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On this episode, we are joined by Michael Pitre of Gray Surety to discuss electronic signature. We talk through e-signature options, the best practices, and what makes this a safe and reliable option. Michael also shares the reasons his surety company embraced this innovation as well as other innovations that might be on the horizon. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode Jason Terrell of The Institutes, NASBP Past President Larry McMahon of Alliant Insurance Services, and Ralph Pulver of Travelers join us to share some background and insights on The Institutes AFSB designation and to discuss the value it has had on their careers. Check out the links below for more information on The Institutes, the AFSB designation, the CPCU designation, and NASBP’s William J. Angell Surety Schools, all of which are mentioned in this episode. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

I am sure many of us have seen disputes arise at the end of a project between subcontractors and general contractors regarding offsets. On this episode we will be talking through what offsets are and limiting the right of offsets. To chat about this with us today we have Lauren McLaughlin a Partner and Raziye Andican an Associate both with the firm of Smith Currie. You can also find more information on this topic in their article, “Limiting the Right of Offset: Is it the Start of a New Trend?”  Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Lawrence LeClair the Director of Government Relations at NASBP, and Michael Oscar the Director of Government Relations at the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) joins us to discuss the Construction Industry Procurement Coalition (CIPC). We discuss the importance of coalitions, the founding of CIPC, its successes and future legislative, regulatory and congressional matters. Find out about NASBP’s Governments Relations activities and resources as well as ASA’s Government Relations activities and resources. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Lawrence LeClair the Director of Government Relations at NASBP and Ed Mortimer the Vice President of Transportation and Infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joins us to discuss the U.S. Chamber’s response to America’s infrastructure challenges. We discuss the importance of investing in American’s roads, bridges, mass transit systems, air and sea ports, and water infrastructure as critical national assets that drive growth, jobs, safety, and global competitiveness and where it stands both at the State and Federal Level. Ed describes bipartisan efforts that are underway to secure the solvency of the highway trust fund dedicated to funding such infrastructure projects while also highlighting the need and importance of obtaining private infrastructure investments in the form of public-private partnerships (P3’s). Find out more about the U.S. Chamber’s efforts and access resources on Let’s Rebuild America. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Dr. Will Miller, keynote presenter at NASBPS’ November 2020 Virtual Event, joins us to share some great tips on coping with stress during the pandemic crisis and gives us a preview of the valuable information we can look forward to hearing more about more in-depth on the NASBP 2020 November Virtual Event: Managing Stress and What’s Next. Don’t forget to register now and remember all NASBP Virtual Events are free for Members, Affiliates and Associates and for just $179 for non-members. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Mark R. Berry a Partner at Peckar & Abramson, joins us to take a look at “wage theft” laws that have gone into effect and what they mean for contractors, subcontractors, and subcontract bonds. We discuss why this trend has arisen now, the good-faith exception included in some states law, attorney fees provisions and steps contractors can take to mitigate risks. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Brian Dahlke, Vice President & Co-Director of Crum & Forster’s Commercial Business Unit, joins us to take a look at the Commercial Surety Market and how that’s been impacted by COVID-19. We take a look at the economy, the impact of the stimulus packages, the difference in the effect on small business and larger accounts, thoughts on how to weather this storm, and a look at where the commercial surety market might be headed from here. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, David Dolnick, Founder, CEO, & Principal Consultant with Dolnick Rick Advisors, joins us to take a look at managing risks in this rapidly changing insurance market and how that’s been impacted by COVID-19. We take a look at where the insurance market is now, where property and casualty rates are and how they are changing. We also take time to walk through tips to share with your construction clients. Read more on this topic in David’s recent Surety Bond Quarterly articles, Helping Your Clients in a Rapidly Changing Insurance Market Part 1 and Helping Your Clients In a Rapidly Changing Insurance Market Part 2—Checklist to Share with Clients. For more information on COVID-19’s impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Larry LeClair, Director of GR at NASBP and John “JB” Byrd, representing the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) joins us for the second of a two-part series on rural broadband. In our first episode, Larry and JB shared some information on rural broadband, the recently enacted Broadband DATA Act and various virtual meetings conducted with senate and house staff. On this episode, JB and Larry discuss draft legislative language NASBP and the NSPS are pursing and what potential legislative action might be coming down the road. Find out more about NSPS and check out their podcasts, "Surveyor Says!" and "Point of Order". Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this first of two episodes Larry LeClair, Director of GR at NASBP and John “JB” Byrd, representing the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) will share their insights regarding the recently enacted Broadband DATA Act and discussions they have had with various congressional offices including those house members who serve on the rural broadband task force. Larry and JB discuss the start of NASBP and NSPS’s working relationship and where they are now, by tracing the steps and connections they have had with various house and senate offices which have led us to this point! Find out more about NSPS and check out their podcasts, "Surveyor Says!" and "Point of Order" . Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Marty McCarthy, a member of the NASBP’s CPA Advisory Council and the managing partner of McCarthy & Company, PC, joins us to take a look at the PPP forgiveness process. Borrowers who received PPP loans are asking their CPAs if and how they will qualify for PPP loan forgiveness, as uncertainty over some of the program details exists. Many businesses — especially small businesses — worry about how best to meet loan forgiveness requirements. This episode will discuss loan forgiveness requirements and will pinpoint important factors affecting the forgiveness application process that should be considered first. For more information on COVID-19’s impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

