2011 brought dramatic changes for employers. Downsizing, workforce reorganizations, and increased investigations by federal agencies hammered an already beleaguered employer base. The new year will bring additional challenges: a revamped worker's compensation system, NLRB involvement in non-union shops, increased scrutiny from the DOL and IRS, and more.

Employers need to be ready, and this seminar will arm you with the knowledge you'll need to move into 2012 with confidence. We'll give you a heads up on what's coming, plus eight information-packed  sessions to provide guidance on the issues of most concern to you.

See link at right to register.

The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met the HR Certification Institute's criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.

To register, contact Monica Robinson at 517/482-8447 or mrrobinson@varnumlaw.com. Please register by December 6, 2011.

The family cottage for many people is one of their most important assets, both financially and emotionally. It is a place for relaxing, playing, and spending time with family. The memories created at the family cottage are invaluable. Unfortunately, the family cottage can also be a source of stress. Many cottage owners don't discuss their concerns with their children for the cottage during their lifetimes so after they pass on there is often confusion, tension, and even anger over how to handle cottage issues. Creating a proper plan for the family cottage before any problems arise is the key to maintaining the cottage as a retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Cottage planning is complicated and there are hosts of issues to consider and many different planning directions. Varnum attorneys can help families accomplish their goals of ensuring that the family cottage is always a place to relax, a place for enjoyment, and a place for togetherness so that the family retreat is preserved for generations to come.

Christopher Caldwell and Laura Radle are two of Varnum's lawyers who focus on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and cottage planning. Chris is a frequent presenter on these topics and has been published in the Michigan Bar Journal and both Chris and Laura have had articles published in Michigan Lawyers Weekly. To find more information on Varnum's Cottage Law practice, visit our webpage.

Request our comprehensive cottage law planning guide, Michigan Cottage Planning.

Speakers at the event are Varnum attorneys Chris Caldwell and Laura Radle. Experienced in various sophisticated areas of estate planning, both have unique experience in cottage law, including cottage succession planning.

This short, information-packed seminar includes information on:

• Top Five Concerns of Cottage Owners
• Case Study: Meet the Cleavers
• Property and Estate Tax Issues
• The Next Generation - Plan Now to Avoid Problems Later

Seminar attendees will also receive a copy of Michigan Cottage Planning: A Primer on Preserving and Protecting Your Vacation Home.

Please RSVP at the link, upper right.

The meeting agenda also includes a presentation by Paul Proudfoot, MPSC Electric Reliability Division, titled, "New Customer Generation Opportunities." Other topics are the regulated utility need for renewable energy resources, the economics of customer direct purchase opportunities, and utility energy optimization plans.

Energy Michigan is the trade association for the cogeneration, independent power and waste to energy industries in Michigan, and Varnum attorney Eric Schneidewind serves as general counsel.

RSVP: Contact Monica Robinson at 517/482-6237 or mrrobison@varnumlaw.com by May 12, 2009 to register.

This year's presenters include:

• Senator Patty Birkholtz, chair of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
• Judy Beck from U.S. EPA Region 5 Great Lakes National Program Office
• Matt Macgregor of King & Macgregor
• Jim Brody from Fishbeck Thompson Carr & Huber
• Brad Venman and Sam Yaldo, NTH Consultants
• Tony Groves, Progressive AE
• Varnum environmental attorneys Matt Zimmerman, Dave Preston, Bruce Goodman and Tim Lundgren

To register, contact Cindy Bratt at cmbratt@varnumlaw.com.

See related document for complete agenda and map to location.

Reserve your seat by March 3!

Registration: 7:30 a.m.

Presentation: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

To hold your spot, please RSVP by May 10 to Cindy at cmbratt@varnumlaw.com or register online.

Varnum's Labor and Employment Group will host quarterly breakfast meetings to address various topics facing Michigan employers. The series will include a brief presentation and time for Q&A.

Swing to Cure Diabetes was founded by former University of Michigan quarterback and Varnum attorney Rich Hewlett with his wife, Chris.

The outing includes 18 holes of golf, a boxed lunch and an the opportunity to play golf with University of Michigan football celebrities. The event will also feature a live and silent auction to benefit Type 1 Diabetes research.

Additional Information: Please visit: Swing to Cure Diabetes
Questions: Contact diabetes@umich.edu or (734) 763-0177