International Law - boyerlawfirmblog.com

Opening a Company in Florida: A Couple Advantages

Miami recently hosted a conference that brought together South Florida and Latin America tech communities. These investors were interested in opening a company in Florida, specifically Miami, but they were also looking to launch their companies on the world stage.

The articles in Forbes said “The U.S. has a highly evolved infrastructure for nurturing innovative new companies and positioning them for global expansion. There are mature investor networks, a large and relatively homogeneous consumer population with expendable income, and a proven ability to commercialize innovative IP.”

The article then went on to say “the U.S. is exerting an intense gravitational pull, attracting dynamic young companies and investment capital, and interconnecting them in ways that were unimaginable before the digital era.”

If you are a foreign individual, opening a company in Florida may qualify you for an investor’s visa such as an E-2 Investor’s Visa or and EB5 Investor’s visa. If you qualify for an EB5 visa, then this could be a path to a green card and eventually potential U.S. Citizenship.

Source: Forbes

Wire Transfers for International Business

Owning and running a Florida business from another country can be a daunting task, especially when you are just starting out.

Due to U.S. immigration issues, many of our clients will create and begin to build their business from another country, such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, Argentina, Colombia, Canada,Turkey, etc., before applying for a U.S. Visa, such as a B-visa or E2 Visa, or Legal Permanent Residence, such as through an EB5 visa. When you are creating and investing in a business, there will inevitably be funds that need to be transferred between countries and accounts for bills and other various situations.

So how do you manage these large money transfers when you are an ocean away?

The first thing that most of the world uses, the IBAN system is not used in the U.S. Instead, the SWIFT method is how money is transferred internationally to the U.S.

The other aspect is that wires in the U.S. are not sent to a specific branch, i.e. 123 Main St., Miami but merely to the “main” bank. For Wells Fargo, its address is in San Francisco, SunTrust in Atlanta, Chase in New York, etc.

Major international business transactions are usually done via wire transfers. A wire transfer is the electronic transfer of funds from one person or institution to another. In most cases, wire transfers are done between institutions, namely banks, who charge a fee for this service.

When you make a wire transfer, it is important to preemptively research these fees, as they vary depending on the institution, location, and more. The best way to do this is to verify the fees with BOTH of the institutions you will be dealing with, i.e. the bank you are transferring the money from and the bank to which you are transferring the money. If you do not account for these fees when making a wire transfer, then your payment will be for a lesser amount than you intended.

Wire transfers are used for situations such as:

-          Purchasing Real Estate
-          Purchasing a Business
-          Transferring Funds into your U.S. Business Account or another U.S. Bank Account
-          Making a deposit into an Escrow Account
-          Making a payment to your attorney
-          Paying court fees
-          And more

Jacksonville Hotel Market Improving

The Embassy Suites Hotel on Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville, Florida, located right by our Jacksonville office, sold to a group of hotel investors from San Diego for $8.8 million, or $41,900 per room, on October 10.

The Jacksonville hotel market has been steadily improving, and this trend is expected to continue; Revenue per room is up 9 percent from the beginning of the year. This buy is expected to be profitable for the buyers for the following reasons:

- The Baymeadows/Southside area of Jacksonville is home to about 45% of all office space within the Jacksonville market.

- Jacksonville is consistently rated one of the “Hottest Cities in America” for business expansions and relocations according to Expansion Management Magazine

- Jacksonville has been in the “Top 10” of that magazine for eight straight years and is the only city to claim the number one spot three times.

Because of the large investment and number of staff required to run a hotel, many foreign investors who purchase a hotel will also qualify for an EB5 visa. If you are interested in purchasing a Jacksonville hotel or starting another type of business, contact Boyer Law Firm’s business, immigration, and commercial real estate attorneys today.

Hands-off Approach Enticing People to Open a Business in Florida

The Florida government is having a more hands-off approach to business, and this practice seems to be attracting more entrepreneurs who want to open a business in Florida.

