEAC Solutions, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. Previously, she was Senior Credit Analyst, New Lane Finance (May, 2023 - December, 2023); Senior Business Underwriter, CAN Capital (October, 2022 - June, 2023). She joined Marlin Capital Solutions, April, 2001, Senior Credit Analyst, promoted Team Leader, Sr. Credit Analyst, April, 2002; Senor Credit Analyst, 2001); Senior Credit Analyst, Advanta Business Services (1994 - 2001).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ida-profera-bove-0b197ab/

Traci Dolphin was promoted to Chief Credit Officer, Commercial Funding Partners, Draper, Utah.  She joined the firm June, 2019 as EVP of Credit and Syndication. She remains PLM/Mortgage Broker, Dolfin Financial Advisory (October, 1998 - Present); Sales Executive, Onset Financial (January, 2014 - December, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-dolphin-78769927/

Bailey Turner was promoted to Executive Vice President, Commercial Funding Partners, Draper, Utah. He joined the firm June, 2017, Vice President of Business Development, promoted March, 2023, Senior Vice President, Market Strategies; Previously, he was Vice President of Sales, Nations Equipment Finance (August, 2015 -- November, 2016); National Sales Manager, Onset Financial (May, 2012 - August, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-turner-bbba5b10a/

Jeffrey Schaefer was hired as AVP Direct Sales, SLR Equipment Finance, Wilton Center, Connecticut; previously,  he was Managing Member, Odin Advisory LLC (September, 2020 - October, 2023). He joinws IBM Credit Corp. 1993 Associate Financial Marketing Advisor, General Business Remarketing, promoted  Financial Channel Sales Advisor, North America Commercial Financing, promoted 2004, Financial Channel Sales Executive, Americas Channel Sales; promoted 2014, Territory Financial Sales Executive, US Enterprise Market, promoted January, 2016, Financial Sales Executive, US Financial Services Market.) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-schaefer-ab76634

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted

 

Balancing Experience and Innovation in Hiring
By Ken Lubin, ZFG Partners, Managing Director

In the competitive landscape of modern business, the debate between hiring seasoned professionals versus those who bring fresh perspectives and innovation is more relevant than ever. As companies strive to maintain their edge and adapt to rapidly changing markets, the decision of whom to bring into executive roles has far-reaching implications.

The Case for Experience

Seasoned professionals bring a wealth of benefits to an organization. Their extensive experience in the field allows them to navigate complex challenges with ease, drawing on a deep well of knowledge and past learning. They are often well-versed in industry best practices, have established networks, and can provide stability and continuity, especially in times of crisis.

​Experienced executives are adept at risk management, having faced various business cycles and market fluctuations. They bring proven leadership skills, are able to mentor younger team members, and can navigate the intricate dynamics of a well-established corporate structure. Their familiarity with regulatory environments and operational intricacies of the industry can be invaluable.

The Argument for Innovation

On the other hand, executives who bring fresh perspectives and are known for their innovative approach can be vital for companies looking to disrupt traditional markets or stay ahead in fast-evolving industries. These individuals are often more adept at leveraging new technologies, adopting cutting-edge methodologies, and thinking outside the traditional paradigms.

Innovative leaders tend to foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, crucial for businesses aiming to lead in their fields. They can be instrumental in driving digital transformation, appealing to new customer demographics, and leading the charge in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. Their fresh outlook can challenge the status quo, leading to groundbreaking strategies and products.

Striking the Right Balance

The ideal scenario for many organizations is to find a balance between experience and innovation. This can be achieved by assembling a diverse team of executives, where seasoned professionals and innovative thinkers work together, combining the strengths of experience with the freshness of new ideas. Alternatively, organizations can seek individuals who embody both qualities - experienced professionals who have continually adapted and embraced innovation throughout their careers.

