#New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreements

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Why You Need an LLC Operating Agreement and How to Make One

When starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC), it is important to have an LLC operating agreement in place. This document outlines the ownership and management structure of the LLC and lays out the rules and procedures that govern its operation. In this article, we will explain why having an LLC operating agreement is essential and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create one.

What is an LLC Operating Agreement?

An LLC operating agreement is a legal document that sets out the rules and procedures governing an LLC's operation. It outlines the ownership and management structure of the LLC and specifies the responsibilities and rights of the members. It also establishes the rules and procedures for the management of the LLC and provides a framework for resolving disputes.

Why You Need an LLC Operating Agreement

Having an LLC operating agreement is essential for several reasons. First, it clarifies the ownership and management structure of the LLC and sets out the rules and procedures governing its operation. This can help to prevent disputes and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Second, an LLC operating agreement can help to protect the limited liability status of the LLC. Without an operating agreement, the LLC may be subject to the default rules of state law, which may not provide adequate protection for the members' personal assets. Finally, an LLC operating agreement can help to establish credibility with banks, investors, and other stakeholders. It demonstrates that the LLC is a well-organized and professionally managed entity.

What to Include in an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement should include several key provisions. These include:

The name and purpose of the LLC

The identity of the LLC's members

The management structure of the LLC

The capital contributions of the members

The ownership and profit allocation structure

The voting rights and procedures

The management responsibilities and duties

The meeting procedures

The buyout and dissolution provisions

Step-by-Step Guide to Making an LLC Operating Agreement

Here is a step-by-step guide to creating an LLC operating agreement:

1. Choose Your LLC's Members

The first step in creating an LLC operating agreement is to determine who will be the LLC's members. Members are the owners of the LLC and are typically individuals or other companies.

2. Decide on Your LLC's Management Structure

The next step is to decide on the management structure of the LLC. Will it be managed by its members, or will it be managed by a separate manager or management team?

3. Set Out Your LLC's Purpose and Goals

Next, you should set out the purpose and goals of the LLC. This should include a clear statement of what the LLC will do and what its objectives are.

4. Determine Capital Contributions

Each member of the LLC must make a capital contribution to the LLC. This is typically in the form of cash or property.

5. Outline the Ownership and Profit Allocation Structure

Once the capital contributions have been determined, you should outline the ownership and profit allocation structure of the LLC. This should specify each member's percentage ownership in the LLC and how profits will be distributed.

6. Detail Voting Rights and Procedures

It is important to specify the voting rights and procedures in the LLC operating agreement. This should include the number of votes required to make decisions and the procedures for calling meetings and casting votes.

7. Outline Management Responsibilities and Duties

The operating agreement should also specify the management responsibilities and duties of each member and any managers. This should include a description of their roles and responsibilities, as well as any limitations on their authority.

8. Set Up Meeting Procedures

The operating agreement should establish procedures for conducting meetings. This should include the frequency of meetings, the notice requirements, and the procedures for conducting meetings.

9. Establish Buyout and Dissolution Provisions

Finally, the LLC operating agreement should establish provisions for buying out a member's interest in the LLC and for dissolving the LLC if necessary. This should include the procedures for determining the value of a member's interest and the requirements for dissolving the LLC.

Review and Revise Your LLC Operating Agreement

Once you have drafted your LLC operating agreement, it is important to review and revise it as necessary. You should ensure that all provisions are clear, concise, and enforceable, and that they comply with state law. You may also want to seek the advice of a lawyer to ensure that your operating agreement is legally sound.

Also Read :- The Importance of Reviewing Your New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement Regularly

FAQs

Q : Is an LLC operating agreement required by law?

A : No, an LLC operating agreement is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended.

Q : Can I create an LLC operating agreement myself?

A : Yes, you can create an LLC operating agreement yourself, but it is recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer to ensure that it is legally sound.

Q : Can an LLC operating agreement be changed?

A : Yes, an LLC operating agreement can be changed at any time, provided that all members agree to the changes.

Q : Can an LLC operate without an operating agreement?

A : Yes, an LLC can operate without an operating agreement, but this is not recommended. Without an operating agreement, the LLC may be subject to the default rules of state law, which may not provide adequate protection for the members' personal assets.

Q : Where can I get help creating an LLC operating agreement?

A : You can get help creating an LLC operating agreement from a lawyer or legal service provider that specializes in business law. For those in New Hampshire, visit nhlegalforms.com for assistance with creating a New Hampshire LLC operating agreement.

Conclusion

creating a solid New Hampshire LLC operating agreement is crucial for the success of your business. This document provides a framework for ownership and management while also preventing disputes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create an effective LLC operating agreement that will protect your business and ensure its long-term success.

If you need help crafting a comprehensive New Hampshire LLC operating agreement, visit nhlegalforms.com. Our team of legal experts can guide you through the process and ensure that your agreement meets all the necessary requirements. Don't wait until it's too late – start building a strong foundation for your LLC today with nhlegalforms.com.

Reference URL :- Why You Need an LLC Operating Agreement and How to Make One

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☀️ RMLD and NextEra Energy - Seabrook Solar Project

RMLD is working with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, to bring two solar arrays to land adjacent to the Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant, located in Seabrook, New Hampshire. RMLD recently executed a Power Purchase Agreement and the permitting process for the project is underway. The two solar arrays, Seabrook Solar 3 and Seabrook Solar 4, will be operational in the summer of 2024 and have…

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How to form an LLC as per Limited Liability Companies Law

Here’s everything you need to know about limited liability companies laws: how it gets formed, advantages, disadvantages, and regulations as per limited liability companies law.

Limited Liability Company is the most usual form of business form found in the United States. 

LLC is a blend of partnership and corporation. Such a hybrid character of LLC has become a popular alternative for business owners over the years.

What is a limited liability company?

A limited liability company is often a business form chosen by those just starting with their newly formed business. 

Suppose you are planning to incorporate a business under the limited liability companies law. In that case, it is essential to have in-depth knowledge about limited liability companies, advantages, disadvantages, and every aspect relating to an LLP.

An LLC is a hybrid of partnership and corporation. The LLC combines the benefits of pass-through taxation, much like an S corporation, and has the perks of limited liability.

But the LLC’s legal structure is much more convenient for the business owners, making many companies believe that the S corporation has too many restrictions to take advantage of its benefits. Read more about S corporation on getlegal.com.

A limited liability company, a legal entity created by a single person as per limited liability companies law in usual circumstances, may have more than one partner or owner that runs the business together.

A limited liability company enjoys many benefits through taxation. It keeps liability away from the owner of the company’s partners so that the partner’s or owner’s assets are protected when litigation occurs.

Unfortunately, the disadvantage of a limited liability company may include the difficulty or inability to change the limited liability company into a corporation when the time comes. 

Another downside of an LLC is there are only so many shareholders these entities may possess. Limited shareholder possession means shares, interest, or stock of an LLC is limited as per the limited liability companies law.

Steps to form an LLC as per limited liability companies law

Choosing a name for LLC

The limited liability company name must comply with the state’s rules. While the limited liability companies law differs from state to state, most states require the following:

The name of the LLC should end with an LLC designator, such as a limited liability company, a limited company, or an abbreviation of one of these phrases.

The LLC name should not be identical to the name of another LLC or business entity already registered within the state.

Filing of articles of organization

It is essential to file articles of organization with the state’s corporate filing office, often the secretary of state, to create an LLC. 

Some states of the United States, such as New Hampshire, New Jersey, Washington, Delaware, and Mississippi, use the term “certificate of formation” instead. 

Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are the other two states that call the document a “certificate of organization.” Click here to read more about the specific requirements for forming a Limited liability company in your state.

Ass per the limited liability companies law, articles of the organization can usually get completed online or through a form available on the Secretary of State’s website. 

To fill the form, one needs the LLC name, LLC registered agent’s address, basic information like how the LLC will get managed, and the LLC owners’ name to fill the form. A filing fee needs to get attached to the form, which is typically around $100 in most states.

Choosing a registered agent

Limited liability companies have a registered agent, an individual, or a company that agrees to accept legal papers on behalf of the limited liability company if it gets sued. 

As per the limited liability companies law, a registered agent must have a physical street address in the state where the LLC gets registered.

Most states in the US maintain a list of registered commercial agents (private sector companies) that will act as agents for the service of the process for a fee. A limited liability company member can act as a registered agent for the LLC.

Deciding on member vs. manager management

Small LLCs mostly choose to be managed directly by their members. LLCs have an option to appoint one or more people to manage the LLC – selecting such people from outside of LLC to manage the LLC is similar to a board of directors overseeing a corporation. Managers vote on crucial issues such as purchasing real estate, taking out a loan, or changing strategic plans.

Creating an LLC operating agreement

Most of the states don’t require an LLC operating agreement. An LLC operating agreement, an internal document, establishes how an LLC will run, including how the LLC will get managed. State law will govern the operations of an LLC in the absence of an operating agreement.

Complying with tax and regulatory requirements

In most states of the US, these additional tax and regulatory requirements apply to an LLC as per the limited liability companies law:

Employer Identification Number (EIN): 

If an LLC incorporates more than one member, it must obtain its own IRS EIN, even if the LLC has no employees. 

If the LLC gets formed with only one member, such LLC needs to get an EIN only if the LLC will entail employees or the member of the LLC elect to have it taxed as a corporation instead of a sole proprietorship. 

It’s essential to complete an online Employer Identification Number application on the IRS website to obtain EIN.

Business Licenses: 

Depending on the type and location of the business, an LLC may need to obtain other local and state business licenses. 

Checking with the appropriate state agencies to ensure that the LLC is properly registered, licensed, and permitted to do business in the state is advised.

Sales and employer taxes: 

If the business registers, sell goods, collects taxes, or has employees, such LLC needs to register with the appropriate state taxing authority. 

Filing of annual reports

In the United States, many states require an LLC to file an annual report attached with a filing fee as per limited liability companies law. 

Out of state limited liability company registration

An LLC needs to get registered and appoint a registered agent for process service, to conduct business activity in a state other than where LLC got formed.

For more information about How to form an LLC as per Limited Liability Companies Law, visit getlegal.com

The Characteristics of an LLC

Limited liability

An LLC, as per limited liability companies law, offers limited liability protection to its members. 

LLC members are only liable for their own actions, unlike a partnership business, where one partner of the business can be held liable for the acts of other partners. LLC members cannot be held responsible for civil wrongs and torts committed by other company members.

Owners as members

As per limited liability companies law, the members are LLS owners. The members of the LLC have the option of either managing the company by themselves or can appoint one of the members to manage the day-to-day operations of the company. The members can also select a professional manager.

Separate legal existence

A limited liability company has a separate legal identity from its owners. 

An LLC can enter into contracts in its name and legally transact business. And it can also institute lawsuits and own property as a separate legal entity. 

Limited liability company exists even after the retirement, death, termination, or withdrawal of one or more members.

Flexibility in taxation

When it comes to tax treatment, LLC offers much flexibility. LLC taxes must be filed either as a partnership if the LLC is a multi-member LLC or as a sole proprietorship if the LLC is a single-member LLC since the IRS does not recognize LLCs as separate legal entities.

Simplicity in formation and operation

While giving the benefits of a corporation, an LLC gives the simplicity of partnership business in LLC formation and operation. Formation formalities and filing requirements are kept simple for LLCs in limited liability companies law.

In most of the states of the US, an LLC is not supposed to hold an annual meeting of members and does not require filing the minutes of the meeting. LLCs are either managed by a member or a manager and thus do not have a board of directors. LLCs also need very little record keeping when compared to corporations.

Types of limited liability companies

Single-member LLC – 

This type of LLC is not treated as a separate entity from its owner for tax purposes. 

Multi-member LLC – 

This type of LLC, as the name suggests, has more than one member. Multi-member LLC gets managed as a separate entity from its members for tax purposes, unlike single-member LLC. 

Non-profit LLC – 

This LLC enjoys the same tax advantages as a non-profit corporation. A non-profit LLC also enjoys the flexibility of a partnership and the protections from liability. All states of the United States allow non-profit limited liability companies.

PLCC – 

A Professional Limited Liability Company is an LLC organized for the purpose of providing medical, legal, or any other professional service.

SLCC –

A Series Limited Liability Company is an exceptional LLC that allows a single LLC to segregate its assets to protect it from company creditors. The assets in an SLCC get segregated into different series.

Limited liability companies tax and business law

LLC tax and business law is an analytical and comprehensive publication. It addresses the critical issues facing practitioners regarding the formation, operation, and dissolution of a limited liability company and other limited liability vehicles such as limited liability and limited liability partnerships.