Governor Rick Scott stated the following reasons that businesses are attracted to Florida:

- The state has cut 2,600 regulations

- The state has reduced business and property taxes

- The state has cut sales tax on machinery equipment

“There’s no company in this country that shouldn’t want to be headquartered in this state and grow in this state,” Gov. Scott said.

If you are interested in starting a business in Florida, domesticating a foreign entity, or need advice about how to open a business in Florida, contact Boyer Law Firm’s business law attorneys today. If you are not a US citizen and are interested in investing in a business, this could also be a path toward an investors’ visa.

Source: NFW Daily News

Gov. Scott in Paris to Encourage International Real Estate Buyers

In support of the Florida Real Estate Industry, Governor Rick Scott, Florida Realtor’s President Dean Asher, and Vice President of Public Policy John Sebree traveled to Paris on a trade mission that took place June 16-21 at the 50^th annual International Paris Air Show.

The trio traveled to Paris to encourage French nationals to invest in business and encourage international real estate buyers in the US. Representatives from about 80 Florida-based aviation, aerospace and defense companies, educational institutes, and economic development agencies also participated in the event.

During the event, Ashe and Sebree met with members of the French national real estate federation (FNAIM) to discuss expanding ties between the two associations.

“Florida Realtors’ leadership and members always do an exceptional job promoting Florida, both home and abroad,” said Gov. Scott. “…the state Realtor association has continued to encourage job growth and business development in the Sunshine State. Florida’s housing market and economy are on the rise, and it is clear that the policies we are implementing to create opportunities for Florida families are working.”

According to Florida Realtors’ 2012 Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida, French nationals made up five percent of the international real estate buyers purchasing homes in the Miami- Miami Beach area and the Orlando-Kissimmee area. French nationals made up 10 percent of international home buyers in the Palm Beach area.

Source: The Destin Log

Florida Small Business Then and Now

Owning a Florida small business is drastically different than it was 25 years ago when Rhonda Abrams started her first company. Here are the differences that she has noticed betweeen Florida small business then and now:

- Start-up costs are less expensive: Desktop publishing alone has decreased the need for small businesses to go to graphic designers to print simple things like stationary and letterheads. Although graphic designers can still be useful to small businesses, you can save a lot of money by learning to do part of the work yourself.

- Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur: Twenty-five years ago, the goal of most business graduates was to work for a large corporation. Today, business graduates are striving to open their own businesses.

- Start-up financing is easier to find: Angel Investors did not exist twenty-five years ago, and small business loans were only for larger, established businesses.

- Small business diversity is respected more: Small business now encompasses every market you can imagine. Twenty-five years ago, a small business usually meant a dry cleaner or corner store.

- Large corporations want small business customers: Today, corporations have entire divisions just to reach and serve small companies.

- The internet: What a wonderful tool for small businesses! The internet allows small businesses to easily market their company, have the most up-to-date technology, and work from anywhere.

- Speed: Everything is now instantaneous.

- Global competition: The business world, including small businesses, has become globalized.

Whether you are a foreign national or U.S. resident, Boyer Law Firm can help you incorporate your Florida small business, help with business planning, and much more. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Source: Florida Today

Florida Small Businesses are Exporting Goods

Exporting goods is on the rise for Florida small businesses. According to an online survey of 500 businesses conducted by the National Small Business Association, 64 percent of those businesses had sold merchandise or services to a customer in another country in 2012, compared to 52 percent in 2010.

“The growth we’re seeing in small business exporters underscores a broad change in attitude about exporting,” said David Ickert, the chair of NSBA. “Not only are small businesses seeing growing opportunities available to them via exporting, they increasingly view their good and/or services as valuable in a global marketplace.”

For those small businesses that are not currently exporting goods, the main barrier was a lack of knowledge as to how to get started.

As an international business lawyer, Attorney Boyer is very knowledgeable in all aspects of business, including exporting goods. If you are a small business that is considering importing or exporting, contact us today to schedule a business planning session to discuss how you can grow your business on a domestic and international level.