On this episode, NASBP past president Bob Shaw, President of Skillings Shaw & Associates, Inc and David Jean, a member of the NASBP’s CPA Advisory Council and principal at the CPA firm of Albin, Randall & Bennett, joins us to take a look at how they are leading their contractor clients through these turbulent times. We discuss how COVID-19 is affecting their construction clients on both public and private projects with delays, backlogs, staffing, overhead, reviewing contracts, re-examining cost to complete, and work on hand schedules. As well as educating clients about Payroll Protection Program (PPP). For more information on COVID-19's impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page.  Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

The economy has been upended by the Covid-19 pandemic and headlines on bankruptcy’s have become more and more common. On this episode, Chad Schexnayder who is a partner with the law firm of Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP, and regularly represents surety clients in bankruptcy cases throughout the United States, joins us to take a look at commercial surety account bankruptcy. Chad walks through the commercial surety account sectors that are being hit hardest by bankruptcy. We also discuss red flags before a company files for bankruptcy, how sureties can work to avoid “claw back”, the importance of documentation and communication between the surety, bond producer and commercial surety client to control risk! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner - Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us for the second of a two-part series on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In our first episode we discussed the updates and changes to the program, on this episode we will be discussing what the PPP means for bonding companies. Jack examines how contractors PPP loan debt and deferred payroll taxes will appear on their financial statements and may show the need to re-evaluate the ratios that are used to examine a contractor’s financials. As well as loan forgiveness and the possibility of the public shaming of contractors who have taken advantage of PPP loans similar to that we have seen of other businesses like Shake Shack. Read a full explanation of the PPP Loan Forgiveness Update or for more information on the PPP you can go to both NASBP’s Coronavirus Resources Page or CohnReznick’s Coronavirus Center! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner - Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us in this first of a two-part series on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). On this first of two episodes, we discuss the updates and changes that have come out as of the date we recorded on June 26, 2020. Jack chats with us about the changes to the covered period, Loan Forgiveness and EZ Forgiveness Applications, changes in the ratio of forgivable costs, deferral of payroll taxes, FTE Reduction Exceptions, and Safe Harbors, and the changes on the maturity of the loan. As well, as discussing the importance of documentation and audits. This is important information for everyone who has been able to take advantage of the PPP loans and their team of advisors! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

In this episode, NASBP CEO Mark McCallum and General Counsel Martha Perkins join us to shares insights into the world of Individual Sureties. They share insights into loopholes that individual sureties take advantage of and often don’t come to light until a claim is made against the bond. They also discuss revised federal regulations proposed earlier this year and will begin to eliminate some loopholes. As well as reviewing examples and some easy ways to identify individual sureties. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

In this episode, Aldo Pasquariello, Executive Vice President with Insurance Associates an MMA Company, walks us through a case study of a local high school project strained by a subcontractor default. He discusses how this project could have become a disaster, but due to the cooperative efforts of the surety team facilitating a speedy resolution became an unqualified success! If you are interested in learning more about this project check out the Surety Bond Quarterly article by the same title. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

In this episode, guest Peter Gibbs, Director, Office of Surety Guarantees at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), shares insights into the SBA’s bonding assistance program and how they are helping contractors. He shares some history of the program, news of exciting updates, and outlines both Plan A and Plan B programs. He also highlights how the great support for the program through the participation of surety company’s and surety bond producers has helped the program grow! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

In this episode, guest Dr. Tom Schleifer, retired construction executive, Arizona State University professor, and author of the blog, “Let’s Talk Business”, shares insights into how construction firms can survive the current COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn hitting the construction industry. He cautions contractors to be wary of the wait and see a model of managing the current downturn, and to take a hard look now at cutting expenses to better weather this downturn. He discusses his analysis of data coming in now and compares it to the data and models from past economic downturns in the construction industry. For more information, you can also read a compilation of blog posts that Tom has shared on this topic, “Crisis-Era Message to Contractors: A Series from Dr. Tom Schleifer.” Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP