South Florida 100 Forum September 11

Katy Sorenson, president, Good Government Initiative, University of Miami

Last week: Kudos to former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson for taking on the network’s chairman, titan Roger Ailes, in a sexual harassment lawsuit. He’s gone (albeit with a golden parachute of $40 million) and she’s the recipient of a $20 million payout. Most important, Ms. Carlson reminded us all that sexual harassment is an egregious infringement on women’s rights in the workplace, and must not be tolerated by women or perpetrated by men. Perhaps her courageous action will inspire other women to rise up and object rather than suffer in silence.

Looking ahead: It is unconscionable that the Republican Senate and House refuse to fund Zika eradication efforts without the poison pill of restricting Planned Parenthood funding. With a proven link between horrific birth defects and Zika, it’s sadistic to want to prevent women from getting the full range of reproductive services – from birth control to abortion. While Congress plays games, research and funding are necessary to come up with a vaccine and to stop the spread of a virus that may be innocuous to white men – the majority of Congress – but potentially life shattering for women, children and fetuses.

Richard Barkett, CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale REALTORS

Looking ahead: There is a feeling growing that as a side result of Hurricane Hermine Florida homeowners are about to be broadsided by a pair of insurance rate increases. A perfect storm may be brewing as federal flood insurance premiums begin to soar and homeowners property insurance companies seek state approval for increase policy rates. What can property owners do? Very little if anything. But when homeowners begin receiving higher bills that promise to continue mounting, a loud outcry should be expected. Plus, health and automobile insurance companies are seeking Florida’s approval for rate increases. Citizens need to be aware.

J. David Armstrong, Jr., president, Broward College

Looking ahead: The closure of ITT Technical Institute has sidelined dreams for thousands. Since Tuesday, I have seen the Broward College family work to search for solutions which will help these students make a decision on their academic future and I am so proud of their commitment to our South Florida community of learners. Luckily, programs which had been offered at the Fort Lauderdale campus are offered at Broward College. To all ITT Technical Institute students – we can help. Call our advisors at (954) 201-6528, (954) 201-8876, or (954) 201-2305 so we can advise students on next steps to salvage their education.

Walter G. “Skip” Campbell, Jr., mayor, Coral Springs; former member, Florida Senate

Last week: Does the State of Florida Attorney General’s office stand for a corrupt political system? That’s the question which is being asked by many individuals now that Donald Trump’s generous campaign contribution has been publicized. Was this a pay to play scheme so the State of Florida would not sue Donald Trump’s University? A lot of questions should be answered, but who is going to do the questioning? A special investigator should be appointed by the governor to make sure we don’t have a corrupt political system.

Mitch Ceasar, chairman, Broward Democratic Party

Last week: Donald Trump’s gift to Attorney General Pam Bondi was a $ 25,000 campaign contribution. Why would he care? It arrived at the exact time a decision was to be made about opening an investigation against Trump University. That file was never opened. Trump has always said he operated in a “play to pay” world. I believe him. An IRS fine followed, as the contribution was from a Foundation. So with all the Clinton Foundation accusations, which have been unfounded, we have Trump in reality, wrongdoing. New York has filed litigation into corrupt practices against the university. Are we for sale ? Pitiful.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Today marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks that mercilessly claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. Following the shock, fear and deep sadness, we unified, flew our American flags and felt a shared national pride. A recent Gallup poll showed Americans’ national pride hit its lowest point this year with only 52 percent being “extremely proud” to be Americans. We now argue about race, gender, immigration, politics, police, scandals and national security. Did we forget or did time merely chip away at our communal kindness? Let’s not wait for another catastrophe to once again understand and respect each other.

Looking ahead: I stand during the national anthem because America is my home, for good and bad. We have problems, but I see our potential. While Colin Kaepernick is not the first person to show his displeasure with America, his actions and those of others now following suit have triggered strong emotions and a discussion about discord in our country. Such discord can strengthen us if handled properly, or destroy us if mismanaged. The fact that we are the “land of the free and home of the brave” means protests like this can exist and will continue to whether we agree or disagree.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week: Fifteen years ago, unimaginable violence shattered the peace of an American morning and forever altered our lives. Today, we honor and pray for the nearly 3,000 innocent souls who perished in the heinous 9/11 terror attacks. That somber day also reminds us once again to recognize and thank our firefighters and law enforcement officers who rushed into danger that fateful morning — more than 400 of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to bring victims to safety. If we become a reflection of who our fallen heroes once were, then we can inspire others and their legacies live on.

Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, regional director, Florida Anti-Defamation League

Looking back: Fifteen years has passed since 2,977 people were murdered before our eyes. Three years after the 9/11 attack, ADL created its National Counter-Terrorism Center. It’s brought law enforcement officials to Israel to learn from experts, their experiences and lessons learned. Last month, Orlando Police Chief John Mina attended NCTS. While the invitation was extended a month before the horrific attack at Pulse, it provided him with a unique lens in dealing with terrorist incidents. As we continue to encounter international terror and homegrown extremism in Florida and nationwide, our commitment to enhance our security remains a top priority.

Marty Kiar, commissioner, Broward County

Last week: The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a true economic engine for Broward County. Recently, JetBlue Flight 387 made history when it departed FLL for Santa Clara, Cuba and became the first airline to begin commercial flights between the United States and Cuba. The Sun Sentinel reported that the pilot was Capt. Mark Luaces of Miami, whose parents were born in Cuba. Flights from FLL to Cuba are around $99 each way. I am proud that FLL was part of this historic moment in our nation’s history.

Looking ahead: Approximately 40 million rides are given by Broward County transit each year. In an effort to cut down on environmentally harmful emissions, Broward County may add all-electric, zero emission buses to its fleet. This month, Broward transit is testing two such buses that are on loan to the county until the end of September. The 40-foot electric buses eliminate exhaust emissions and are equipped with wheelchair ramps, air conditioning and bicycle racks. Passengers ride for free on these buses, which are being used intermittently on Routes 5, 10, 16, 34, 36, 40 83, 88 and 102.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Just in time for Week 1 of the NFL, the Fort Lauderdale city commission unanimously eliminated an outdated ordinance that restricted stores from selling alcohol before noon on Sundays. Starting today, stores may now sell alcohol on Sundays beginning at 7 a.m., just like other weekdays. The move levels the playing field for our retail businesses, helps support our tourism industry, and eliminates the need to leave our city for purchases. Of course, good luck to our Miami Dolphins in the season opener against Seattle. We look forward to an exciting football season filled with big upsets, last second heroics, and electrifying plays. Go Fins!

Looking ahead: Seasonal King Tides are expected to begin impacting our community in the coming weeks, particularly in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding and the effects of sea level rise. The city continues to implement aggressive measures to combat high tides, including installing tidal valves, clearing storm drains and catch basins, removing standing water from streets, monitoring pump stations, and deploying temporary sand berms and dams, all in an effort to minimize potential flooding. King Tides are expected to occur from September 16-21; October 14-21; November 12-18; and December 12-16. For flood safety and preparation tips, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/kingtide.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Last week: Do you know the name Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu? She was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to helping others selflessly and whole heartedly, working with the poor and trying to help every soul she touched. She made real sacrifices and struggled with her own mental health, purpose and focus. She was more human and frail than most but so mighty. No matter what your views, she is seen as a symbol of compassion, peace, love and acceptance. You may not know the name Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, but you know Mother Teresa, now known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week:September 4th, Pope Francis canonized Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa was in our lifetime the “face of God’s mercy”. Responding to “a call within a call”, this nun founded a new community, the Missionaries of Charity, who work with the poorest of the poor. She and her sisters model for us a church close to the poor, a church who is mother to the poor, a church that lives in the joy of serving the poor. Mercy was for Mother Teresa a way of life, made up of love, kindness, forgiveness and compassion towards all.

Looking ahead: Moving from Labor Day to Election Day, our attention should be focused on people who face twin crises—deep trials in both the world of work and the state of the family. Following the Great Recession we see: stagnant wages, industry leaving towns and cities behind, and the sharp decline in the rate of private-sector organized labor down to 7 percent. Millions of families still find themselves unable to work their way out of poverty. Poverty rates among children are alarmingly high, with almost 40 percent of American children spending at least one year in poverty before they turn eighteen.

Linda B. Carter, president, Community Foundation of Broward

Last week: It was reported that the missing 9/11 flag the firefighters raised at Ground Zero has been recovered and will now reside in the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in NYC. Remarkably, this discovery was made possible in part by a South Florida resident – acclaimed mystery writer Brad Meltzer. As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of this tragic event, it is bittersweet to see this symbol of hope and strength find its way back home – thank you Brad.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: Nationwide, we lose five people to suicide every hour, including one veteran, and more than 1.1 million Americans attempt suicide annually. In Florida, we rank 17th for highest suicide rate and 44th for mental health care access. These are the staggering statistics of a complex public health problem, but they are reversible. During Suicide Prevention Month, let’s commit to developing new, innovative strategies for prevention and intervention; fighting the stigma that stops our loved ones from getting the help they need; and building a health care system that makes mental health care accessible to all.