The limited liability companies’ tax and business law address the state rules for LLC and their impact on tax planning for these non-tax entities and federal tax. 

Limited liability companies law and regulation from the IRS

Limited liability companies are not recognized as entities for taxation purposes by the IRS. Therefore tax filing of an LLC is an easy process, although the process depends on the count of members that the LLC has. The LLC also has the right to elect to file as a corporation.

An LLC, considered a disregarded entity if it only has one member, is considered a partnership if it has more than one member. Most LLC in the United States does not pay income tax at the corporate level unless the LLC elects to get taxed as a corporation.

In the United States, states do not always follow the regulations laid down by IRS for taxation purposes. Therefore, the LLC owners need to be aware of the state rules as well.

Limited liability companies advantages and disadvantages

Avoiding Double Taxation

Like S corporations, Limited Liability Company gets exemption from the double tax as per the limited liability companies law. In simple words, the profits of LLC pass through to the company’s members who need to report their part of profits on personal federal tax returns. It means the company itself does not pay a dime as tax.

Limited Liability

Like corporations, limited liability companies provide their members with protection from responsibility to the company’s debts. LLC members are only liable to the extent of their investments in the LLC. 

No Ownership Restriction

As per the limited liability companies law, forming an LLC avoids the biggest drawback of forming an S corporation – the restriction on the number and type of shareholders that the corporation may have. An LLC has no limit on the number of members, and the members of it can be a foreign national or other company.

Other benefits of a limited liability company include:

The flexibility of income distribution

Limited liability companies law consider LLC as a separate legal entity

Exclusions

A few types of entities cannot get organized as an LLC as per limited liability companies law. The entities include insurance companies and banks. 

Complicated interstate business

Limited liability companies laws vary from state to state. It complicates the business across state lines. No uniform laws concerning LLC are in place. So the owners of the LLC should have greater knowledge of the state laws for the LLCs that carry business in more than one state.

Other disadvantages of a limited liability company are:

Now also, LLCs are a very new option in many states; this means that the statute governing LLCs are still evolving

At least one person has to act as a general partner

A considerable amount of documentation and paperwork is required

The partners have to pay expensive self-employment taxes

Attendance of meetings is necessary for compliance

To Conclude –

Limited liability companies are widely being accepted in the United States. It is believed that the limited liability company will become the preferred way of operating both small and large businesses. 

As per limited liability companies law, an LLC does not require formal rituals like shareholder meetings and directors, unlike a corporation. An LLC allows owners to participate in the management of the business, unlike a limited partnership. 

An attorney can help use a limited liability company to start a new venture or simplify the structure of an existing business

https://www.getlegal.com/legal-info-center/business-law/limited-liability-companies/

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WATER METER MARKET ANALYSIS

Water Meter Market, By Type (Rotary Piston, Single Jet, Multi Jet, Woltman, Combination, Electromagnetic, Ultrasonic), By Application(Residential, Commercial and Industrial),and by Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and MEA) - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2019 - 2027

Market Insight- Global Water Meter Market

Market Overview

A water meter is a device used for measuring the amount of water passed through a pipe. The water meter is connected over or joined between pipes for the measurement of the flow.  In many developed countries, water meters are used to measure the volume of water in residential and commercial buildings. These buildings are supplied with water by public water supply system. Water meters also find applications at the water source, or throughout the water system to determine flow through a particular region of the system. Conventional water meters do not have communication capabilities, hence manual readings are required to be taken. On contrary, smart meters possess communication capabilities where they can send water consumption readings directly to the supplier through a secure communication network.

The global water meter market was valued for US$ 4,093.3 Mn in 2019 is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.0 % during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics- Drivers

High efficiency offered by smart water meters is expected to drive growth of the global water meter market during the forecast period

Smart water meters provide significant advantages over standard water meters. Consumers can get better insights regarding their water consumption with the help of smart water meters. Furthermore, using smart water meters can improve analysis of water usage, which helps to make necessary adjustments to reduce water usage and save money. Accurate billing functionality would reduce the estimation of water usage and increase the satisfaction of customers. Advanced technologies such as data collection, wireless connectivity, and cellular connectivity can offer integrated infrastructure for water utilities by reducing cost required for wiring. Moreover, remote identification and clarification tools add to the increased efficiency of smart water metering infrastructure. Thus, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global water meter market during the forecast period.

Proactive government programs and supplementary initiatives by key players are expected to propel the global smart water meter market growth over the forecast period

Encouraging government programs and supplementary initiatives by major market players to improve water metering infrastructure are expected to support the market growth in the near future. According to bill AB 2572, passed in 2004 by the Legislative Council of the State of California in the U.S., all the water suppliers are required to install water meters for all customer connections by January 1, 2025. Since the government mandates that water utilities are required to follow guidelines described, the water meters are expected to witness significant demand in the near future. Furthermore, under the Metering Programme started by Southern Water, Worthing, the U.K., around 450,000 water meters were installed within the Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight regions of the U.K. Installation of these water meters was concluded in the late.

Asia-Pacific region dominated the global water meter market 32.5% in 2019 followed by North America and Europe, respectively

Source: Coherent Market Insights

Market Dynamics- Restraints

High costs required for connected metering infrastructure are expected restrain growth of the global water meter market during the forecast period

Connected water metering infrastructure requires high cost for installation since there are numerous technological components involved to enhance efficiency of smart meters. Furthermore, automated reading and reporting techniques used in smart meters remove the need for manual reading. However, the two-way communication required for automated reporting needs technologies such as power line communication (PLC), broadband, wireless radio frequency, and cellular transmission, which would increase the overall cost by a large margin. Moreover, incorporation of IoT and geographic information systems (GIS) increase the cost. This, in turn, hampers the adoption and thereby restrains the market growth in the near future.

Data security-related concerns are expected to hinder the global water meters market growth over the forecast period

The to-and-from communication in smart water meters is extremely crucial thus, the protection of the data generated becomes a major challenge for water utilities. Moreover, Wireless connectivity techniques such as wireless mesh are also used for communication, further increasing the risk of data breach. Growing threats related to data breaches could prove a substantial restraint during the forecast period unless a strong and secure network infrastructure is implemented. Furthermore, consumer privacy invasions as a result of smart meter installations are expected to hinder the global water meter market growth in the near future.

Market Opportunities

Rapid urbanization is expected to provide major growth opportunities

Growing urbanization around the globe is expected to increase the demand for water utilities to supply sufficient water for an increased population. According to the United Nations’ 2014 Revision of the World Urbanization Prospects white paper, 54% of world’s population was urban in 2014 and is expected to grow further at a healthy rate so that in 2050, 66% (i.e., two-third) of the global population would be urban. Furthermore, a vast percentage of population is located in urban areas where essential utilities such as electricity and water must be utilized efficiently. Water meters present a perfect solution, in order to maintain and monitor water distribution infrastructure for highly populated urban areas. This, in turn, is expected to present major growth opportunities over the forecast period.

Growing demand for replacement due to aging infrastructure is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities in the near future

Developed regions such as North America and Europe have been using water meters for over 15 years. However, the old metering infrastructure is not sufficient to fulfill current requirements. There is an increasing need to replace old meters with new and advanced meters, in order to enhance the efficiency and integrate state-of-the-art technologies. For instance, in 2014, the City of Wheaton, Illinois, the U.S., started a water meter replacement program and is expected to end in 2019. Under this program most of the 16,500 water meters installed in the city would be replaced with advanced meters with wireless connectivity. Similar programs have been commenced by cities including Ontario, Canada, Massachusetts, U.S., etc.

Source: Coherent Market Insights

Market Trends

Growing adoption of plastic-based water meters and components

The global water meter market is witnessing increasing adoption of plastic materials such as high quality polymers. Plastic meters offer several advantages over metal-based meters such as flexibility and low cost. Moreover, plastic is not a good conductor of electricity, which reduces the complexities of deployment. Many leading market players are focused on offering plastic water meters and components. For instance, Aichi Tokei Denki has developed disposable electromagnetic flow sensors product series DSV with the help of plastic molding components. As magnetic field easily passes through plastic, such components are gaining popularity in the market, particularly for electromagnetic meters.

Growing awareness among residential consumers regarding reduced water wastage

Residential segment accounts for the largest share in the global water meter market, where majority of revenue is generated from residential water meters. As the water used by these consumers is paid water, they are trying to reduce their expenses by reducing their consumption rate and also reducing water. Advanced water meter solutions can monitor real-time data from the consumer end thereby providing critical information to consumers about daily usage.

Segment information:

In global water meter market, by application segment, residential sub-segment dominated the global market in 2019, accounting for 73.6% share in terms of value.

Source: Coherent Market Insights

Regulations

Middle East & Africa

According to the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation "KAHRAMAA“, All material for services connection such as MDPE (Medium Density PolyEthylene) pipes and fittings, electronic water meter and water meter cabinet to comply with the latest edition of KAHRAMAA, General Specification of Main Laying Materials.

According to the UAE’s Customer Metering Regulations, Nominal flow rate (Qn) in cubic meters or imperial gallons per hour must be mentioned on the meter. Moreover, each meter should display the year in which it was last tested. According to the UAE government regulations, maximum error limit for lower flow rates is ±5.0% and that for upper flow rates is ±2.0%.

Value Chain Analysis

Competitive Section

Key players operating in the global water mater market are Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, Jiaxing Eastron Electronic Instruments Co., Ltd, Azbil Kimmon Co., Ltd., NINGBO WATER METER CO., LTD., Badger Meter, Inc., Elster Group GmbH, Plata Meter Co., Ltd, Master Meter, Inc., Mueller Systems, LLC, Neptune Technology Group Inc., ZENNER International GmbH & Co. KG, Gioanola S.R.L., Sensus (Xylem Inc.), Aichi Tokei Denki Co., Ltd, Kamstrup A/S, Apator SA, Maddalena Spa, Arad Group, Fedrel Meter, and Itron Inc.

Key Developments

Major companies in the market are focused on contracts and agreements, in order to enhance their market presence. For instance, in October 2017, Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG entered into strategic cooperation agreement with Abunayyan Holding for ultrasonic water meter technology.

Key companies in the market are involved in contracts and agreements, in order to enhance their market presence. For instance, in April 2019, Badger Meter Inc. entered into contract with Municipal Corporation of Colorado City to provide smart water technology.

About Us:

Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions.

What we provide:

Customized     Market Research Services

Industry Analysis Services

Business Consulting Services

Market Intelligence Services

Long term Engagement Model

Country Specific Analysis

 Contact Us:

Mr. Shah

Coherent Market Insights Pvt. Ltd.

Address: 1001 4th ave, #3200 Seattle, WA 98154, U.S.

Phone: +1-206-701-6702

Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com

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How to Download Your New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement

As a business owner in New Hampshire, having a well-crafted LLC operating agreement is essential to ensure smooth operations and protect your business interests. At nhlegalforms.com, we offer customizable LLC operating agreement templates tailored to the unique needs of your business. Simply fill out our easy-to-use form, and download your personalized agreement in minutes. Protect your business and streamline operations with a New Hampshire LLC operating agreement from nhlegalforms.com.

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MRM Franchise Feed: Bojangles Acquired and Chicken Salad Chick Celebrates 100th

Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine's Franchise Feed offers a glimpse at what's new in the restaurant franchise environment. 

Send news to Barbara Castiglia at bcastiglia@modernrestaurantmanagement.com.

Bojangles Acquired

Bojangles’, Inc. will be acquired by Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P in an all cash transaction where Bojangles’ stockholders will receive $16.10 per share, representing a 39-percent premium to the closing share price of February 12.

The acquisition, which has been unanimously approved by Bojangles’ Board of Directors, is subject to stockholder approval and other customary closing conditions. Concurrently with the execution of the acquisition agreement, Bojangles’ majority stockholder executed a customary voting agreement whereby it agreed (among other things) to vote its shares in favor of the acquisition.  The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Upon closing of the transaction, Bojangles’ will continue to be operated as an independent, privately-held company and will remain based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“For the Bojangles’ family of employees, franchisees, and our customers, today’s announcement represents an exciting next phase for this great brand. The new ownership group is committed to maintaining the qualities of this brand that have sustained it for over four decades,” said Randy Kibler, Bojangles’ Interim President and CEO.

“In consultation with our outside advisors, the Board of Directors has been evaluating several strategic alternatives over the last several months. We are confident that this agreement offers a promising opportunity to realize the highest value for our stockholders while providing a strong path forward for the Bojangles’® brand, its employees, franchisees, and loyal customers,” said William A. Kussell, Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Bojangles’.

 “Bojangles’ is an iconic brand with an authentic Southern heritage and a deeply loyal following,” said Eric Sobotka, Managing Partner at Durational Capital Management. “We have admired the brand and its high quality and craveable food for years, and we look forward to partnering closely with the employees and franchisees to drive its future growth and continued success.”

“Bojangles’ has a differentiated offering, a talented team of employees and dedicated franchisees that are committed to their businesses and their communities,” said Ian Arons, Partner at The Jordan Company. “We are excited to invest in a company with such great growth potential, and we believe that with our and our partners’ support, Bojangles’ will be well-positioned for long-term success.” BofA Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor and Shearman & Sterling LLP acted as legal counsel to Bojangles’ and its Board of Directors. Houlihan Lokey also acted as financial advisor to Bojangles’ and its Board of Directors.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. served as financial advisor to the consortium and, together with KKR Capital Markets LLC, provided fully committed financing in support of the transaction. Akin, Gump, Strauss & Feld LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Seyfarth Shaw LLP acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction.

Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, N.C., Bojangles’ at July 1, 2018, Bojangles’ had 766 system-wide restaurants, of which 325 were company-operated and 441 were franchised restaurants, primarily located in the Southeastern United States. 

Papa Gino's Sold

PGHC Holdings, Inc., parent company of the New England restaurant chains Papa Gino's Pizzeria and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches,  reached an agreement in principle to sell the company to a Wynnchurch Capital portfolio company.

The proposed transaction would significantly strengthen the chains' financial resources, allowing PGHC to remodel and modernize their 141 company-owned restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut; open additional restaurants throughout New England; and enhance its online ordering capabilities at all restaurants. 

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will ensure a long and prosperous future for these iconic New England restaurants," said Corey Wendland, Chief Financial Officer. "For some time, we have been pursuing a plan to strengthen our financial footing and secure capital for investment in our restaurants, while also addressing our significant debt load. We are confident that the agreement with Wynnchurch achieves all of those goals."

Wynnchurch is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm with $2.2 billion of committed capital under management. Wynnchurch has a long history of partnering with middle market companies like PGHC in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. 

In order to effectively and efficiently complete the proposed sale, the company filed petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This proceeding will ensure PGHC can maintain normal business operations at all of its restaurants with improved liquidity as it pursues the sale. As part of this process, and as is customary, PGHC will solicit competing offers to maximize the ultimate value of the sale, for both the company and its stakeholders. Under this process, the sale will require court approval. Importantly, PGHC generates positive cash-flow from operations and has requested court approval for debtor-in-possession financing from Wynnchurch to provide additional liquidity during the sale process. PGHC will continue to pay its network of suppliers on normal terms and schedules for goods and services received during the Chapter 11 process and will continue to honor its customer rewards and gift cards programs.

"We recognize we have a responsibility to not only provide for the future of these businesses, for our valued team members and guests, but to also ensure our current debt structure is sufficiently addressed," Mr. Wendland said. "We believe this process will allow us to do just that and build an even better company for all of our team members by creating an atmosphere that team members will be proud to serve in. PGHC will continue its long tradition of hosting birthday parties, team celebrations and other neighborhood events as well as serving delicious favorites like Papa Gino's famous 3-Cheese Pizza or a D'Angelo Steak & Cheese."

PGHC has already taken important steps to address the debt structure and focus its financial resources. Following a careful review and analysis, on November 4, 2018, PGHC closed approximately 95 under-performing restaurants. The company regrets having to close these restaurants but believes focusing resources on a core of best-performing restaurants is the responsible approach. 

One hundred Papa Gino's restaurants and 78 D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches restaurants, including franchise locations, continue to operate and remain open for business. Where possible, PGHC hopes to move certain team members from closed restaurants to restaurants that continue to operate. 

"These were hard decisions but decisions we believe were absolutely necessary to allow Papa Gino's and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches to continue serving New England now and for years to come," Mr. Wendland said. "We look forward to serving our guests the pizza and grilled sandwiches they have come to love over many decades. If your nearest Papa Gino's or D'Angelo has closed, be assured that your favorite pizza or Steak Number 9 sandwich awaits you at a re-energized restaurant not too far away."

For more information on the sale process, please visit PGHCsaletransaction.com or call 1.800.390.2649.

In a Facebook post, Papa Gino's said:

"We were overwhelmed to receive the passionate response of our guests who were disappointed by the recent closure of several Papa Gino's restaurants (we were unable to comment on the news until this morning's press release, announcing our impending sale).

While we regret the rather abrupt closures, we are currently undergoing major updates to better serve our guests and ask for your patience as we make these changes. As New England's local pizzeria since 1961, we are still standing strong and will be relaunching our restaurants, introducing improvements for the benefit of all of our guests. In the meantime, you can still order online and visit papaginos.com to find your nearest location. Gift cards and rewards remain valid and may still be used at any location.

All the steps we are taking have one goal: to make Papa Gino’s restaurants even better for the communities we serve now and for years to come. We are excited about the plan to modernize our restaurants while staying true to what our guests have most come to love about Papa Gino’s. To all our guests, we thank you again for your concern. The Papa Gino's team is hard at work and we appreciate all the support!"

UNO Sells Eight Restaurants

UNO Restaurants, LLC , the owner, operator and franchisor of the UNO Pizzeria & Grill brand, sold eight company-owned restaurants to MVPizza, LLC as part of a broader re-franchising initiative. The eight restaurants are located in the Maryland and Virginia markets and are the first markets to be sold in connection with UNO’s re-franchising initiative. MVPizza, LLC retained all of the management, hourly and field employees offering them a unique growth opportunity under franchise ownership. MVPizza, LLC is an affiliate of the Bastian Restaurant Group, owned by Amir Yazdi. The Cypress Group is serving as the exclusive advisor to UNO in the re-franchising of company-owned restaurants. 

Yazdi, President & Chief Executive Officer of MVPizza, LLC and the Bastian Group, said, “I am excited to be part of an iconic brand with such a rich and authentic history as UNO. I am also honored to have such a dedicated team of people who will ensure a smooth transition of the business and to be able to offer them additional opportunities to grow in their careers at UNOs.” 

Louie Psallidas, President & Chief Executive Officer of UNO, stated, “I am pleased to welcome Amir Yazdi and the Bastian Group to the UNO family. I look forward to a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship with Amir and his team and to supporting him in the growth of the UNO brand in his markets.”

Psallidas went on to say, “The re-franchising initiative was intended to facilitate the growth of the UNO brand through its new prototype dubbed UNO Next. The UNO Next design, created in partnership with Synergy Restaurant Consultants, brings forward the rich and authentic history of the UNO brand and combines it with a new contemporary design featuring an open display kitchen, a large bar and community tables designed for groups and socializing, a dedicated area for take-out and a significant technology component. We intend to open a company-owned UNO featuring the UNO Next design in 2019.” 

This is the first of two re-franchising transactions entered into by UNO. The second transaction is with a franchise group that operates over 160 restaurants across two brands in 14 states. The second transaction is slated to close in November for the sale of restaurants in certain Northeast markets. 

Upon the closing of the second re-franchising transaction, UNO will have 38 company- owned and 54 domestic and 8 international franchised restaurants. The company-owned restaurants are primarily based in New England, Florida and Chicago.    

The Cypress Group is serving as the exclusive advisor to UNO in the re-franchising of Company-owned restaurants. Cypress provided valuation services, identified potential acquirers, structured the deal terms and advised UNO throughout the transaction process.

Taco Bueno Restructuring 

Taco Bueno Restaurants LP entered into an agreement with Taco Supremo, LLC, an affiliate of Sun Holdings, Inc.  and certain of its other stakeholders regarding the terms of a comprehensive financial restructuring that will position the Company for long-term financial health and enable the Company to better compete in the Tex-Mex quick-service restaurant sector. 

Sun Holdings is a multi-concept franchisee based in Dallas, Texas, with more than 800 locations across eight states, including Burger King, Popeyes, Arby's, Golden Corral and Krispy Kreme. As one of the largest franchisees in the United States, Sun Holdings has more than 20 years of operating experience and expertise in quick service restaurants. Upon Taco Bueno's completion of its restructuring, Sun Holdings intends to invest in remodeling Taco Bueno locations, increasing brand initiatives and enhancing the customer experience. 

To implement the restructuring process, the company and its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas and filed a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the "Plan"). Taco Bueno will continue to operate in the ordinary course of business, serving fresh and flavorful authentic Tex-Mex cuisine during the restructuring process.

Prior to the filing, the Sun Holdings affiliate acquired all of Taco Bueno's outstanding bank debt and has provided a commitment for up to $10 million in debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing that, subject to court approval, will support the Company's operations during the financial restructuring process. Under the terms of the Company's prepackaged plan of reorganization, Sun Holdings would become the owner of Taco Bueno through a debt-for-equity swap. 

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Sun Holdings on the terms of a financial restructuring that will strengthen our balance sheet and position our company for continued success. We also look forward to welcoming Sun Holdings as the new owner of Taco Bueno," said Omar Janjua, Chief Executive Officer, Taco Bueno. "Sun Holdings is a large, multi-concept franchisee based in Dallaswith a deep understanding of both the quick service space and the region where we operate, which will enable us to be an even more attractive employer, business partner and dining staple in the communities we serve. During this court-supervised process, we will continue to focus on initiatives to grow the Taco Bueno brand, while remaining true to our roots, delivering great-tasting meals to our customers in an inviting and comfortable environment. We thank our dedicated employees for continuing to provide an authentic, better-tasting Tex-Mex experience and unmatched customer service to guests as we've done for more than 50 years." 

During the restructuring process, Taco Bueno expects to continue operating restaurants across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana and Missouri, which includes restaurants independently owned and operated by franchisees that are not a part of the Chapter 11 proceedings.

"Taco Bueno is a great brand with loyal customers, and we have long admired their commitment to serving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine made by real cooks, in real kitchens and providing unmatched customer service," said Guillermo Perales, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Sun Holdings Inc. "We know quick service and the customer base well, and we see considerable opportunities to invest across the Taco Bueno footprint to enhance the customer experience and drive long-term growth for the brand. We look forward to working with Omar, the rest of the Taco Bueno management team and all the hard-working employees to continue serving Buenoheads well into the future."

In conjunction with the Chapter 11 process, Taco Bueno has filed a number of customary motions with the Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization to support its operations during the financial restructuring process, including authority to continue to pay employee wages and provide health and other benefits, and to pay vendors and suppliers in the ordinary course for all goods and services provided on or after the Chapter 11 filing date. The Company expects to receive Bankruptcy Court approval for these requests.

Additional information is available on Taco Bueno's restructuring website here.

Chicken Salad Chick's Milestone

Chicken Salad Chick's 100th restaurant will open on November 8  just outside Lexington, Kentucky in Nicholasville at 254 E Brannon Road. This milestone marks the brand's first location in Kentucky and emphasizes Chicken Salad Chick's accelerated growth, with 22 new openings to date this year and an additional six slated to open by the end of 2018. 

"We're so proud to be opening our 100th restaurant and to see how far the brand has come since its launch," said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. "This is a significant achievement that wouldn't be possible without our passionate franchisees and loyal guests. We're thankful for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing the momentum as we grow Chicken Salad Chick." 

The Nicholasville restaurant is owned and operated by first-time Chicken Salad Chick franchisees Vickie and John Tranter. The Tranters have an extensive background in foodservice and hospitality and have been business owners for more than two decades. Prior to franchising with Chicken Salad Chick, they owned a variety of other concepts including Fazoli's, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and Best Western locations throughout Virginia and Ohio, and currently own an Auntie Anne's Pretzels in Lexington.

"John and I have been in the business for a long time, and we know a good concept when we see one. I knew immediately after experiencing Chicken Salad Chick firsthand that this was a brand we had to be a part of," said Vickie Tranter. "From the made-from-scratch menu items to the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, Chicken Salad Chick's southern charm is unlike anything I've ever experienced. We're so thrilled to be opening the brand's 100th location and look forward to bringing such a unique concept to the greater Lexington area."     

The Chicken Salad Chick concept, born in Auburn, was established in 2008 in the kitchen of founder, Stacy Brown. When Stacy discovered that the local county health department would not allow her to continue making and selling her delicious recipes out of her home kitchen, she overcame that obstacle by launching her first restaurant with the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew and began franchising in 2012. In 2015, Eagle Merchant Partners purchased a majority stake in Chicken Salad Chick, and under the leadership of CEO Scott Deviney and team, the company now has 100 restaurants across the Southeast.

The nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept is opening its first restaurant in Arkansas! The company grew its unit-count by 27 percent in 2017 and is continuing that momentum by opening in four new states including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri by the end of 2018. The company will launch its debut restaurant in Jonesboro and opened November 5. In addition, Chicken Salad Chick will also be opening its first Houston area location in Spring, Texas on November 7th. This restaurant is owned and operated by Jake Alleman and Cody Gielen of Cojak Enterprises, LLC. 

 Crafthouse Seeks Franchisees

Virgina-based Crafthouse, top photo,  is now looking for franchisees to expand the popular brand nationwide.

Owner Evan Matz opened three Crafthouse locations in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington and Reston) in May 2017 and has spent the past year and a half building a following. 

“Our goal is to have signature food and drink items that are available at every Crafthouse alongside menu favorites that are customized for that local community,” said Matz. “We will encourage each franchisee to feature what their region or state does best – North Carolina ribs or Maryland crab cakes, for instance – and source from local businesses for fresh baked buns, bread, local produce, meat, fish, brews, whiskey, wine and more. This way, Crafthouse can truly support and showcase its local neighborhood while giving guests the quality and consistency of a proven brand.”

The Crafthouse drink menu features 50 craft beers on tap and an additional 150 in bottles and cans that represent the best of local, regional and national brews. In addition to the great selection of beer, there is an impressive wine list and over 45 different bourbons, scotches and whiskeys. The three Virginia restaurants showcase many beers from area breweries and spirits from local distilleries – a passion for Matz and his team. 

“Each Crafthouse franchisee has an exciting opportunity to create a neighborhood eatery with menu favorites and a winning approach to mixing together craft food, beer and spirits,” Matz said. “Crafthouse will help and guide its franchisees to build their network of local bakeries, farmers, distilleries and brewers and to put their unique stamp on the menu that reflects the tastes of their local community.”

Signature food menu items for which Crafthouse is known include the colossal-sized Bavarian pretzel with house-made beer cheese, Crafthouse tacos and juicy burgers like the Cowboy Burger (beef, brisket, pepper Jack cheese, hot honey BBQ and fried onion straws) and Fiesta Burger (topped with tortilla chips, jalapeño bacon, pepper Jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and fiesta sauce).

Ranging in size from 3,900-4,500 square feet or more with dining room and patio seating for approximately 150 guests, Crafthouse restaurants also cater to private events and corporate meetings. In addition to lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, happy hour and weekday specials give multiple reasons to come by any day and night of the week. Large-screen TVs and game day specials make it the perfect place to watch all the sports action with friends and family. In fact, Crafthouse was named “Best Sports Bar for Football Fans” by Arlington Magazine.

The ideal franchise candidate has liquid assets of at least $300,000 and a net worth over $1 million.

Del Taco Launches App

Del Taco Restaurants Inc. launched its value-focused mobile app, offering guests even more great deals on their favorite products. Now available on the App (iOS) and Google Play (Android) stores, guests who download The Del App will instantly receive a coupon for two free Del Tacos,** as well as other special offers delivered to their mobile device every week.

“When developing our app’s capabilities, we clearly heard from our guests that doubling down on our category-leading value with unique and craveable deals was important to them,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “With that insight, we decided to come out of the app gate strong and deliver those deals. We’re also looking forward to introducing additional app elements, including delivery and loyalty, in the near future.”

Macaron Kiosk Franchise

Le Macaron French Pastries  announced a new mobile kiosk franchise opportunity. Folded into its overall growth strategy, the brand looks to launch this new opportunity with strategic franchise partners who are seeking flexibility with their business and a lower cost investment. 

The new franchise opportunity aims to lean into the growing quick-serve and snack brand trend of kiosks, mobile carts, and express locations. As consumers' on-the-go lifestyle continues to accelerate, Le Macaron French Pastries seeks to capitalize on these captive audiences at malls, airports, sporting events, festivals and other gatherings. 

"We wanted to create an opportunity that allows our franchise owners to work in nonconventional environments and offer guests a sweet treat when they are unable to access one of our locations," said Rosalie Guillem, CEO and co-founder of Le Macaron French Pastries. "Our products can easily be eaten on the go, so a mobile kiosk aligns perfectly with our brand. This will only accelerate our growth as we welcome a new group of franchisees looking to enter the fast-casual industry." 

The mobile kiosk investment ranges between $91,000 to $127,000—making it an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to enter the space at a lower investment with a simple business model and unlimited growth potential. Le Macaron French Pastries operates through a simple business model that requires zero on-site baking from franchisees. All products are made by French Chef Didier Saba in the kitchen headquarters, allowing café owners to focus on customer service.

Le Macaron French Pastries was founded by France National and mother-daughter team Rosalie Guillem and Audrey Saba. The brand now has more than 50 cafés open and operating with two mobile kiosks open in Sarasota, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most known for providing guests with a light dessert with lesser calories, the brand offers more than 20 flavors of macarons, as well as seasonal flavors, and the menu extends to include pastries, gelato, coffee, cakes, éclairs, and more.

"We opened a Le Macaron French Pastries mobile kiosk because of the simplistic business model, reduction in overhead costs and finding real estate for the cart is easier since it has a smaller footprint," said Luke Freshwater, owner of Le Macaron French Pastries in Pittsburgh. "We are seeing incredible success because the French macarons are a high-quality product and we are able to connect with our customers since we have such a small and passionate staff."

GSF Sells Distribution Centers

Golden State Foods (GSF) completed the sale of nine of its 27 distribution centers to The Martin Brower Company.

"We appreciate Martin Brower's cooperation and collaboration in finalizing this transaction," said Mark Wetterau, chairman and chief executive officer, GSF. "Completing the sale of these nine benchmark distribution centers to Martin Brower provides Golden State Foods the opportunity to support the McDonald's System, its current strategy, and to reinvest in the future of our company, our associates, and all of our customers. This transaction will allow us to continue with and to invest in our diversification strategy and accelerate growth."  

The nine U.S. centers sold to Martin Brower are top performing teams that service 3,900 McDonald's restaurants and 365 Chipotle locations. Golden State Foods, which has been an award-winning food supplier to McDonald's for more than 65 years and distribution partner for more than 50, continues to provide core products such as meat, liquids, produce and selected distribution services to the quick service restaurant leader throughout the U.S. and internationally. 

"Martin Brower is getting the cream of the crop with our associates – who are second to none and maintain award-winning operations that run like clockwork," added Wetterau. "Their superior service is only paralleled by the thousands of outstanding owner-operators across the country, whom we've been privileged to serve for decades. As we continue to serve as a key supplier for McDonald's in all our categories moving forward, GSF will also be looking to add new customers and companies to our successful portfolio."

Golden State Foods will maintain 18 distribution centers in the U.S. and in the Middle East, which serve an array of food industry leaders. In addition to distribution, GSF will continue to operate more than 25 world-class food manufacturing facilities and farms, providing an array of businesses and offerings spanning the foodservice, QSR, retail and C-store formats across the globe. Golden State Foods is one of very few privately held companies in the foodservice industry that is vertically integrated, making the company a desirable partner for food industry and retail leaders worldwide. The sale of the nine Golden State Foods DCs that currently service McDonald's is one example of the various strategic moves being made by GSF this year. 

Huddle House Inks Multi-Unit Agreement

 Western Tennessee: Huddle House is coming your way. The iconic neighborhood gathering place known for its round-the-clock breakfast, Southern hospitality and big portions at fair prices announced today it has signed a multi-unit agreement with local entrepreneurs, Kamlesh “Kevin” and Mina Patel to open three Huddle House locations in Western Tennessee markets over the next three years, with the first expected to open in early 2019. 

“We are very excited to open our Huddle House locations,” said Patel, who is also a franchisee of brands such as Blimpies, Wings, Etc. and previously owned a chain of convenient stores across Tennessee. “This is a brand we are proud to be a part of and I know the communities across Western Tennessee are going to love all that we have to offer.”

Based in Atlanta, Huddle House restaurants have earned adoration in their communities for their warm, friendly atmospheres where every conversation, sip of coffee and bite of home-cooked meals are savored. Site selection is currently underway for the locations of the new restaurants.

. In addition to the new locations, Huddle House has several additional openings planned for 2019 including Petersburg, Virginia, Kershaw, South Carolina and Paragould, Arkansas. 

“We are so excited to have Kevin and Mina represent the Huddle House brand in Western Tennessee,” said Christina Chambers, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Huddle House. “Kevin and Mina truly embody our service, spirit and focus on bringing friends and families together over delicious food, served from the heart.” 

There are currently more than 343 Huddle House restaurants across the United States with an additional 47 in development. 

Beerhead Bar Expands Ohio Presence

Beerhead Bar & Eatery, is rapidly expanding its presence in Ohio with three new locations. The brand has signed franchise agreements to open stores in Avon, Concord Township and Columbus with projections to open in 2019. 

The new locations will be owned and operated by Aaron Rasmussen, Jim Maclellan and Eric Engelkeof Three 30 Ventures LLC. The group was introduced to Beerhead Bar & Eatery after exploring franchise opportunities in the hospitality industry. The uniqueness of the Beerhead concept stood out as a great opportunity for their venture and they quickly moved forward with area development agreements for their first three stores. The Avon location, located at 1813 Nagle Rd, will be the first to open in the spring of 2019. The Concord Township location will quickly follow in the early summer located at 8023 Crile Rd. and the Columbus location is projected to open in October at 250 Civic Dr. 

"We were immediately drawn to the distinct franchise opportunity of Beerhead Bar & Eatery and we are looking forward to bringing three locations to Ohio" said Rasmussen. "We've seen the success of the Cleveland Flats locations and we believe its unique vibe and impressive offerings of beer and food will continue to be a hit."

Beerhead currently has seven locations and is rapidly expanding in craft beer rich regions of the Midwest including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. The appealing new concept design of Beerhead and the thoughtful simplicity of the business model allows franchisees to streamline operations. The brand estimates it will open 30 stores over the next four years. 

Founded in 2012 under the original name of The Beer Market,  Beerhead began franchising in 2015 in an effort to expand its favorite local beer bar vibe to other communities, breweries and distilleries. 

Pie Five Debuts New Prototype Design 

Pie Five Pizza Co. is now serving its customizable pizzas prepared and ready to enjoy in five minutes or less in Garden City.  The fast-casual restaurant opened at 1110 Fleming St. on Monday, Oct. 29. This is the first location with Pie Five’s new Goldilocks Project prototype.

The design features a seating area with 50 seats and sleek digital menu boards. The Garden City Pie Five will also be the first location to use the cloud-based point-of-sales system, NCR Silver. 

“My business partner, Tim Long, and I are excited to bring Pie Five to southwest Kansas,” said Franchisee Greg Trejo. “We are in a great location in front of the Sequoyah movie theater and we have hired an amazing team who will join us in serving our customizable pizzas to everyone in Garden City. The new technology will help us improve the Pie Five experience, enabling us to become the go-to destination for fresh pizza in the area. In addition to opening our new restaurant, we are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community.” 

The Garden City Pie Five is the ninth location in Kansas. 

Dickey's Franchisee To Expand in NY

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee Jerry Stephan plans to bring 21 Dickey’s locations to New York. As a new member of the Dickey’s family, Jerry plans to develop the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit presence throughout the state. Jerry will own and operate two of the locations, with his first slated to open in Spring 2019 in Long Island.

“At Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, we truly are a family business and we love to see the success of our franchisees,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “We look forward to our partnership with Jerry as it is very exciting to have him as both a franchisee and as a partner who will help us choose the best Owner Operators and site locations for the new stores coming to New York.”

With more than 15 years in the franchising business and more than 40 years in the construction business, Jerry looks forward to combining two of his passions at Dickey’s.

“I was looking for a new restaurant concept to bring to Long Island and after doing research on the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise I knew that it was a great fit,” says Jerry. “After being in the industry for a while, I really liked how Dickey’s business model is set up and, of course, I love the slow-smoked barbecue.”

Captain D's Continues Expansion

Captain D's opened its newest franchised location in Jackson, Tennessee. Marking the brand’s 72rd location in the state, the new restaurant opening further solidifies Captain D’s strong brand presence and aggressive development efforts in the region. Located at 1761 South Highland Ave., the new Jackson Captain D’s is owned and operated by first-time franchisees Chad and Nicole Vaughn of Tri-Star Hospitality, LLC.