The Role of Corporate Culture and Goals

The decision also heavily depends on the specific needs and culture of the organization. For startups and companies in dynamic sectors like technology or renewable energy, an innovative leader might be more beneficial. In contrast, industries such as finance or manufacturing, where experience and an understanding of complex regulatory landscapes are crucial, might benefit more from seasoned executives.
​
Both experienced professionals and innovative leaders offer unique advantages. The choice between them should be guided by the specific needs, culture, and strategic direction of the organization. In an ideal world, a blend of both, either in the form of a diverse executive team or individuals who blend experience with a penchant for innovation, would provide the best of both worlds. This balanced approach can help companies navigate the complexities of the modern business environment while staying agile and forward-thinking.

Ken Lubin, Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin

The Ultimate Hire
by Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners
https://leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/ultimate.html

 

 

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CLFP Foundation Adds 10 New CLFPs
Bringing the Total for the Year 1,466

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to announce that 10 individuals who recently sat through the 8-hour online proctored CLFP exam, have passed.

Marilyn Broyles, CLFP Associate,
Quality and Compliance Specialist I,
Arvest Equipment Finance

Jonathan Buckert, CLFP Associate,
AVP Staff Accountant, First American Equipment Finance

Angela Landers, CLFP, Documentation Manager,
Nexseer Capital

Joanne Ludeman, CLFP, Portfolio Services Rep. II,
Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc.

Christopher Massanelli, CLFP, Vice President,
Equipment Finance Specialist, Arvest Equipment Finance

Gengzong Qiu, CLFP, CEO/President,
XCMG America Financial LLC, CFO, XCMG America

Egan Sicker, CLFP Associate, Assistant
Vice President-Project Manager, First American Equipment Finance

Lexa Sudore, CLFP. Project Manager,
First American Equipment Finance

Cindy Wagner, CLFP, Sales Support Specialist,
Arvest Equipment Finance

Nicole Ziegler, CLFP, Assistant Vice President,
Operational Accounting, First American Equipment Finance

Angela Landers completed the online, self-paced ALFP and earned her CLFP letters earlier this month. She shares, "I came into the Equipment Finance industry four years ago as green as they come. As I began to learn more about the industry, my interest grew in obtaining as much information as possible, so I would feel like I am an asset to my company. As I continued my journey to further educate myself, it was clear that I found something that I truly enjoyed doing."

Joanne Ludeman of Financial Pacific shares, "Taking the CLFP exam, was important for me to show my true professional dedication to my job, company and industry of leasing. What came out of it most was truly the journey to get there and a broader understanding of peer work statements within the business.

“Reviewing with CLFP staff, company peers and reading the handbooks gave me a strong foundation to provide me a basis of overall knowledge needed.  Leasing is technical with lots of vocabulary so the journey of studying and drilling down to the next question and answer was really where the true value lies.  The path to get to certification was as important as taking the exam."

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.CLFPFoundation.org.

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Leasing & Financing Books for Christmas
Available on Amazon and Delivery if Ordered Now!   

Leasing & Financing Books

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“This book explains how companies that sell equipment and other products can increase product sales and add an additional profit center by establishing their own innovative leasing and financing operation.

“Industry data shows that the need for equipment and other product financing has evolved over the past few decades to where now nine out of ten U.S. companies use leasing or other forms of third party financing to acquire the equipment or other products they need. For market-aggressive companies offering products for sale, having an available in-house customer product leasing and financing program as a product marketing strategy can dramatically increase their ability to close product sales.

“In the past, establishing an in-house financing activity was difficult and expensive, requiring unique and substantial additional business operational and financing components in addition to an extensive learning curve. This is no longer the case. In recent years, there have been wide-spread market advances surrounding the financing of equipment and other products that enable forward-thinking companies to cost-effectively establish their own in-house product financing activity, using readily available, state-of the-art financing software programs, and third-party back-office services to manage any part of the financing process.

