On Thursday, January 20, 2022 at noon, FLB International Business & Trade Law attorney Timothy D. Charlesworth will present “Tips for Importers to Limit Risk and Avoid Problems”, in conjunction with the Traffic Club of the Lehigh Valley. In today’s challenging supply chain environment, US Importers need to pay close attention to details such as: using the best […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced enhancements to its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which is intended to provide critical access to capital for the industries hardest hit by COVID-19. The enhancements of the COVID-19 EIDL available to small businesses became immediately effective on September 8, 2021, and will run through […]
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. has again been selected as one of The Morning Call’s “Top Workplaces”. This was the eighth consecutive year the Firm earned a place on the list. In the article published on June 24, the Firm ranked eighth overall in the “Small Employers” category, and the highest-ranking law firm overall. “Following a difficult year, […]
“Due on Sale” clauses found in many mortgages generally allow a lender to demand payment in full of a loan, upon the transfer of an interest in the mortgaged property. The Garn St. Germain Act (12 U.S.C. Section 1701j-3) provides that regardless of the agreement between a borrower and lender, a lender may not enforce […]
On Monday, January 11, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration (the SBA) along with the Treasury Department re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for both new and existing borrowers. This article focuses on existing PPP borrowers and outlines the steps to take to apply for a second draw PPP loan. Business principals considering a PPP […]
On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act was signed into law, which is intended to, among other things, continue providing assistance to companies and entrepreneurs whose businesses were adversely affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. A key provision of the Economic Aid Act is an expansion of the already existing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). […]
Good news for small businesses. On November 20, 2020, the Northampton County COVID-19 Relief Small Business Grant Program re-opened and is currently accepting applications. Northampton County Council has approved this Grant Program, in partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, that will distribute $1.3 million dollars of CARES Act Funds to Northampton County […]
Most of FLB’s business clients borrow money from commercial lenders, such as banks and credit unions. If any of your loans are priced on the basis of LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), you have probably heard that this is going to change. The “sun will set” on LIBOR at the end of 2021, and lenders […]
On October 26, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a notice that it intends to release two new forms relating to borrowers’ good faith certifications that current economic conditions made the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan necessary to ongoing business operations. The new documents are Form 3509 – Loan Necessity Questionnaire (For-Profit Borrowers) and […]
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a warning about email scams related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and its borrowers. Borrowers are reporting receiving emails from “sba-attorneys.com” that inform the recipient PPP funds were issued to them erroneously and action must be taken to avoid “potential criminal liability.” This email is […]
After a 7-day jury trial in Federal Court in Allentown, Maraleen Shields and Doug Smillie obtained a $1.057 million verdict for their client, Arnold’s Office Furniture. The case involved claims against a former employee for breach of duty of loyalty, misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of a non-solicitation agreement. During the pandemic, Arnold’s used […]
Estate planning attorney Sonny Beltrami was recently featured on Cornerstone Unplugged, a podcast hosted by Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management that features conversations with local business leaders aimed at helping mutual clients improve their financial acumen. In the podcast, Sonny recounts his journey to becoming an estate planning attorney and explains how he regularly expands his […]
Shareholder Kate Durso successfully represented Saucon Valley Solar Partners, LLC in its recent bid to build a 14-acre solar farm on property owned by Lehigh University in Bethlehem. The project is expected to help offset up to 90% of the electricity use on Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Campus and will be used for teaching and […]