Source: South Florida Business Journal

Business in Jacksonville

European consuls from France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom recently visited Jacksonville, Florida, and they had some opinions to share about business in Jacksonville. The main consensus between the visiting diplomats was that Jacksonville needs to do a better job of telling their story, because Jacksonville has a good story to tell and is a city that hosts many opportunities for those who want to live and work in Florida.

“I need reasons, arguments, I can convey to Spanish companies about why they should look here,” Mario Buisan, the Spanish trade commissioner said.

Dutch Consul General Simone Filippini was impressed by Jacksonville’s first-ever, recently-held OneSpark event, a festival celebrating inventors and entrepreneurs, but noted that she would not have known about the event if she had not visited the city. “The marketers of Jacksonville have an undiscovered dynamic jewel,” she said.

Kevin McGurgan, the U.K. Consul General stated that people think of beaches, not business when they think of Florida. Governor Rick Scott is trying to change this perception through his work with Enterprise Florida and Florida Business’ new slogan, “The Perfect Climate for Business.”

Jacksonville may soon become more prevalent in the eyes of the United Kingdom since the Jacksonville Jaguars professional football team is currently planning a game in London.

Most of the consulates in the Southeastern United States are in Miami, but the group made the trip to Jacksonville to find out more about Northeast Florida, a place that few foreign nationals think of when they think of the Sunshine State, and business in Jacksonville. It is the job of these consuls to connect the countries they represent with the country they are stationed.

Source: Florida Times-Union

May is World Trade Month

May is named World Trade Month by the International Trade Administration (ITA). The celebration kicked off with WorldCity presenting its annual analysis of Miami trade at a luncheon at the Coral Gables Hyatt Regency on May 1, 2013. The ITA hopes to ensure the competitiveness of US businesses through international trade.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has also declared May as Florida World Trade Month as part of his continuing efforts to increase international business in Florida. A record-breaking $124.7 billion worth of products were traded through South Florida airports and seaports in 2012.

International businesses employ 223,500 Floridians, and their salaries are around 30 percent more than the Florida average. These international businesses make up 18 percent of the Florida economy. Canada and China are the top two U.S. trading partners.

For help with international trade and other international business matters, contact Boyer Law Firm today.

Source: Miami Herald

*Image courtesy of Stockfreeimages.com

Canadian Real Estate Investors Face Competition from Asian Counterparts

Now is the time for Canadian real estate investors to buy in Florida before investors from Asian countries become the new Florida snowbird.

More than 500,000 Canadians currently own property in Florida, and many have made a return on their investment since 2008 when the state was one of the hardest hit in the nation by the housing crisis. The price of single-family homes in Florida is currently up 12 percent, according to the Toronto Star.

In 2010, Canadians accounted for almost 40 percent of all real estate purchases in Florida, but they are now facing stiff competition from their Asian counterparts. This competition is mostly over bankrupt development projects around $100,000. As a result, many Canadian real estate investors are investing in discounted homes over $200,000 and $300,000 while they are still available.

Canadian real estate investors are also facing competition from Brazilian investors in Miami and Orlando.

If you are interested in investing in Florida real estate, buying a winter home, or selling a piece of property, contact Boyer Law Firm’s real estate attorneys today. We have attorneys and paralegals who speak both French and English.

Source: Toronto Star

*Image courtesy of Stockfreeimages.com

Orlando International Airport and International Travel

Beginning tomorrow, April 30, 2013, Orlando International Airport will electronically streamline the international arrival process, making the process paperless and replacing the I-94 form. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recognized the airport as the first in the nation to move to the new process.

While year-to-date domestic travel is down 3.7 percent in Orlando, international traffic is up 13.7 percent, making this new form of screening a necessity. Lines for international visitors at Orlando International Airport become extremely long when travelers have not completed the I-94 form. With the new system, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will gather arrival and departure information from electronic travel records.

So, if you are planning to travel to Florida for business or pleasure after April 30, you may want to amend your travel plans to arrive in the U.S. in Orlando. However, the process will still be relatively new and there will inevitably be some kinks to work out at the beginning.

Source: Orlando Business Journal

*Image courtesy of Stockfreeimages.com

Small-Medium Sized Businesses & International Trade

Enterprises engaged in international trade and cooperation are twice as likely to be successful as those that only operate domestically, according to a study done my HIS Global Insight and DHL Express.