“This book will provide a product vendor with the turnkey know how it needs to assess the viability of establishing an in-house equipment financing operation, as well as the various considerations needed to set up and run its own cost-effective and profitable product financing activity.”

https://www.amazon.com/Equipment-Leasing-Financing-Business-Strategy/dp/194999192X

Richard M. Contino is an internationally-recognized equipment leasing expert, with an extensive legal, business, marketing, tax, transaction structuring, financial and management background.  He is an advisor on all types of start-up and on-going equipment leasing business activities for lessors, lease lenders and syndicators, equipment vendors, lease investors and corporate lessees.  He is former General Counsel of De Lage Landen, Wayne, Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of The Rabobank Group, and the 14th largest equipment lessor in the U.S. Mr. Contino is the author of eight books on business, negotiating, and equipment leasing. He has conducted private on-site and publicly-held business success, communication, finance, and negotiation seminars throughout the United States for professional organizations (e.g., American Management Association, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, National Seminars Group, Practicing Law Institute, and University of California Graduate School of Law) as well as corporations (e.g., AT&T, EXXON Corporation, NYNEX, and Texas Instruments Corporation). He is a retired JAG Captain, US Air Force.

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Amembal & Halladay Announce
the Release of Two New Publications

Amembal & Halladay proudly announce the release of their two new publications. The two represent the 17th and 18th publications published by the firm, respectively. 

Leasing - The Creative Financing Alternative, by Sudhir Amembal, CLFP, was written with two objectives in mind. The first is to provide guidance to lessors on increasing business volume as well as profitability. The second is to provide clear and cohesive information on topics of substantial significance to include Funding, Operating Leases, Vendor Programs, and Measuring Financial Performance. The publication's breadth and depth make it useful to the novice, the experienced, and everyone in-between; to personnel from any and all departments; and, to management who will find numerous implementable ideas.

Table of Contents:
https://amembalandhalladay.com/publications/

$245 U.S. Orders
$295 International Orders
435 pages

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Accounting for Leases - Embracing the New Paradigm, by Shawn Halladay, CLFP, examines the lease accounting requirements of IFRS 16 and ASC 842 in an easy-to-understand manner. The book highlights where the Standards differ from each other and from prior guidance.  The book focuses on applying the rules to real-world issues, reinforced by numerous examples.  The content helps accountants comply with the rules; provides management with a key understanding of their impact; gives sales teams the tools to identify customers’ needs; and guides lessees in applying the significant changes to their business.

Preface:
https://amembalandhalladay.com/publications/

$245 U.S. Orders
$295 International Order
424 pages

Amembal & Halladay is the world's most highly respected training and consultancy firm in the equipment leasing and finance industry. The firm has trained over 80,000 leasing professionals throughout the world: provided advisory, consultancy, and professional development services to a host of equipment finance and leasing firms; and, published 18 industry best-sellers.

For additional information, including table of contents, availability, and pricing click here: amembalandhalladay.com/publications/

 

Equipment Leasing in Canada

Hugh Swandel, Senior Managing Director-Canada, The Alta Group, recommends, noting, "It was great to be asked to contribute to this new book on equipment financing in Canada. It is now the most current source of  information you can get on all aspects of the Canadian industry. Jon Fleisher has coordinated contributions from an all star team of authors."

Available for $195 as Preorder:
https://store.lexisnexis.ca/en/categories/shop-by-jurisdiction/federal-13/equipment-financing-in-canada-skusku-cad-6692/details

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Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP, a thirty-four year veteran in the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry, has compiled his favorite sales tips into an easy-to-read format for veteran and novice commercial equipment leasing and finance professionals.

"'Call to Action,' 134 pages, is designed to assist individuals to think outside of their current comfort zone, to increase their productivity, and to enhance their personal value proposition," Scott Wheeler explains. "Each chapter in this book touches upon a significant area in the finance and leasing industry. The sales tips are followed by call to action exercises to stimulate group discussions and individual reflection.

"Professionals throughout the equipment finance and leasing industry will benefit greatly from using this book as a reference guide and workbook for self-improvement."

$19.95 at Amazon

A portion of each sale will be donated to the Chris Walker Educational Fund – dedicated to the education of professionals in the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry.

Scott is a well-known author for several leasing publications, including Leasing News, plus issues a weekly newsletter as well as conducts a school for training entrepreneurs to become independent leasing brokers.

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047
Phone: 410 877 0428
Fax: 410 877 8161
Email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com
Web: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

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Written by a team from the IAA-Advisory Group in the United Kingdom. Chairman is Derek Soper.

"The book is handsome with 142 very readable pages. This book, mainly targeted at new entrants whether countries, sectors or individuals, examines the features of all the component parts of this business and explains each without the complication of local environments. This gives the reader the basic knowledge to grow the various financial products within their own jurisdiction and shape them to suit their customer’s requirements."

Table of Contents
Preface 
chapter one: The value of leasing and its impact on markets 
chapter two: What is this thing called leasing? 
chapter three: The commercial framework for leasing 
chapter four: financial terms 
chapter five: risk & Pricing 
chapter six: Lease funding 
chapter seven: Lease accounting 
chapter eight: marketing financing 
chapter nine: using services to add value & differentiate 
chapter ten: What next?

It is easily available at $36.50 at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Leasing-Deconstructed-IAA-Advisory-Limited-ebook

 

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The Successful Equipment Lease Broker
by Joshua Fant (December, 2010)

He is a real estate broker in the Greater Seattle area.
He was a leasing broker from January, 1999 to August, 2005.
Book may be dated. 14 day return policy (also to their book store).

$39.95 Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-successful-equipment-lease-broker-inc-the-leasing-expert/1029662145

 

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Start Your Own Leasing Company!
By Paul Sutton (2014)  111 pages-Fourth edition.

Company appears to have a collection of “how to” books. They have return policy for printed books only.

Book: $44.95   Download $19.46

https://www.businessbooksource.com//books/274/start-leasing-company.cfm

 

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The CLFP Foundation Professional Handbook
Eighth Edition

The Certified Leasing and Finance Professional designation is the only certification for the Equipment Finance Industry. There are currently 571 active Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates in the United States, Canada and Australia.

Amazon $70.00/Also available on Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Lease-Finance-Professionals-Handbook/

The History of the CLP Handbook
By Robert Teichman, CLP
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2012/10_10.htm#handbook

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Equipment Leasing
Publisher: Matthew Bender

Three Volume Set; loose leaf; updated with revisions
Updated Yearly

$1,747 Print
$1,544 eBook
(with yearly up-date savings plan)

http://www.lexisnexis.com/store/catalog/booktemplate
/productdetail.jsp?pageName=relatedProducts&catId=167&prodId=10538

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Secured Transaction for the Practitioner
By Frank Peretore and Robert Hornby
Paperback   $29.95
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Secured+Transaction+for+the+
Practitioner+by+Frank+Peretore+and+robert+Hornby&ref=nb_sb_noss

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Workouts and Enforcement for the Secured Creditor and Equipment Lessor
By Frank Peretore
Paperback $79.99 and hardback  $99.88 four sellers
https://www.amazon.com/Workouts-Enforcement-Secured-Creditor-Equipment-dp-1632816105/dp/1632816105/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid= authors

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Top Ten Leasing News Read by Readers
December 11 to December 15

(1) Does Leasing Financing History Repeat Itself?
Changes Similar to 20 Years Ago
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_13.htm#does

(2)  New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_11.htm#hires

(3) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_13.htm#hires

(4) Lease Corporation of America and its affiliation
LCB Bank Corporation is rebranding to Milestone Bank
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_11.htm#ms

(6) Gender Pay Gap Widens with Education Levels
  Average Hourly Wages in US in 2022
By Felix Richter, Statista
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_11.htm#pay

(7)  Missouri’s Third Attempt: The Persistent
  Push For  Commercial Financing Disclosures
Kenneth C. Greene, Leasing News Emeritus
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_15.htm#mo

(8) Pennsylvania Considers Annual Fee
for Electric Vehicle Owner
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_15.htm#pa

(9) The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Executive Success
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_13.htm#role

(10) Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance Conferences
   2024 - Updated
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2023/12_13.htm#conf

Border Collie/Mix with Labrador Retriever
Mt. Laurel, New Jersey - Adopt-a-Dog

Grady

Male
50 lbs
Black and White
House Trained
Neutered
Up-to-Date Vaccinated
Ok with Kids and Dogs

Here is a bit more about me:

 “Anyone ready to play? Grady is a beautiful and 50 lbs. pup ready for a forever home. He is playful and lovable and gets along great with other dogs too. He will make a wonderful loving family pet or companion. He is the sweetest!”

Application
https://www.animalsanctuarysociety.org/webform/adoption-application

Animal Sanctuary Society, Inc
Post Office Box 24
Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054
(856) 642-0004
support@animalsanctuarysociety.org
https://www.animalsanctuarysociety.org/

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Penalties For Failure To Comply
With State Disclosure Laws
By Kenneth C. Greene, Leasing News Emeritus

Several polls of equipment finance companies conducted within the past few months have confirmed a disturbing trend in the industry. Some are moving out of the states that require disclosures. Some equipment finance companies are changing their products (i.e., to operating leases only) rather than undertaking the task of disclosure. Most critically, more than a few equipment finance companies ignore the disclosure laws. This article will address what can happen to those who disregard the laws.

CALIFORNIA
California was the first to propose and enact disclosure laws for the finance industry. These are the possible penalties for non-compliance
22805.

Any provider licensed under the California Financing Law (Division 9 (commencing with Section 22000)) as of the date that the final regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to Section 22804 become effective and from that point thereafter, shall be subject to examination and enforcement by the commissioner under California Financing Law (Division 9 (commencing with Section 22000)) for any violation of this division or any rule or order adopted pursuant to this division.

These include:
Revocation and/or suspension of license
Injunctive or declaratory relief
Up to a $2500 fine per violation, or, if willful, $10,000 per violation
Imprisonment in county jail for not more than a year or fines and imprisonment (requires knowledge of the rule or order).

CA REGS:  https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/06/PRO-01-18-Commercial-Financing-Disclosure-Regulation-Final-Text.pdf

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NEW YORK
The Empire State’s disclosure laws kicked in on August 1, 2023. Funders not following those laws face the following fines and penalties:

There is a fine of up to $2000 per violation or, if willful, $10,000 per violation.
Restitution.
Permanent or preliminary injunction.

NEW YORK REGS: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/01/rf_finservices_23nycrr600_text.pdf

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UTAH
SB 183 took effect on March 24, 2023. Here are the penalties for non-compliance:

There is a penalty of up to $500 per violation and up to $20,000 for using the same noncompliant disclosures. 
Higher monetary penalties for subsequent violations.

UTAH REGS: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title7/Chapter27/C7-27_2022050420220504.pdf

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VIRGINIA
HB 1027 only applies to Sales-based finance lenders (Merchant Cash Advances). Still, the penalties for abuse are plentiful:

Damages (amount unspecified)
Injunctive Relief
Restitution
Damages, including attorneys’ fees

VIRGINIA REGS: https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?221+ful+CHAP0516

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GEORGIA
Georgia’s disclosure law will become effective on January 1, 2024. Penalties include:

$500 per violation, not to exceed $20,000 for all violations arising out of the same transaction
$1000 per willful violation, up to $50,000.

GEORGIA LAW:
https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/219440

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FLORIDA
Florida’s disclosure law, which became effective on January 1, 2023, has the same penalties for non-compliance as in Georgia.

FLORIDA LAW:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1353/BillText/er/PDF

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CONNECTICUT
Connecticut’s new disclosure laws are effective on July 1, 2024.
Penalties include:

Up to $100,000
Injunctive relief.

CONNECTICUT REGS:    https://trackbill.com/bill/connecticut-senate-bill-1032-an-act-requiring-certain-financing-disclosures/2369045/

Note that these penalties are not generally exclusive of other civil and potentially criminal fines and penalties. In some but not all states, a private cause of action exists for borrowers. That would leave the damage issue in the hands of a judge or jury, so a judgment might well include consequential and punitive damages. In those states where the Attorney General has the only right to enforcement, the AG could still pursue RICO or unfair business violation claims.

The bottom line is if you are doing business in a state with these laws, follow them and get legal advice if you decide you don’t need to. You may have options, but ignoring the law is no way to run a business.

Ken Greene
Law Office of Kenneth Charles Greene
Tel: 818.575.9095
ken@kengreenelaw.com
www.kengreenelaw.com

 

News Briefs---

FDIC-run Signature Bridge Bank sells
    20% stake of $16.8 billion real estate portfolio
https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23105.html
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fdic-run-signature-bridge-bank-224444758.html

Costco’s hottest item isn’t rotisserie chickens
      It’s $2,000 gold bars
https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/16/business/costco-gold-bars/index.html

AT&T to buy Rivian EVs as part
of electrification program
https://www.ajc.com/news/business/att-to-add-rivian-evs-to-its-fleet/FZTN6WOH3RDDNMY2A45LM5YDW4

Good News: You Don’t Have to Sleep With Your Spouse
    Therapists and sleep scientists say it’s OK for couples to sleep apart
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/sleep-apart-marriage-separate-beds-3e7c22db?st=ox7pjaj8m28mzys&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

E-Signature Company DocuSign Explores a Deal
    Suitors for the company could include private equity and technology firms
https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/e-signature-company-docusign-explores-a-deal-1bbbc848?st=f6qtenmc57o07x9&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Federal agency quashes Georgia’s plan
    to let pharmacies sell medical marijuana
https://apnews.com/article/medical-marijuana-pharmacies-georgia-dea-drugs-dd823b5aaf51fdeee5fb5a23225a1700

 

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Maui vacation rental owners oppose housing
    wildfire survivors, 6,000 Live in Hotels
https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/maui-rental-owners-oppose-wildfire-survivors-18552286.php

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Sports Briefs---

Christian McCaffrey scores 3 TDs and 49ers
       roll past Cardinals 45-29 for 6th straight win
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/sports/christian-mccaffrey-scores-3-tds-and-49ers-roll-past-cardinals-45-29-for-6t/

Arthur Smith blows it for Falcons
    by trusting Desmond Ridder
https://www.ajc.com/sports/mike-check-blog/arthur-smith-blows-it-for-falcons-by-trusting-desmond-ridder/AHOTR5AKPVGY5EWW4UXEG2GCHY/

Cowboys-Bills live updates: Lopsided loss drops
    Dallas out of first place in NFC East Cowboys-Bills
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2023/12/17/dallas-cowboys-buffalo-bills-score-updates-dak-prescott/

Even though Bill Belichick won’t say it,
we know who the Patriots are
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/17/sports/even-though-bill-belichick-wont-say-it-we-know-who-patriots-are/

Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes given big fines
     for criticizing notorious off sides call
https://sports.yahoo.com/andy-reid-patrick-mahomes-given-big-fines-for-criticizing-notorious-offsides-call-214949800.html

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California News Briefs---

San Francisco School District faces $421 million deficit;
    Could cut more than 900 vacant jobs
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sfusd-budget-job-cuts-18547236.php

Court approves $180 million property tax cut
    for 49ers in Levi’s Stadium dispute
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/court-approves-180m-tax-cut-49ers-levi-s-18550228.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8    

Believe It or Not: Vintage Reviews
   The Merits of certain Wine Vintages
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2023/12/believe-it-or-not-vintage-reviews