Prior to franchising with Captain D’s, the Vaughns owned and operated a multi-million dollar construction firm in Waverly, Tennessee for 20 years. Marking the husband-and-wife team’s first venture into franchising and the fast casual restaurant segment, the new Jackson location is the first of several Captain D’s restaurants they plan to open throughout Tennessee over the next several years.

“Drastically shifting your career path and moving into a new industry can be intimidating, but the training and support we have received from Captain D’s leadership team has made it a seamless transition,” said Chad Vaughn. “From assisting with real estate and site selection to providing us with royalty discounts through the company’s great incentive program, the team has continually shown Captain D’s is invested in our success and we couldn’t be more grateful. We’re so excited to be opening our new restaurant in Jackson and look forward to serving residents in the community for years to come.”

The Jackson opening is the second new location Captain D’s has opened in Tennessee this year, with a restaurant in White House opening earlier this year. This ongoing development throughout Tennessee further signifies the outstanding success the brand has achieved over the past several years, which has fueled a surge in franchise and corporate development. Throughout the past year, the company has opened more than 15 new locations and inked numerous development agreements to open new restaurants in key markets, including Michigan, Indiana, Texas and Georgia.

Coupled with its ongoing menu innovation, Captain D’s credits its new restaurant beach design with contributing to the brand’s ongoing strong performance. To date, nearly 80 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the brand’s new vibrant, coastal design. With these efforts, Captain D’s has remained true to what it does best — serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price in a welcoming atmosphere.

With more than 530 restaurants in 22 states, Captain D’s is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. The company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join in the brand’s rapid expansion.

Russo's Looking To Expand

Russo’s New York Pizzeria is looking to grow its upscale-casual dining concept in Texas’ Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa and San Antonio markets. The pizza franchise has already opened four locations in Texas this year: Austin, Harlingen, Pearland and Spring/Tomball. The brand is also looking to Arizona’s Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and North Scottsdale markets. 

Russo’s will also offer a special incentive for area developers who develop 3 or more stores: Owners will receive a royalty reduction to 3 percent in the first year on the first location to be developed. 

Chef Anthony Russo, the creative culinary mind, founder and CEO of the chef-driven concept, announced the franchise brand’s “Next Generation Pizza & Italian” restaurant model –ideal for on-the-go diners looking for authentic Italian cuisine at shopping malls, strip centers and airports. 

The new concept has a smaller footprint (1,200-1,800 square feet). The Russo’s Next Generation Pizza and Italian restaurant model features an open-kitchen layout engineered to provide convenience to diners eating in, taking to go or for delivery. The family-centered restaurant surrounds diners with warm, inviting décor to enjoy heart-healthy menu items made fresh without preservatives, additives or trans fats. Beyond the brand’s specialty traditional crust and gluten-free pizzas, menu items include fresh salads, soups and made-from-scratch sauces and pastas. Authentic Italian cannoli, fresh-baked, Italian flatbread sandwiches and, of course, hand-tossed pizzas are just some of the distinctive menu items. 

 “We’ve been leading the pizza and pasta scene in all of our markets for more than 32 years because we’re always bringing fresh ideas to the table. This new format meets the customer demand for fresh, quality cuisine for pick-up on the go or delivered,” said Russo, who earned his chef distinction at 18 years old and honed his expert culinary skills working in his parents fine Italian restaurant before opening his own pizzeria. 

By strategically placing restaurants in high-traffic retail areas, Russo’s offers fans easier access to its beloved New York-style pizza and traditional, Italian cuisines. Russo’s latest restaurant model is representative of a larger franchise growth strategy to expand the brands’ international footprint after successfully launching more than 48 locations worldwide. 

Initial investment starts at $454,350. 

Freddy's Launches Bill Simon Scholarship

Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers launched the Bill Simon Memorial Scholarship Foundation in memoriam of the company's beloved co-founder and CEO Bill Simon. As a testament to Simon's passion for education and commitment to helping all achieve a brighter future, the scholarship foundation was created to support Freddy's team members' pursuit of post-secondary education in college or vocational programs and made possible through generous contributions from franchisees, vendor partners, the corporate office team, and members of the community.

"Freddy's has achieved substantial success over the past several years, and we know that we didn't get here alone. The dedication and passion of our team members has been the driving force behind all of our achievements, and we're proud to turn our appreciation into action through the launch of the Bill Simon Memorial Scholarship Foundation," said Ben Simon, President of the Bill Simon Memorial Scholarship Foundation and Vice President of Operations for Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. "Bill worked tirelessly to build a brand that is rooted in family values, and we look forward to honoring his belief in the importance of education through our new scholarship program for years to come."

This year marked the first time all Freddy's team members had the opportunity to apply for the Bill Simon Memorial Scholarship, and the company recently awarded a total of $20,000 to 30 company team members. Through Freddy's generosity, the scholarship recipients will be able to pursue their dream of receiving an education at some of the nation's largest universities, including Arizona State University, the University of Kansas, the University of Colorado Boulder, Wichita State University, and more. The deadline for next year's recipients will be in early June 2019. 

Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations. Applicants must be Freddy's team members in good standing with one year of employment completed (minimum of 750 hours). Applicants must also be current students or high school seniors who are prospective students in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

For more information about the Bill Simon Memorial Scholarship Program,  click here.

Capriotti's Helping Homeless

According to World Atlas, Las Vegas is among the top ten cities in the United States with the highest number of homeless individuals, ranking at number eight. In an effort to help these individuals receive the aid and shelter they need, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is partnering with the Las Vegas Rescue Mission to make a difference in the Las Vegas community.

Starting November 1, when customers purchase items through the CAPAddicts! Rewards app and activate the promo code FEED1LV, Capriotti’s will donate $1 to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, an organization dedicated to feeding and sheltering the homeless throughout the Las Vegas area. All money donated during this time will help in providing food and shelter to the homeless men, women and children living in Las Vegas.

“As a Las Vegas based business, we are extremely honored for this opportunity to help better the city we hold so dear to our hearts,” said Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s. “Not only is this campaign a great initiative to help our community, but an amazing opportunity to connect with our loyal fans and get them involved as well.”

As easy as entering the promo code, Capriotti’s encourages customers to purchase with a purpose this fall to help the local Vegas community. As a ‘thank you’ for participators efforts, every customer who purchases food through the CAPAddicts! Rewards app and activates the promo code FEED1LV will be credited with five points, the equivalent of $5 value. Guests also have the option to utilize the promo code to support the Las Vegas Rescue mission through order.capriottis.com.

Through the CAPAddicts! Rewards app, users can experience an array of bonuses and rewards such as exclusive discounts, free food, and surprise birthday offers.

“At Las Vegas Rescue Mission, we strive to restore pride, dignity and hope in those who have lost their voice and spirits,” said Heather Engle, CEO of Las Vegas Rescue Mission. “As a nonprofit organization operating solely through the compassion and support of giving individuals, we are so grateful for this opportunity to partner with Capriotti’s for this initiative and cannot wait to see what strides we can make together.”

Founded in 1976, Capriotti’s now has over 100 locations in 18 states, including 39 locations in the Las Vegas area alone. 

HOPE Program

Taziki's Mediterranean Café has launched the HOPE Program "Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment" in Virginia. 

The HOPE Program is a partnership between area programs and Taziki's Mediterranean Café to teach students with special needs all aspects of the herb business, using skills that will transfer to other jobs.

The program originally began after Taziki's founder Keith Richards decided to get more involved with special needs education. His restaurants had been employing people with special needs, but he realized they needed more opportunities. 

"We are thrilled to create opportunities and a bright future for students from across the Richmondarea," said David Webber, Taziki's Mediterranean Café – Richmond. "Planning the HOPE program kick off in Virginia this year has been an exciting partnership with the community." 

Taziki's three Richmond-area locations have launched the HOPE Program supporting various different schools in their neighborhood areas. 

Winterpock 

The Winterpock location at 14221 Hull Street Road regularly hosts students from local high schools for in-store herb classes.  

Clover Hill High School students have been learning how to grow and maintain herbs. Four of the students come to work on Mondays and Wednesdays as part of their job-training program. 

Manchester High School students attend in-store herb classes at the Winterpock location. Following the in-store herb class, they have then been growing herbs at their school and selling them to the Winterpock restaurant location. 

The fresh, locally grown herbs – parsley, oregano, cilantro, basil and rosemary – are used to flavor the restaurant's Mediterranean-style foods.

The Winterpock location also has a "HOPE" employee named Mark Boone who has downs syndrome and has been employed by Taziki's for over a year. One of his favorite responsibilities is helping with the in-store herb classes. 

Stonehenge 

The Stonehenge location at 12643 Stone Village Way has two "HOPE" employees, Daniella and Justin, both of which have been employed by Taziki's for over a year. They both assist with various front-of-house tasks while they welcome guests to enjoy Taziki's meals. 

Justin uses a tablet to communicate and is employed through a partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University that is preparing him for future employment. 

This location is also collaborating with Midlothian High School to do an in-store herb class with special needs students. Following the in-store herb class, Midlothian High School students will begin growing herbs and will be coming to job skills training classes as at the restaurant. 

Innsbrook

The Innsbrook location at 4024-C Cox Road in Glen Allen hosts Northstar Academy's hospitality classes each week on Tuesdays. The post-graduate hospitality special needs students learn both stocking and important cleaning practices. 

Also, a new partnership with Henrico County Schools is underway for the HOPE Program at the Innsbrook Store through an alternative school, The Academy at Virginia Randolph. The alternative school has a greenhouse students have been tasked with mentoring the special needs class to grow herbs.  

The Innsbrook location has one "HOPE" employee, Annie Callahan, who has been employed by Taziki's for close to five years. She works full shifts running food to tables and is a dining room "smile specialist". 

12-Hour Drive-Thru

POPEYES® has officially launched the world's first 12 hour drive thru in honor of the 12 hour marinating process the brand has been using for its fried chicken for more than 45 years.

Those looking for a reason for a road trip, can place their order at the standalone menu board along Interstate 10 outside of Fort Stockton, Texas and the flagship POPEYES® store location on Canal Street in New Orleans will have their fresh fried chicken waiting for them upon arrival.

"We wanted a fun way to celebrate that we have always marinated our chicken for at least 12 hours," said Hope Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer of POPEYES® Louisiana Kitchen. "We don't take shortcuts and this drive thru emphasizes that. Now, we can't wait to see how far our fans will go to show that they love that chicken from POPEYES®!"

Some fans already tested the drive thru out, which can be seen here in a video created by creative agency, GSD&M. The drive thru officially opens on November 9 at noon and will take orders through November 10 at noon.

MRM Franchise Feed: Bojangles Acquired and Chicken Salad Chick Celebrates 100th posted first on happyhourspecialsyum.blogspot.com

[cathrynstreich]

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group Extends Brand Affiliation Into Next Decade

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced that Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group has signed a long-term renewal agreement that will extend the Northern New England real estate powerhouse’s affiliation with the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand into the next decade.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group was one of the original affiliates when it joined the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network in the fourth quarter of 2008, just months after the brand launched. It was the first multi-state company to affiliate with the brand, beginning an exciting chapter in Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s history as a brand uniquely positioned to fuel the growth of industry-leading companies.

The Masiello Group, owned by President and CEO Chris Masiello, was founded in 1966 by Chris’ father, James. Masiello joined the firm as an agent in the early 1980s, and has since cultivated a leadership team of professionals at the top of their respective specialties in operations, finance, marketing and administration. Together, the team has grown Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group from its beginnings as a single office closing 400 transactions per year to the juggernaut it is today, with more than 700 agents and 81 employees in 34 offices throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, closing more than 7,000 transactions per year, all while retaining the original culture of a family-run business. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group finished 2019 with 7,155 sides, up 73 percent since the firm first joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Since its affiliation with the brand, the company grew its office count by 27 percent and increased its agent count by 37 percent.

The company is the third-largest Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliate, and has consistently distinguished itself as a Top 5 affiliate in the brand’s global network since the brand’s launch.

Since joining the brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group has participated in several mergers and acquisitions representing 14 offices, including two of the then-largest real estate companies in Maine. Since 2012, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group has consistently ranked as a top company, earning recognition in the industry as one of the Top 10 Real Estate Brokerages in New Hampshire, one of the Top 100 Real Estate Companies in the United States, one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Real Estate Companies, and the Harris Poll EquiTrend Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year.

Masiello cites PinPointSM, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand’s proprietary predictive marketing tool that utilizes Better Homes and Gardens® magazine and its publisher Meredith Corporation’s customer database of more than 175 million consumers, as a tangible way the affiliation with the Better Homes and Gardens media brand comes to life to benefit its affiliated agents.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group adeptly uses the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate product suite to complement its own impressive infrastructure. The company utilizes Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s listing advertising program, which provides a three-day digital social media advertising program at no additional charge for all new listings. In the last year, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group took advantage of more than 2,500 brand-funded campaigns, resulting in more than 350,000 website visits and over 4.4 million listing views.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group has been a Cartus principal-level broker since the company affiliated with the brand in 2008. The company proudly achieved Platinum status in Maine and the New Hampshire/Vermont region for the 2019 business year, to be awarded in 2020.

The company also utilizes the Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate program for its luxury listings. The service areas of the company boast miles of beautiful coastline and waterfront homes, featuring some of the most distinguished estate properties in the Northeast. This luxury program, along with its bespoke marketing and global listing distribution, have supported the company’s ability to attract and retain luxury agents, as well as more expertly market and sell listings in the top 10 percent of its areas served.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group also owns a real estate school and suite of independently branded companies offering homeownership services in mortgage, title, insurance and home warranty.

“The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand launched in an age of empowered consumers, data-driven strategies and core values,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “We built our lifestyle value proposition around these pillars. When Chris Masiello affiliated with us in 2008, it was one of the greatest proof points that we were building something special, something that signified the future of real estate. Chris and his company had already distinguished themselves as a leader in real estate. That he immediately understood the unique relevance of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate demonstrates that he is a visionary in our industry. Today, we celebrate Chris’s continued commitment to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate into the next decade. Chris has been a trusted collaborator who has helped us build the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand he believed in 12 years ago. He will continue to be a trusted collaborator to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network as we move toward our exciting futures.”

“Over our company’s long history, we have been both branded and independent,” says Masiello. “Our decision to join the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network in 2008 and renew that commitment this year was based on two important factors: a tremendous ability to grow and a unique opportunity to be ahead of change in the real estate industry. We not only affiliated with a lifestyle real estate brand; we affiliated with a media giant. Together, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and the Better Homes and Gardens media brand empower us to make meaningful, long-lasting connections with our clients. This franchise relationship brings us a level of access and relevance we couldn’t create on our own, even as one of the most successful companies in the industry. Our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliation gives us a brand name that lives outside of real estate. We can give our clients content they can use in their daily lives, which gives our agents the power to build customer relationships well beyond the transaction. The growth, infrastructure, learning, tools, marketing and technology have empowered us to create better experiences for our clients and agents. In 2008, I knew that Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was the first brand of the new age of real estate. It continues to lead that movement today. We look forward to many more years of this successful affiliation.”

For more information, please visit www.BHGRE.com.

The post Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group Extends Brand Affiliation Into Next Decade appeared first on RISMedia.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group Extends Brand Affiliation Into Next Decade published first on https://thegardenresidences.tumblr.com/

[rescueonefinancialnet]

WSJ Article on Debt Relief Scams

Thought you might find this of interest

Soaring Student Debt Opens Door to Relief Scams Same testimonials appeared across 26 websites of supposedly different companies; former employee says company submitted claims based on false information

By Jean Eaglesham, Michael Tobin, and Coulter Jones Aug. 26, 2019 9:40 a.m. ET

Financial Preparation Services of Irvine, Calif. boasts on its website three glowing testimonials for its debt-relief services for studentloans. It quotes Anthony Zwichirowski of California, Dawn Robinson of New Hampshire and a smiling Dean Edelman of Virginia, who says using the company "was the smartest move I have made since graduating."

One or more of the three ostensibly happy borrowers also appears, with slight variations, on at least 25 other websites of purportedly different companies offering student-loan debt-relief in the last four years, The Wall Street Journal found.

Student debt is soaring —it is now nearly $1.5 trillion—and defaults are at a record. That has been fertile ground for companies that promise to help stretched borrowers by navigating the maze of federal programs that can reduce or forgive debts for those who qualify, such as public-service workers or people on low incomes.

Some companies operate legally, although there is nothing they offer that borrowers can't get free, regulators say. Other firms are outright scams , or make promises to borrowers that are illegal, regulators and consumer advocates warn.

Financial Preparation Services has submitted claims for federal relief based on fictitious information, according to a former employee. Sales teams within the company also switched regularly to using new corporate names and websites, the former employee said. The company is one of several about which federal regulators are demanding information, according to a bankruptcy court filing.

Many of the websites on which the three testimonials are featured appear to be carbon copies, with only the company's name changed. A few companies attributed the same quote to different people: Dean Edelman becomes Dean Ederman of California, for example. Other websites used the same names and photos with different quotes.

Financial Preparation Services didn't respond to emails requesting comment, and couldn't be reached by phone at the number listed on its website. The Journal wasn't able to find Mr. Edelman, Mr. Zwichirowski and Ms. Robinson or ascertain whether they were indeed real people.

A record $89.2 billion of student loans was in default at the end of June, New York Federal Reserve data show. Of the $1.48 trillion outstanding, 11%, or $160 billion, was at least 90 days behind on repayments—and the true rate is likely double that, because only half the loans are currently in repayment.

"We'll do the work for you," Financial Preparation Services says on its website. "No more drowning in a sea of confusing paperwork and processing!" Its fee: $1,195 for document preparation, then $40 a month for almost 20 years—a total of $10,555—according to a 2018 client agreement reviewed by the Journal.

Regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, share oversight of such companies. One issue they face is the sheer number of small firms offering these services, many using several names.

"This is a relatively target-rich environment," Michelle Grajales, an FTC attorney, said in an interview. "There are unfortunately a lot of companies that still appear to violate the law." Ms. Grajales didn't comment on Financial Preparation Services specifically.

The regulator has filed nine civil cases against alleged student-loan debt-relief scams since 2017, involving a total of 77 different companies. Financial Preparation Services isn't among those companies being sued.

Many of the FTC cases allege that the companies charged upfront fees for debt relief, which is illegal, or engaged in other prohibited practices such as masquerading as being government-approved, or faking information on applications for federal relief.

Stephanie Beger of Moscow Mills, Mo., a former teacher turned paralegal, says Financial Preparation Services promised to help reduce payments on her $109,000 of student loans when she contacted them in October in response to a text message. "I told them I was married, and we have two incomes and no children," she said.

Ms. Beger signed up. In April, she says she got a notice from the government that a payment was due, and discovered when she called up that Financial Preparation Services had used false information about her to apply for debt relief. "I was told the paperwork said I was a single mother of six," she said. She said she made clear that she had no idea what the company had submitted.

She complained to the Better Business Bureau. In response, Financial Preparation Services refunded the fees she had paid. The company wrote an online response on the BBB's website: "We apologize for your negative experience…We will continue to perfect our process so mistakes do not happen on our clients accounts."

A report by the Government Accountability Office in June identified "indicators of potential fraud or error" in the income-related student loan relief program, including 40,900 plans that were approved based on family sizes of nine or more.

Salespeople at Financial Preparation Services until recently often submitted claims showing a family size of six or seven to qualify callers for debt relief, without the borrower's knowledge, a former employee told the Journal. It couldn't be determined exactly why it changed the practice, but a company email seen by the Journal said that too many of its claims were being rejected.

Financial Preparation Services operates under several different identities, creating new websites every few months, the former employee said. A copy of a sales script, reviewed by the Journal, instructs salespeople when they call customers about payments: "MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT COMPANY NAME: Hi this is NAME with [COMPANY]." The Journal couldn't determine the date of the script.

Red Flags for a Student Loan Debt-Relief Scam The Federal Trade Commission says borrowers should beware of companies that:

• Charge upfront fees. It is illegal for companies to make you pay before they help you. • Promise fast loan forgiveness. Scammers may pretend to offer an easy way to wipe out loans—it doesn't exist. • Pretend to have official endorsements, such as using Department of Education logos. The government doesn't approve any debt relief companies: it advises if you have federal loans to go direct to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ • Try to rush you into signing up. Companies may say you have to act fast to qualify for programs: Check them out before you commit to anything. • Demands your student loan ID, or asks you to sign a power of attorney, to deal with the government on your behalf. You can lose control of your finances, and be cut off from information on what's happening to your loans.

Consumer Advocacy Center—doing business as Premier Student Loan Center, whose website quoted identical testimonials to Financial Preparation Services—filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in January.

It shut down because of lawsuits by former clients and "investigations from different state attorney generals," according to a court filing. Despite pretax revenues last year of more than $19.4 million, the company had only $24,500 in its bank account when it filed the petition, the bankruptcy trustee said.

Albert Kim, the company's owner, told a bankruptcy court hearing "the possibility of getting into a big lawsuit with, you know, federal regulators made it basically not worth it to continue at that point."

Mr. Kim didn't respond to requests for comment. His lawyer, Peter Levitt, didn't respond to specific questions but said in a statement that Mr. Kim is committed to ensuring all the businesses he is affiliated with operate legally and to "identifying and correcting any compliance deficiencies."

After the bankruptcy, Premier Student Loan Center's operations appear to have carried on as Financial Preparation Services. In addition to the testimonials on multiple sites, both companies use the same Irvine address on their business license. The Journal also identified several employees who worked for companies with those names according to their social media accounts.

In July, the CFPB filed a subpoena in the Premier Student Loan bankruptcy case, demanding information be sent to the regulator and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The subpoena named eight companies, including Prime Consulting LLC, which does business as Financial Preparation Services, and 11 people, including Mr. Kim.

The CFPB didn't respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida declined to comment.

One of the companies named in the subpoena is True Count Staffing Inc., which does business as SL Account Management, also based in Irvine.

A representative declined to comment and the company didn't respond to an email seeking comment.

Since the start of 2018, SL Account Management has racked up more than 70 complaints with the FTC, according to a public records request.

One borrower, who described himself as a “war veteran who just wanted to go to college to pursue happiness,” said last year in an FTC complaint that his tax returns and wages have been garnished, he has lost his truck, and "not 1 single cent of my debt has been diminished."

More debt relief tips at ROF review

[ecompaniesusa]

New Hampshire LLC Articles of Organization

If you want to form your own New Hampshire limited liability company (LLC), one of the first formal steps you’ll need to take is to file articles of organization with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

While there are variations among the states, each of the following pieces of information commonly must be included in articles of organization:

the name of your LLC

the name and address of your LLC’s registered agent

a statement of the LLC’s purpose

an indication of how the LLC will be managed

the address of the LLC’s principal place of business

the LLC’s duration; and

one or more authorized signatures.

LLC Name.

Providing the name of the LLC may seem simple. However, you must make sure that the name you provide doesn’t conflict with the name of a preexisting business that’s already registered in New Hampshire. To avoid rejection, you will need to do a search of business names already registered in New Hampshire. This is typically a simple process that you can do online through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website.

Registered Agent.

A registered agent is someone who you designate to receive official papers for the LLC. These may include renewal notices and other communications from the state—and certainly would include documents related to lawsuits. The registered agent must be located in New Hampshire and you must provide a physical—street—address for the agent. In many cases, a member of your LLC will serve as the registered agent, and the address will be the LLC’s business location. In other cases, you may choose to appoint a separate individual, such as a lawyer, or a company to act as your registered agent.

Statement of Purpose.

Most states do not require you to be specific about the purpose of your LLC. Instead, a statement such as “The purpose of the Limited Liability Company is to engage in any lawful activity for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized in this state” is usually sufficient.

Management.

LLCs can be managed either by their members or by separate managers, and most states require you to indicate which type of management will apply for your LLC. In some instances, you may also need to provide the names and addresses of managers.

Principal Place of Business.

This is simply the main location of your business. For many small businesses, it will be the one and only business location.

Duration.

The duration is the length of time, in years, that your LLC will operate. Not all states ask for a duration in their articles of organization, and states that do ask for it often does not require you to be specific. Instead, the duration may simply be “perpetual.” In fact, in many states, if you do not provide a duration, it is assumed by default to be perpetual. In some states, however, there is a statutory limit on the duration of an LLC. These limits are usually several decades in length, at the end of which time, if the LLC is still in business, the term can be extended for another long period.

Authorized Signatures.

The New Hampshire Secretary of State routinely requires at least one organizer of the LLC to sign and date the articles of organization. If your LLC is member-managed, you’ll likely want to have all the initial members of the LLC sign the articles as an indication of participation in the business.

Preparing and filing articles of organization is only one of several steps necessary to form an LLC. Ecompanies USA Can help you to form and register your new LLC in New Hampshire. Fast, Easy, Online.

New Hampshire LLC Registration Service

New Hampshire LLC Registration for Only $99 + State Fees (Free LLC Operating Agreement & EIN Application). No hidden fees. Form a Limited Liability Company today. Gain limited liability protection for yourself, and added credibility for your business. Forming a limited liability company (LLC) in New Hampshire provides liability protection for any type of business. Starting your business as an LLC can help you protect your personal assets while adding legitimacy to your company.