We are becoming a more globalized world, and businesses need to be able to keep up with this trend in order to survive.

“[We] firmly support the view that international trade creates tremendous value for SMEs (small- to medium-sized businesses). It not only opens up new markets for their products and services, but also gives them access to international best practices and innovations,” said DHL Express CEO Ken Allen.

The South Florida Business Journal named the following countries the top trade partners of South Florida:

Brazil – $13,688.3 MILLION in total trade, January – October 2012
Colombia – $8,101 MILLION in total trade, January – October 2012
Switzerland – $7,539.7 MILLION in total trade, January – October 2012
Costa Rica – $6,147.1 MILLION in total trade, January – October 2012
Venzuela – $5,494.5 MILLION in total trade, January – October 2012

The DHL study revealed that small to medium sized businesses are concerned with the lack of available information on foreign markets, high customs duties, difficulty establishing contracts with different foreign enterprises and the ability to generate an overseas customer base. Here at Boyer Law Firm, our expertise in International Law can guide you through every step of this process.

Sources: South Florida Business Journal

Florida Repeals International Driving Permit Requirement

As part of a continued effort to make Florida a tourism-friendly state, lawmakers are in the process of repealing a law that requires international visitors to acquire an international driving permit to drive in Florida.

The law was originally designed to help law enforcement officers determine if international visitors had valid licenses, especially when the driver’s license was in a foreign language, but the law had unintended consequences.

This law hit Canadians, the largest group of international visitors to Florida, the hardest. Many Canadian “snowbirds” were not able to obtain this permit because they were already in Florida, and the law required them to obtain the permit from their home country.

The repeal of this law was passed unanimously by both houses of the Florida legislature, and Governor Rick Scott has said that he will sign the repeal into law. The law requiring the permit took effect on January 1, 2013.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Turkish Professionals Discuss Trade Agreement with US

As the United States and the European Union continue talks of a free-trade agreement, Turkish professionals are debating how this agreement can increase trade between Turkey and the US in a way that benefits Turkey.

There has been a swift, noticeable increase in trade volume between the US and Turkey over the last 10 years, Turkish American Business Association (TABA/AmCham) President Ekim Alptekin said. However, Turkey’s imports from the US, amounting to $14 billion, and their exports to the US, amounting to $5.6 billion, are not enough trade between the two countries. Alptekin said it is important for Turkey to improve commercial relations with the US because their trade with Europe is declining.

Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) Vice President Ahmet Ciğer noted that under the free-trade agreement, Turkey would be subject to the same rules as Europe while importing goods from the US, but the US could impose extra tariffs on exported goods from Turkey. “However,” Ciğer said, “since trade relations between the US and Turkey are not at the desired level, the damage would not be that fatal.”

For the past two years, the US was ranked Turkey’s fifth largest trading partner, and Turkey was the 32^nd largest goods trading partner for the US in 2011. The top exports from Turkey to the US are vehicles, machinery, iron and steel, and the top imports from the US to Turkey are aircrafts, iron and steel, oil, and machinery.

The two countries also have other shared business ideas. US firms are investing in Turkey because they consider it a springboard to Middle Eastern, and regional markets of the Caucasus and Central Asia, and there is a growing interest from Turkish infrastructures and energy companies to join the U.S. market.

*Image courtesy of Stockfreeimages.com

What is International Law?

Merriam-Webster defines international law as a “body of rules that control or affect the rights of nations in their relations with each other.”

The term “International Law” was coined by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham. It can apply to any form of law in which two or more countries are involved. Here at Boyer Law Firm, PL, we pride ourselves in the ability to handle international law. Our lawyers, of counsels, and paralegals speak English, French, Spanish, and more, allowing us to assist clients in many areas of the world.

We practice six major categories of “International Law”:

-          International Business Law
-          Foreign Investment
-          U.S. Visas
-          Real Estate Investment
-          U.S. Customs Law – Import & Export
-          Foreign Judgments Execution in Florida (For other states or countries)

Because we are well versed on practicing these areas on an international level, it allows us to practice them on a domestic level with ease because there are fewer variables to consider.

*Image courtesy of Stockfreeimages.com

Tourism Boosts South Florida’s Economy

South Florida Tourism South Florida experienced a record amount of tourism in 2012, mostly from international visitors, and this amount is predicted to be even higher in 2013.

This increase is expected to boost economic growth in South Florida, especially in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Florida’s economy should grow by 1.7% in the next six months, according to the Miami-Herald.

Business travel is one of the main reasons for the tourism increase, and the “cheapness” of the American dollar is benefiting South Florida businesses because tourists are not just coming to visit; they’re coming to buy and spend money.

New hotels are popping up, and several airlines have increased the number of flights between south Florida and Latin American Countries. Brazilians remain the No. 1 source of overseas travelers, and Broward County’s tourism bureau plans to hire its first representative country in Brazil this budget year.

Whether you are looking to visit or open a business in south Florida, 2013 looks like a great year to do so.\

Domestication of Foreign Judgments in Florida

If you have an uncollected foreign judgment in your favor (from another state or another country) and the defendant is a person who resides in Florida or a company that is domiciled in Florida, there are ways you may still collect the money owed to you.

Under the Florida Domestication of Foreign Judgments Act, a judgment issued in another state can be domesticated in a Florida county court. This means the Florida court recognizes and can enforce the judgment.

When the judgment has been issued by a foreign country, it can be domesticated under Florida‘s Uniform Out-of-country Foreign Money-Judgment Recognition Act. In order to be eligible for domestication, the judgment must be final and enforceable in the country where it was issued. The judgment may not be enforceable if certain instances occurred, such as if the court was not impartial, did not adhere to due process, or did not have jurisdiction over the case.

The Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s counsel must file a certified copy of the judgment and an affidavit with the county clerk of courts. The clerk will file and record the judgment and affidavit in the public record, and then they will mail a notice to the defendant. The defendant then has 30 days to respond if they wish to file an action challenging the validity of the judgment.

If no objection to the judgment is filed, it is treated the same way as if the judgment was made in a Florida court. Then the courts can place liens on any real property located in the county of recording.

*Image courtesy of stockfreeimages.com

Technology of a Large Florida Firm, Personality of a Small Florida Firm

Clarity

Whether you’re going to buy groceries or hiring an attorney, costs and fees are always a concern. That is why we at Boyer Law Firm insist on a written fee agreement with you, the client. We have hourly, contingency and flat fee rates, and we offer convenient online payments with Visa, MasterCard, and Paypal.

We take time to explain any questions that our clients may haven order to provide comfort for you and confidence in our firm.

Technology

We maintain all of our files in electronic format using the latest technology available to large firms, which we have chosen to acquire. Every document is scanned within 24 hours, read, analyzed, and processed. We will often email you the document as well in order to keep you updated on your case. We want to make sure that we are providing for you, our client.

We have subscriptions to online, specialized legal software to access the most up-to-date legal information, case laws, and statutes that may be relevant to your case.

Our central server allows our staff to access information and documents relevant to your case from anywhere, anytime, including while in court, while traveling, and even overseas!

Our case management software allows us to schedule with greater precision. This allows us to not only stay on top of your case, but also to plan well ahead of deadlines imposed by law.

Personality

Because we are a small firm, we are able to build a lasting relationship with our clients. We understand that legal matters usually take an emotional toll on all parties involved, and we strive to show compassion in every case.

If you need legal representation regarding business law, international law, immigration, real estate or estate planning, please contact us today.

Now is the Time for Foreign Investment in Florida

The diminished value of the U.S. Dollar is still offering the opportunity to make money for foreigners who invest in real estate in Florida.

With the rise in short-sales and foreclosures, foreign investors are able to buy properties for a low cost. Investors are able to buy a multi-family home for the cost of an efficient apartment in their own country.

In addition, because many Floridians are now renting instead of buying, there is an opportunity to make a true investment that will gain profit not only from an eventual resale, but also through renting out properties such as condos, which many foreign investors are buying in bulk.

