Why we all need an “IDIOT!” light
December 5, 2016 | Carole Clark IsaksonMy first car was a canary yellow 1964 Corvair coupe. I could tell stories about that car for hours! Learned a lot too – one my strongest memories is of my father’s description of a dash feature. “This,” he said nicely, “is commonly called the ‘idiot light’. If it goes on you need to pull over immediately, shut off the engine, go find a phone and call me!” That light is a warning that things are on the verge of going badly. IF you paid attention, he said, there was still time to save the day (and the engine block) by pulling over and calling for help. What (or who) is your “idiot” light? We all need one! For some of us, it’s a spouse or other family member with enough distance from a situation to see that things are headed in the wrong direction. Your accountant and financial advisor may play this role as well, warning you when an investment isn’t performing, the 529 is underfunded, or the 401k is weighted too heavily in one fund. As parents we try to be the ‘idiot light’ for our kids. As attorneys we are sometimes in this position as well, a role that we take very seriously. I have been counseling business owners for…
Read MoreBGS and the Canada-Minnesota Business Council
November 10, 2016 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna Guzy & Steffen is a member of the Canada-Minnesota Business Council (CMBC), a Minnesota-based volunteer organization established in 1994 to support the commercial, economic, and cultural relationship between Minnesota and Canada. BGS attorney Carole Isakson recently attended an event hosted by the CMBC, featuring an intelligent and insightful presentation by global investment research firm TIS Group Inc. CMBC works closely with the office of the Consulate General of Canada in Minnesota, and at the event Ms. Isakson was pleased to meet and converse with Canadian Consul General Khawar Nasim. The Minneapolis office of the Consul General covers Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. According to the CMBC, trade between Minnesota and Canada now exceeds $20 billion dollars annually, with Canada representing Minnesota’s largest trading partner in the world. The CMBC’s ongoing mandate is support for education, policy advocacy, and business networking within the growing community of private and public stakeholders involved in this critical business partnership. BGS is proud to be a member of the CMBC, and looks forward to becoming more involved with this valuable organization.
Read MoreAnoka Halloween Ambassador Candidate Samantha Meyer
October 21, 2016 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.In keeping with our mission to support the community in which we are located, Barna, Guzy & Steffen is sponsoring a candidate in the 2016/17 Anoka Halloween Ambassador Scholarship program. Samantha Meyer is a senior at Anoka High School this year and maintains a GPA of 4.01, along with participating in many extracurricular activities and sports. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Rock Climbing Club, Lacrosse, Concert Orchestra, and dance and is involved with her church. She also works at Stoney River Assisted Living in Ramsey. Her creativity shines in this spooktakular decorated BGS pumpkin she created to recognize BGS for her sponsorship and was on display at the Sponsor Dinner on Oct. 20th. Samantha sent the gift back to BGS with Attorney Joan Quade who attended the event. The Anoka Royal Ambassador Program raises money for scholarships for young women and its mission to “support the growth and development of young women in Anoka through scholarship, achievement, and grace.” Samantha’s goal is to attend the University of Minnesota next year to study dentistry.
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