At Ecompanies USA we help you step-by-step and take care of the entire business registration process from start to finish. Registering a new LLC with us is fast, easy and takes just minutes. LLCs are formed by filing a certificate of organization with the New Hampshire Secretary of state, corporations division office of your desire jurisdiction of registration.

Register today your new LLC in New Hampshire. Fast, Easy, Online

The post New Hampshire LLC Articles of Organization appeared first on Ecompanies USA.

from Ecompanies USA http://bit.ly/2HsKZmg

[debtconsolidationcom-blog]

Michael Avenatti is hit with $4.85-million judgment for unpaid debt as court orders eviction of his law firm

New Post has been published on http://www.ddebtconsolidation.com/michael-avenatti-is-hit-with-4-85-million-judgment-for-unpaid-debt-as-court-orders-eviction-of-his-law-firm/

Michael Avenatti is hit with $4.85-million judgment for unpaid debt as court orders eviction of his law firm

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for porn actress Stormy Daniels, was hit with a personal judgment of $4.85 million Monday for his failure to pay a debt to a former colleague at his longtime Newport Beach firm.

Less than an hour after his defeat in the Los Angeles lawsuit, the firm, Eagan Avenatti, suffered a setback at a trial in Santa Ana: The Irvine Co. won a court order evicting Avenatti and his staff from their offices for skipping the last four months of rent.

The twin blows came as Avenatti was heading to New Hampshire for his third visit to the state that kicks off the 2020 presidential primaries. The celebrity lawyer is exploring a run for the Democratic nomination. His troubled financial history could emerge as a significant campaign issue if he joins the race.

The personal judgment against Avenatti by Judge Dennis J. Landin in Superior Court in Los Angeles is his latest in a series of courtroom losses in a protracted dispute with Jason Frank, the former colleague.

Eagan Avenatti emerged from federal bankruptcy protection in March after Avenatti promised that it would pay millions of dollars to Frank and other creditors, including the Internal Revenue Service. It has defaulted on nearly every payment that was due.

No one has pursued Avenatti more relentlessly than Frank, who has been fighting in federal court to collect on a $10-million judgment that he won against the firm in May.

“My client has had an awful lot of money owed to him for a lengthy period of time,” said Frank’s attorney, Eric George, “and it has been delayed through one tactic or another. Today, finally, the right thing happened.”

Avenatti was the managing partner of Eagan Avenatti since its founding in 2007.

He recently told a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge that his other firm, Avenatti & Associates, wholly owned by Avenatti, had acquired 100% of the equity in Eagan Avenatti, buying out his minority partner, Michael Eagan of San Francisco.

But Avenatti told the Los Angeles Times on Monday that he hadn’t owned Eagan Avenatti for months. He did not name the new owner.

“Any judgment issued against me will be deducted from the over $12 million that Jason Frank owes me and my law firm Avenatti & Associates as a result of his fraud,” Avenatti said by email.

No court has found Frank engaged in fraud, and Avenatti is not pursuing any court case alleging that he did. When Frank and two others left Eagan Avenatti to form their own firm, some clients went with them, angering Avenatti.

Frank alleges that Eagan Avenatti cheated him out of millions of dollars in compensation.

As part of its bankruptcy settlement, Eagan Avenatti agreed to pay Frank $4.85 million. Avenatti guaranteed that if the firm missed the deadlines for making the payment, which it did, he would personally be required to pay Frank.

To enforce the personal guarantee, Frank sued Avenatti, and on Monday he won the case.

In matters involving Daniels and President Trump, the adult-film actress is represented by Avenatti & Associates, which operates out of the same offices as Eagan Avenatti and uses the same attorneys. Daniels is trying to void a nondisclosure agreement that bars her from discussing her alleged affair with Trump.

In the Santa Ana trial, 520 Newport Center Drive LLC, an arm of the Irvine Co., alleged that Eagan Avenatti missed $213,254 in rent payments over the last four months for its ocean-view suite on the 14th floor of an office building at Fashion Island.

Nobody from Eagan Avenatti showed up for the trial.

Superior Court Judge Robert J. Moss ordered the firm to vacate the premises and pay the landlord the full amount of overdue rent. He also canceled the remaining three months of the lease. If the firm fails to move out, it could take a few weeks for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to enforce the eviction.

In court papers, the firm claimed it deducted the cost of needed repairs from its rent payments but did not receive proper credit.

The Irvine Co. denied that the offices needed any serious repairs. And the lease, signed by Avenatti, says the tenant “understands that it shall not make repairs at landlord’s expense or by rental offset.”

In July, Eagan Avenatti paid the monthly rent of $52,235, but the check bounced, according to the landlord.

1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details on the court cases.

11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with background on Michael Avenatti exploring a run for president and the Stormy Daniels litigation against President Trump.

11:15 a.m.: This article was updated with comment from Michael Avenatti, background on Eagan Avenatti and the eviction judgment.

This article was originally published at 10:15 a.m.

This content was originally published here.

[blackpjensen]

Caterpillar Joins UTV Market with Two New Models: This Week’s Industry News

Want to keep up with the latest news in lawn care and landscaping? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in the green industry.

Caterpillar Joins UTV Market with Two New Models Caterpillar introduces its first-ever Cat utility vehicles – the CUV82 (gasoline model) and CUV102D (diesel engine). Both models feature rugged steel cargo beds and offer 1,000-lb. total rear cargo capacity and 2,000-lb. towing capacity. The new CUV082 and CUV102D utility vehicles boast a four-wheel independent suspension system with a front sway bar to provide unmatched stability at full load. A long swing-arm suspension, custom-tuned springs and shocks deliver a balance between a smooth ride and hauling loads. Ample ground clearance ensures these vehicles navigate rough terrain with ease.

These new Cat UTVs efficiently complete hauling tasks, quickly maneuvering over rugged terrain at the worksite at speeds reaching 45 mph, depending on model. The CUV82 is powered by a 0.8L three-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 50 hp, while a 1.0L three-cylinder diesel engine delivers 25 hp power to the CUV102D. The CUV82 and CUV102D comfortably seat two riders side-by-side with ample leg, elbow and headroom for tall riders. Customers can customize their Cat UTVs through more than 50 accessory options. Multiple cab options with sealed surfaces on the ROPS structure provide a weather tight enclosure, while other offerings include snowplows, heater, front winch and power dump. Cat UTVs are prewired for quick do-it-yourself installation of all options.

NHLA Launches “Proud to be Green Collared” Campaign The National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA) is encouraging landscape professionals to proclaim their pride in being “Green Collared.” The NHLA is offering landscape professionals the opportunity to purchase a “Proud to be Green Collared, Making America MORE than Beautiful” bumper sticker for $5. All proceeds will go towards student scholarships for those preparing themselves for a career as a landscape professional.

Weathermatic’s New President, Aborjet’s New Marketing Manager Weathermatic appointed Fred March president for its wholesale irrigation division. Fred March has been employed by Weathermatic the past 15 years, and represented the company in the western United States. Dave Estey, a Vermont native, recently joined Massachusett-based Arborjet Inc. as product marketing manager. He comes to Arborjet after working as director of product development at Propel Marketing.

Arborwell Transitioning to 100 Percent Employee Owned Arborwell, Inc., a tree care company with 200 employees, recently announced that it has completed the transition to employee ownership by becoming a 100 percent Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trust, effective January 1, 2017. Peter Sortwell, founder of Arborwell, views this as a natural step, consistent with his recognition of the contributions of each employee in the success of the company, and his desire to share the rewards of that success. “I acquired a very small residential operation in 2001, and in the years since, our employees have been instrumental in driving not only tremendous growth, but exceptional professionalism,” says Arborwell founder Peter Sortwell.

The Harvester Group, Pro-Motion Consulting Announce Peer Groups The The Harvest Group recently announced the Harvesters’ Virtual Peer Group. The group, meeting monthly via phone, provides business owners the opportunity to talk with peers in similar-sized companies about the everyday challenges of running a company. Lead by Fred Haskett, The Harvesters’ Virtual Peer Group brings together groups of eight to 12 fellow contractor-related businesses from different geographic areas. Also, Adam Linnemann, president of Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping Inc. near St. Louis, and Phil Harwood of Pro-Motion Consulting also announced they are starting and will be co-facilitating landscape industry peer groups.

Editor’s note: Stay tuned for the Turf December cover story “Power Up With A Peer Group.”

PERC Honors Miami Dade County Parks with Green Award The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) presented the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, & Open Spaces Department with the Green Leadership City Award. “For nearly ten years, the Miami-Dade parks department has maintained the community’s greenspaces with propane mowers, which reduce emissions and greenhouse gases that can be harmful for the public. They should be commended for that effort,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC, which donated $5,000 to the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade.

Redexim North America Hires National Sales Manager Redexim North America has announced the addition of Troy von Holdt as the National Sales Manager. His main objective is to act as the primary support role for Redexim’s wide customer base by adding value to our dealerships and end user experiences. Troy comes to Redexim from Land Pride-Kubota, prior having spent over 8 years with Redexim, in direct end user sales and as a Regional Sales Manager.  In total, von Holdt has 18 years experience in the golf, turf and equipment industry.

Profile Products Adam Dibble Earns Designation as a CPESC-IT PROFILE Products LLChas announced that Adam Dibble, senior marketing and erosion control brand manager, recently achieved the designation as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control In-Training (CPESC-IT). Dibble joined Profile in 2009 and has a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Dibble is also on the 2016-2019 Board of Directors for the International Erosion Control Association (IECA). Dibble also became a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) in 2015. The CPESC designation recognizes expert knowledge in the principles, practices and legislation of erosion and sediment control. Those with the CPESC certification have demonstrated the ability to observe, evaluate and synthesize information related to Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Erosion and Sediment Control plans, installation of erosion and sediment control practices and other related activities such as assisting regulators, authoring handbooks or educating the public. The In-Training designation recognizes professionals who are continuing their education and have completed the first portion of the challenging, two-part exam.

JCB Dealer Network Expands With Addition of Norlift JCB in Washington, Idaho Norlift JCB, a division of Norlift, Inc. in Spokane, Washington, is the newest member of JCB’s growing North American dealer network. The dealership is located in the heart of Spokane’s industrial and commercial business district at 512 North Fancher Road. Since 1970, Norlift, Inc. has sold material handling equipment to the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho regions. Now, as Norlift JCB, the company will sell and service JCB’s compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, small telehandlers and the one-of-a-kind JCB Teleskid, the first skid steer with a telescopic boom for increased versatility and accessibility. Norlift JCB will also offer used equipment acquired via trade-ins and rental fleet sales.

Project Evergreen Rennovates Pingree Park in East Detroit Planting trees, improving grass play areas and painting backstops in November doesn’t seem to fit with the season when leaves and temperatures are falling, but the transformation of Detroit’s Pingree Park is starting to bloom right before the eyes of neighborhood residents. Project EverGreen in collaboration with local business partners, including Troy-Michigan-based Magna International, community groups and the City of Detroit, started the renewal of the 18-acre park November 3-4 when about 200 volunteers pruned and planted trees, filled in ruts in the natural grass playing area, painted backstops and removed weeds and sticks from the playground.

Target Specialty Products and Scotts Sign Marketing Agreement for Professional Turf Products Target Specialty Products, a leading national wholesale distributor of turf & ornamental and pest control products, is partnering with Scotts to develop a complete line of new professional turf products backed by Scotts PRO technology and the latest advancements in turfgrass management. The marketing agreement will allow Target Specialty Products the exclusive ability to co-brand with the Scotts PRO logo and related marks and will further strengthen Target Specialty Products’ position in the marketplace and its product offerings to customers.

Arborjet Welcomes New Product Marketing Manager Arborjet Inc. has announced that Dave Estey has joined the company as Product Marketing Manager. In this role, Estey will be responsible for positioning Arborjet’s products in the marketplace, executing strong go-to-market campaigns and managing product lifecycles. Prior to his role at Arborjet, Estey worked as Director of Product for national marketing agency Propel Marketing, now ThriveHive, and was a Senior Content Strategist at C-4 Analytics, a digital marketing services company. He holds a BA in communications with a minor in writing from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire.

The post Caterpillar Joins UTV Market with Two New Models: This Week’s Industry News appeared first on Turf.

