May 19, 2015

Zig-Zagging U.S. Economy Hard to Figure

Published May 19, 2015 ■ Headline News

MarketWatch (05/18/15)

Early evidence suggests the economy is unlikely to rebound in the spring. Retail sales were flat in April, consumer sentiment has declined to a seven-month low, and industrial production has fallen for five consecutive months. The economy grew just 0.2% in the first quarter, and that figure likely will be revised to show contraction. Average monthly job increases have fallen to 194,000 in the first four months of 2015 from an average of 324,000 in the final three months of 2014.

The lackluster state of the economy can be blamed on a stronger dollar, which has hurt exporters; cheaper gasoline prices that have hurt the energy sector; and weak consumer and business spending. As a result, the economy is expected to grow less than 1.0% in the second quarter, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDP tracker. The New York Fed, meanwhile, cut its growth forecast for the year to 1.9% from a 3.5% estimate a year earlier.

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Ortoli | Rosenstadt: What Exactly Is a Seller Responsible for When Selling Its Staffing Firm?

Buyers of a business generally expect sellers to be responsible for certain liabilities relating to when the seller owned its business—a concept mergers and acquisitions professionals refer to as indemnification. Indemnification is one of the most heavily negotiated, and potentially most significant, provisions of a purchase agreement, and understanding the terminology common to such agreements is essential when negotiating a deal. Attorney Paul Pincus of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP explains what sellers are liable for, how a seller’s liability may be limited, and how buyers may seek to fund potential indemnity claims.

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ASA Webinar Today—Improve Your Employer Brand

Published May 19, 2015 ■ ASA for You

Don’t miss the ASA webinar “Attract Candidates With a First-Rate Employer Brand.” It takes place today from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Find out how to ensure that your firm and its clients have the kind of reputation that will attract top talent.
ASA webinars are $295 for nonmembers and qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. Join ASA and enjoy ASA webinars for FREE.

ASA Offers Legal and Government Affairs Resources to Members

Published May 19, 2015 ■ ASA for You

Each year, ASA tracks and analyzes hundreds of legal, legislative, and regulatory proposals that could threaten your business. Working with seasoned experts in employment and labor law, ASA has developed these specialized staffing industry resources, which are available free to members:

Articles and analysis to keep you abreast of legislative issues and tell you how to take action to protect your business interests
Summaries of pending legislation and staffing-specific laws that help you easily keep track of industry concerns
Issue papers that cover important issues such as workforce transfers, assignment limits, health insurance mandates, and more

Join ASA so you can take advantage of these and other FREE resources.