Management and repair costs are also lower in Florida than in many foreign countries. Foreign investors who rent out some properties are estimated to receive a 10-15% return rate.

Even if you are looking to buy a second home on one of Florida’s sunny beaches, renting the property out on a seasonal basis can still result in profit gain (not to mention a nice place to get away.)

Foreign investment in Florida is becoming more popular, and, as a result, the number of properties available is diminishing, and the price of these properties is expected to increase as the demand does. The trend is already in full affect in South Florida areas such as Miami, and it is expected to be replicated in other coastal areas of Florida in a South to North pattern.

Sources: Condo Owner, Equity First

*Image courtesy of stockfreeimages.com

Canadians are “Moving In” to Florida

Watch out, Brazil, Canadians are moving in!

Last year, 2011, was considered the “year of the Brazilians” by realtors in Florida, but it looks like Canadian home buyers will surpass them in 2013. This was the topic of discussion at the “Doing Business with Canada” hosted by the Broward Council of the Miami Association of Realtors last Wednesday.

The three most popular Florida destinations for Canadians are the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice area, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples-Marco Island.

Michelle Farber Ross, whose MMD Realty partner is Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, was one of the guest speakers at the conference. She posted on her blog the day before the conference that she was excited about speaking. “The Canadian dollar is very strong, prices are still low and Florida offers a great escape to the long Canadian winters,” she said.

When it comes to aiding Florida’s economic development, Canada tops the list when measured by the combination of bilateral trade, foreign investment, real estate purchases, and tourism.

EB-5 Program Allows Residency for Foreign Investors

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, enacted in 1990, is a way for foreign investors to help boost the American economy and, in the process, gain residency in Florida or in other states across the U.S.

Foreign investors can obtain an EB-5 visa if they invest $1,000,000, or $500,000 in high unemployment areas, that leads to the creation or preservation of at least 10 jobs. These investors and their families receive a two year visa that allows them to live and work in the U.S., and if the investment is successful, they can eventually receive permanent U.S. residency.

Jupiter, FL, has used this program to construct an outdoor amphitheater, marina slips, and an entertainment hub, San Bernardino, CA, has used it to redevelop its downtown theatre district, Jay, Vermont used it to help finance luxury condos, an ice hockey rink, and a waterpark at its popular Jay Peak Resort, and Philadelphia has used the program to expand a hospital complex and improve a school for disabled children.

Along with the benefits of the program, there are also risks. Some investors have failed to maintain or create the required jobs, or failed to otherwise comply with the program, and faced deportation. Others have lost their investment, but have still secured their green cards.

Despite the risks, many foreign investors are still taking the chance. The EB-5 program is one of the fastest ways for wealthy foreign investors who lack the family ties or special skill required for a traditional U.S. visa to establish a permanent U.S. residency.

Sources: LA Times, WCAX.com

Florida Home Sold For $47 Million dollars.

The Indian Creek, a Florida home, has been sold for $47 million. The construction of this 10-bedroom residence that has a private golf course, a hidden art vault, a movie theater, and a wine cellar began in May 2008. The sellers built the house with the sole purpose of selling it and are developers of the State of Florida.

This sale constitutes one of the largest sales in the State of Florida followed by other home sales between $10 and $25 million. There has been a significant growth in the high-end market in South Florida and this has become one of the main reasons for people to invest in Florida.

At Boyer Law Firm we can help you with your business and real estate transactions. Please contact us.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Settlements

In seeking to provide American companies with an equal opportunity to compete in international dealings with overseas businesses, the United States government is cracking down on the bribery of foreign officials through continued efforts to enforce the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Since enacted in 1977, the law has expanded its definition of “American” to include foreign companies that list themselves on the U.S. stock exchanges, sell securities in the country or do business here. “Facilitation payments” and other forms of dealings often violate the act because of cultural differences or companies’ failure to recognize the extent of the law’s application, which is broader in scope than the laws of many other countries. Settlements with companies found to have violated the law exceed $3 billion USD.

Source: “Foreign Firms Most Affected by a U.S. Law Barring Bribes,” Leslie Wayne.

America’s Economic Recovery Depends Largely on the Willingness of Consumers to Spend

Economic reports from January show slight increases in salaries and wages, as well as increases in personal income. Experts said that these slight increases reflect a “pickup in employment.” Does this mean that consumers will use this extra money for spending? Some reports have shown that many American’s have been using this newfound cash to “pad their savings.” In addition to saving money, rising gas prices have also played a part in the delay of economic growth. As it now stands, the average price of a gallon of gas during the “peak travel season” is expected to be $3.62. There is a 25 percent chance that the average price of a gallon of gas could be over $4. However, gas prices and saving money have not entirely kept people from spending some of their hard-earned cash.

February sales for a number of retailers were reportedly much higher than expected, including well-known names like Target and the Gap chain of stores, which includes Banana Republic and Old Navy. In addition to well-known stores, the automakers of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler all outpaced their expected sales for the month of February. The increased number of auto sales comes “despite higher gas prices and reduced promotional incentives from many manufacturers.” The recent number cannot be taken as gospel and relied completely to lead the nation’s economy out of the woods, but when you are lost in the woods it is good to hope and a guide.

Information for this article was obtained from http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/americans-earning-more-but-spending-still-in-question/2012/03/01/gIQAtxLXlR_story_1.html.

Foreign Nationals can get Great Deals on Cars in the U.S

Will you or someone you know be moving to the United States and need a car? Whether you are moving to the United States or just visiting you can get a great deal on a car. One-way to get hold of a deal on a car is to contact ExpatRide. ExpatRide is a company that helps people with deals when they buy or lease a car. There is no car make or model that it out of reach. So long as your finances can match up with the payments for the vehicle, you can drive any car you wish.

In order to obtain a lease through ExpatRide, you must have the lease for at least twelve months. However, if you acquire the need to get out of your lease (or purchase) contract, ExpatRide can help you do so with less financial penalties than if you had dealt directly through a dealership. Interest rates through ExpatRide are generally between 4.5% and 5.5%. The question of whether to purchase or lease a car depends on your situation.

If you are coming to the United States to look for a home, or just to visit, ExpatRide has a partnership with Enterprise. Rentals range anywhere from 1 day to 12 months and ExpatRide’s partnership with Enterprise offers rates even lower than those normally offered by Enterprise. In addition to the great deals offered by ExpatRide, the company does not need to know your credit score and will help raise your credit score in the United States. ExpatRide can even help you get a car without a United States driver’s license before or after you enter the country.

For more information about ExpatRide and its services, please visit www.ExpatRide.com.

We will come back stronger! America is suffering but it is still the land of opportunity for investors

Millions of jobs have been lost and unemployment remains stubbornly high at just over nine per cent. Yet talk to the investment managers and financial strategists in their airy New York offices and a very different picture emerges.

Is it time to invest in America?

Bob Doll, the chief equity strategist at BlackRock and manager of funds including BlackRock US Dynamic, says that relative to other developed markets, the US is faring well.

‘The economy is growing at two per cent a year, more quickly than any thing that you see in Europe,’ he says. ‘Corporate earnings were up 15 per cent in the third quarter of the year. We’re the best house in a bad neighbourhood.’

Clare Hart, executive director at JP Morgan Asset Management and manager of investment fund JPM US Equity Income, says: ‘A significant number of companies are doing well selling into the global market. US companies, bolstered by record profits and significant cash hoards, are increasing their dividends at the fastest pace in seven years.’

Whitney George is co-chief investment officer at Royce & Associates, which specialises in smaller companies and manages Legg Mason US Smaller Companies fund.

He cites natural resources, technology and agriculture as three sectors of the economy that are strong. ‘In middle America, things are good,’ he says. ‘People selling blue jeans to farmers are doing nicely.’