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[nhlegalforms]

The Importance of Reviewing Your New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement Regularly

A legal document known as an LLC operating agreement describes the organization and rules of a limited liability corporation (LLC). This agreement aids in defining the rights and obligations of LLC members, offers direction for decision-making, and safeguards the company's interests. While an LLC operating agreement is an essential part of any LLC, it is also crucial to routinely examine and amend this document to make sure it is still applicable and useful. This article will discuss why it's crucial for your company's ongoing success to evaluate your New Hampshire LLC operating agreement on a frequent basis.

What is an LLC Operating Agreement?

An LLC operating agreement is a legal document that details the form and rules of a limited liability corporation (LLC). This agreement describes the rights and obligations of each member of the LLC as well as the laws and regulations that they must abide by. It also covers the steps for adding or removing members and offers advice on decision-making and conflict resolution. The LLC operating agreement essentially acts as the cornerstone for the business's operations and makes sure that every member is on the same page with regard to managing the enterprise.

Why is it Important to Review Your LLC Operating Agreement Regularly?

While an LLC operating agreement is a crucial part of any LLC, it's equally necessary to review and amend this document frequently to make sure it stays current and useful. Here are a few explanations for why it's crucial to constantly examine your LLC operating agreement:

Changes in Business Structure

Your LLC's ownership structure could vary over time. The company's membership may change, new members may join, and new partnerships or agreements may be made. In order to guarantee that the LLC operating agreement appropriately reflects the situation of the company at the time these changes take place, it is crucial to examine and update it. By ensuring that everyone is informed of their rights and obligations, this can assist to prevent future problems or disputes.

Changes in Business Operations

The manner you conduct business may alter as it expands and changes. You might add more customers, enter new markets, or alter the services you provide. As these alterations take place, it's crucial to evaluate the LLC operating agreement to make sure it still offers precise instructions on decision-making, conflict resolution, and other crucial issues. This can ensure that there are no misconceptions or ambiguities and that business operations continue without interruption.

Legal Changes

The laws and rules governing LLCs could alter over time, so it's crucial to make sure your LLC operating agreement is up to date. If you don't, you can face legal problems in the future and perhaps threaten your company's viability. You may make sure that the operating agreement for your LLC complies with all applicable rules and regulations by checking it on a regular basis.

When Should You Review Your LLC Operating Agreement?

There isn't a fixed timetable for revising your LLC operating agreement, but it's usually a good idea to do so once a year at the very least. Whenever there are modifications to the ownership, management, or operations of the business, you should evaluate the operating agreement. This can help to prevent future disagreements or disputes and also help to verify that the LLC operating agreement is accurate and functional.

How to Review Your LLC Operating Agreement

There are a few important considerations to bear in mind when you analyze your LLC operating agreement. Make sure the paper appropriately reflects the business's current situation first. This covers the ownership structure, the obligations of each team member, and any recent adjustments to business processes. Check the paper again for adherence to any applicable rules and regulations. This covers any industry-specific rules as well as state and federal legislation that apply to LLCs. Finally, check the paper for effectiveness and clarity. Is it simple to comprehend?

Ensure your New Hampshire LLC operates smoothly and efficiently with nhlegalform.com. Reviewing your New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreements regularly is crucial to protect your business interests and avoid disputes. Our experienced attorneys can help you draft, review, and update your operating agreement to ensure it meets your changing needs. Take action now to secure your LLC's future and schedule a consultation with nhlegalform.com today.

Reference URL :- The Importance of Reviewing Your New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement Regularly

[charlesccastill]

Cresa Oversees New Lease Agreements and Renovations for Hinckley Allen

BOSTON – The Boston office of Cresa announced a lease renewal at 28 State Street in downtown Boston for Hinckley Allen.

To accommodate Hinckley Allen’s recent growth, Cresa negotiated a new 10-year lease extension, which includes 7,260 SF of expansion space, bringing Hinckley Allen’s total space at 28 State Street to 52,665 SF. Cresa has also been retained for project management services for the interior fit-up of the entire space.

Hinckley Allen, a Northeast law firm offering a full range of business legal services, has operated an office in Boston since the early 1980s. The renewal of their existing office space continues a long-standing commitment to service their clients in the Greater Boston area. Renovations began in September with the interior fit-out of Hinckley Allen’s new space followed by the revitalization of its current space using a more modern, efficient design that promotes a more collaborative workspace. Expected completion of the project is July of 2018.

Earlier this year, Cresa assisted Hinckley Allen with lease negotiations and the relocation of its New Hampshire office from Concord to Manchester.

“We have been preparing, with the assistance of Cresa, for these new leases and renovations for some time,” said Charles Reppucci, executive director and chief operating officer at Hinckley Allen. “We consider Cresa a trusted business advisor helping us make our plans a reality. They thoughtfully listened to our requirements and guided us through a range of solutions that will serve the needs of our clients and employees for years to come.”

The project team includes Boston-based Fusion Design Consultants as architect, JDL Corporate Interiors as construction manager, and AKF Engineering.

Joseph Sciolla and Rick Lowe of Cresa negotiated the lease for Hinckley Allen, and Michael Joyce and Thomas Ashe from Transwestern represented the property owner, 28 State Street LLC.

from Boston Real Estate http://bostonrealestatetimes.com/cresa-oversees-new-lease-agreements-and-renovations-for-hinckley-allen/

[anthonycharlestabone]

Having trouble viewing? View in Browser Monday, October 23, 2017 TOP OF THE MORNING Welcome to Fox News First. Not signed up yet? Click here.   Developing now, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017: Obama-era Russia uranium deal investigation widens Trump warns House Republicans of midterm trouble if they don't pass tax reform Bernie Sanders seeking Senate reelection as independent, feeding 2020 buzz North Korea tension: Air Force reportedly preparing to put B-52 bombers on alert Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to be sentenced after pleading guilty to desertion   THE LEAD STORY: The House Oversight committee has started investigating an Obama-era deal in which a Russian-backed company bought a uranium firm with mines in the U.S. ... The uranium agreement was reached while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state. Some investors in the Russian-backed company, Uranium One, had relationships with former President Bill Clinton and donated to the Clinton Foundation. When asked on "Fox News Sunday" if a criminal investigation would be coming, Rep. Ron DeSantis, a member of the House Oversight Committee, responded: "It could be criminal." He cited statutes of limitations that may limit prosecutions of any crimes that may arise from the 2010 deal. From Fox News Opinion: Media won't touch Russian uranium story tied to Hillary Gregg Jarrett: The Clinton cover-up, brought to you by the same guys who are investigating Trump Judge Jeanine: Obama and Clintons 'sold us out' with Russia uranium 'racketeering operation' TRUMP TO HOUSE GOP - PASS TAX REFORM OR PAY THE PRICE: President Trump has warned House Republicans that voters will not be kind to them if they stand in the way of his push for broad tax reform ... In a conference call Sunday that included Vice President Pence, Trump told the House GOP to approve the Senate's version of the budget framework, which was narrowly passed Thursday night, to pave the route for tax reform. Sources familiar with the phone call told Fox News that Trump warned of big trouble for House Republicans in the approaching midterms if they fail to advance tax reform. House Speaker Paul Ryan on the call told Republicans he hopes to pass a revised version of the Senate bill this week. Fox Business Exclusive: Trump optimistic 'we're going to get our taxes' TUNE IN: Don't miss more Maria Bartiromo's exclusive interview with President Trump on "Mornings with Maria" today at 6 a.m. ET! PREPARED FOR NORTH KOREA: The U.S. Air Force is preparing to place its fleet of nuclear-armed B-52 bombers on 24-hour alert for the first time since 1991 amid escalating tensions with North Korea, the military branch's chief of staff said in a report ... Defense officials denied to Fox News that bombers were ordered to go on 24-hour alert, but Gen. David Goldfein told Defense One it could happen. "This is yet one more step in ensuring that we’re prepared,” Goldfein said. “I look at it more as not planning for any specific event, but more for the reality of the global situation we find ourselves in and how we ensure we’re prepared going forward.” Jimmy Carter willing to go to North Korea on diplomatic mission FEELING THE BERN ONCE AGAIN?  Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said Sunday he'll seek reelection as an independent next year. But his second visit in less than two months to the first-in-the-nation presidential primary state of neighboring New Hampshire is fueling 2020 buzz ...  The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate discussed his Senate reelection in an interview following an appearance in Rollinsford, N.H., small town along the Maine border. Sanders' trip to the critical primary state stirred more speculation that he just might run again for the White House in 2020, especially as he rallies the left wing of the party around a controversial 'Medicare-for-all' bill on Capitol Hill. Hillary Clinton uses obscenity on TV describing reaction to Trump's inaugural speech Maxine Waters wants to 'take out' Trump ARMY DESERTER TO FACE HIS PUNISHMENT: The fate of Bowe Bergdahl rests in a judge's hands now that the Army sergeant has pleaded guilty to endangering his comrades by leaving his post in Afghanistan in 2009 ... Bergdahl faces up to life in prison on charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy after pleading guilty to the charges last week. His sentencing starts today at Fort Bragg and is expected to feature dramatic testimony about soldiers and a Navy SEAL badly hurt while they searched for him. Bergdahl was held captive for five years by Taliban allies after leaving his post. Bergdahl: Taliban more 'honest' than US Army Fox News Opinion: Bergdahl deal compromised US national security, Obama should be held accountable Who is Bowe Bergdahl?   THE WEEKEND THAT WAS THE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESIDENT: "I doubt I'd be here if it weren't for social media. There is a fake media out there. I get treated very unfairly by the media ... I have friends that say oh, don't use social media. When I put it out, you put it immediately on your show. The other day I put something out. Two seconds later I'm watching your show, it's up." – President Trump, on "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo," discussing his frequent use of Twitter. WATCH 'SEINFELD' DOESN'T STAND THE TEST OF TIME: "I'm the first one to say that 'Seinfeld' can't work today because the cell phone would have killed it. It was about people engaging and thoughtfully engaging in minutia ... There were no cell phones in 'Seinfeld.'" – John O'Hurley, best known for playing wacky fashion designer J. Peterman on "Seinfeld," on "Watters' World," talking about why "Seinfeld" would not have worked in today's times. WATCH   MINDING YOUR BUSINESS Target gears up for holidays with free shipping and gifts under $15. J.P. Morgan reaches beyond its branches with new mobile account app. 7 changes to Social Security in 2018   NEW IN FOX NEWS OPINION David Bossie: Conservative Senate candidates ready to take on the establishment in 2018 Does General Kelly feud mean it's time for national service or a draft? The charitable health care racket -- Trump should slap new regulations.    HOLLYWOOD SQUARED Justin Timberlake to headline Super Bowl Halftime Show more than a decade after Janet Jackson 'wardrobe malfunction.' Harvey Weinstein leaves rehab after one week. Kathy Griffin has ugly break with her lawyer over beheaded Trump pic.   DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS? Fossilized teeth dating back 9.7 million years could 'rewrite' human history. PHOTO: 'Shrek' gets a police ticket. The fascinating sex life of Jonathan, the 186-year-old giant tortoise.   STAY TUNED On Fox News: Fox & Friends, 6 a.m. ET: Counselor to President Trump Kellyanne Conway talks about his push for tax reform and the war of words with Rep. Frederica Wilson. Hannity, 9 p.m. ET: Ivanka Trump sits down with Sean for a wide-ranging interview, from tax reform, coverage by an anti-Trump mainstream media and more!   On Fox Business: Mornings with Maria, 6 a.m. ET: From tax reform to health to North Korea, more of Maria's exclusive interview with President Trump. Varney & Company, 9 a.m. ET: Former Reagan economic adviser Art Laffer on the chances of tax reform by the end of the year. Plus, Walking Dead Executive Producer David Alpert dishes on the new season.   On Fox News Radio: The Brian Kilmeade Show, 9 a.m. ET to Noon ET: New York Post columnist Michael Goodwin takes on critics of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Howard Kittell, CEO of Andrew Jackson's Hermitage and historian Doug Wead draw parallels between Jackson and Trump. Jason Hall talks about his directorial debut in the new film, Thank You for Your Service.   #OnThisDay 2001: The nation's anthrax scare hits the White House with the discovery of a small concentration of spores at an offsite mail processing center. 1973: President Richard Nixon agrees to turn over White House tape recordings subpoenaed by the Watergate special prosecutor to Judge John J. Sirica. 1963: The Neil Simon comedy Barefoot in the Park, starring Elizabeth Ashley and Robert Redford, opens on Broadway.      Thank you for joining us on Fox News First! Enjoy your day and we'll see you in your inbox first thing Tuesday morning.   Unsubscribe ©2017 Fox News Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10036. Privacy Policy.