Full Story:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/investing/article-2066574/We-come-stronger-America-suffering-land-opportunity-investors.html

Brazilian Official visits Boyer Law Firm

Boyer Law Firm is proud to announce its new contact with an official of the Brazilian government. Recently, the firm hosted Mr. Islano Vinicius Isaias Marques Nascimento. Mr. Nascimento works for the government in his northeastern region of Brazil as an international affairs assistant for the Coordination of International Relations. Some of his responsibilities are to articulate and promote the current and potential relations between his region and other countries. Such relations include economic, political, social, and cultural relations.

Mr. Nascimento works toward furthering a project created by the United States government aimed at enhancing the relationship between his region of Piaui and the United States. In doing so, he seeks out ways to promote Piaui in foreign markets in terms of industry, tourism, culture, business, and other areas. Mr. Nascimento visited Jacksonville recently looking for new and exciting places to extend his regions business networks. We enjoyed our time spent with Mr. Nascimento and we look forward to working with him and his country in the future.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration can be voluntary or mandatory. Some people choose to arbitrate issues rather than go to trial for a number of reasons. Using arbitration as an alternative to trial can be less expensive and achieve a faster result than taking a case to trial. In a jury trial, both parties are at the mercy of the jurors, whom the parties are not able to hand pick. Jurors are also able to come to a final decision using biases and emotions. Arbitrators, however, can either be assigned or picked by one or more of the parties and are usually very well versed in the laws applicable to the matter that enters arbitration. Arbitration allows the parties to have more control over the outcome and the proceedings than does a trial. However, arbitration is more formal than other alternatives and like trial the decision is binding upon both parties. However, some arbitration decisions can be appealed.

If you have a contract, either for employment or as a consumer, it is wise to read the contract all the way to end because many contracts include arbitration clauses. Such clauses can include the laws that will be used during arbitration, whether international, federal, or state. Arbitration clauses will almost always include a forum selection clause, which states where the arbitration will take place. A company will usually select a location that is near to their offices and in many cases such a location is not convenient for the other party. Choice of law and forum selection clauses can create arbitration awards in one country that may have to be enforced in another country. Such a dilemma can bring up questions of international or bilateral treaties, federal laws, and state laws.

What you can do to maintain your attorney-client privilege!

The attorney-client privilege is a sacred thing. It provides protection to the matters you discuss with your attorney that relate to your case. However, there are ways that you as the client can break the attorney-client privilege that can be detrimental to your case.

It is important for a client to be candid with their attorney so that the attorney can develop a strategy that will best help the client. This means that communication between the attorney and client is highly encouraged. Whether the communication is on the phone, in person, or via text or email, there are certain things as a client that you must be aware of in order to protect your attorney-client privilege.

When speaking with your attorney on the phone, make sure that no one is around or listening to your conversation. If a third party is near you and you are aware that they can hear your conversation, you are essentially offering information to that third party that is not involved in your case. Doing so can dissolve the attorney-client privilege regarding whatever you say during such a conversation. The same applies to speaking with your attorney in person; if for example, you are meeting with your attorney in a public setting.

Another thing to be aware of is use of communication mediums that are owned or monitored by your employer. Many employers that provide cell phones to their employees have access to text messages through the business’ account. It is wise not to use your work phone to communicate with your attorney. That same applies even more so to use of your work email. Emails can and will be saved by your employer on their server for some amount of time and because your employer has control over those emails, you may have broken the attorney-client privilege regarding any information that you share with your attorney through those emails.

The attorney-client privilege is important because it protects the information you share with your attorney from being uncovered by the attorney representing the other party in your case. Because it works to protect the information you share as a client, it is doubly important because in doing so it allows a client to be forthcoming and truthful about all matters related to the case.

Boyer Law Firm was invited to join the Better Business Bureau!

The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a corporation consisting of several private business franchises of local BBB organizations based in the United States and Canada, which work through their parent corporation, the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB).

The Better Business Bureau, through local chapters, invites businesses to become members. In return, the BBBs allow their member businesses the use of their logo, mediation services, and access to their compiled information.

BBB has determined that Boyer Law Firm, meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Boyer Law Firm strives to provide for our clients, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Boyer Law Firm is now a proud member of the Better Business Bureau!