Looking ahead: When I speak to constituents, I reassure them that Congress is capable of rising above partisanship when our health and safety are in danger. But how many times will GOP leadership put its partisan battles above our public health? Once again, House Republican leaders shirked their responsibility and refused to allow a vote on a Zika funding bill without partisan riders. Some members lack the same urgency as we do in Florida, where our families are at immediate risk. In these last weeks of session before Congress breaks again, it is urgent that we provide the funds to continue this fight.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul & Young Ron Show

Last week: Dear Apple, congratulations on your introduction of the new iPhone 7 this week. The one with no headphone jack. That’s right, no headphone jack. Can you please send someone over to pick up my 40 pairs of now worthless earbuds? No, Paul…it’s better, you can now go wireless, but if you want to be old school and use the plug in model…wait for it: you can buy a new adapter! Tim Cook (the new Steve Jobs) says, “this is our best iPhone yet”. Thanks, because that’s the exact thing I heard a year ago when I bought my new iPhone 6 Plus.

Looking ahead: Did you hear that Broward County is now handing out Zika prevention kits? Let me guess what’s in it: A fly swatter, a full body anti-mosquito net, cans of mosquito repellent, a device that warns you when mosquitos are in your area, Benadryl ( in case you are bitten) and an Uber ride to the hospital? Nope, just some bug spray and a handful of condoms. Wait a minute, that’s the same thing I’d bring with me for a long weekend in Cancun.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

Last week: Moral relativism is a strong component of today’s mindset. Much of the crime, lack of ethic, injustice, bigotry and negative behavior comes from lack of moral absolutes. We will always differ in what we esteem right or wrong. So until then, we rely on varying laws that change with whatever the most influential convictions are at the time. For those imperfect people who are reverently attempting to abide by some concrete moral standard, I pray for you that you will not blend in, back down or be bullied by the immorality among us. The majority of the news may be negative, but you don’t have to be.

Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO, Henderson Behavioral Health

Last week: It was suicide prevention week, and suicide remains a profoundly significant public health problem. Here are the facts: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 12.3 minutes. It is estimated that five million living Americans have attempted to kill themselves. But the good news is treatment works. More than 80 percent of those treated for depression get better quickly; a success rate higher than for many other illnesses. Access is the key. Legislative action for increased funding for treatment is critical. The facts are clear: Americans can not wait.

Greg Ross, mayor, Cooper City; president, Broward League of Cities

Looking ahead: JetBlue is exploring the potential of offering a direct flight from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Tallahassee International Airport, making it easier to get to our state capital. Demand for service has been expressed by the community. Businesses, professionals, residents, friends and family members of local universities and tourists will be evaluated in the decision-making process. A low cost direct flight could be an effective tool for travelers from South Florida. JetBlue currently offers the largest number of flights at FLL. Visit getBlueSFL.com to learn how to pledge support for this potential new and regular route to our capital city.

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Congratulations to the team at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Starmark International for winning three Henry’s at the 2016 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. They won for their groundbreaking multi-media millennial campaign; the Out of Home category for the technological feat of producing live broadcasts from Hollywood, Pompano and Fort Lauderdale beaches into bus shelters in Chicago and Boston; and their innovative digital vacation planner, translated into eight different languages.

Looking ahead: A penny surtax evenly split between the county for transportation needs and the cities for infrastructure needs will be on the November 8 ballot. Both half pennies must pass or both will fail. It took a super human effort for the county and all the cities to reach an agreement that will now be presented to the voters. For our region to truly move forward, we must have state of the art transportation and leverage the state and federal dollars that the surtax will make available. To be informed, go to http://www.apennyatwork.com.

Robert Weinroth, Deputy Mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: Dr Robert Avossa has been Superintendent of the Palm Beach County Schools for just over a year. To his credit, he corrected the school transportation meltdown that occurred at the beginning of his tenure, last year. Also, on his watch, the number of failing Palm Beach County schools has been reduced to two. Now he’s making a compelling case for the voters to approve the county referendum for a penny sales surtax (half of which will go to repair, restore and replace an ageing school infrastructure). Voters should visit OneCountyOnePenny.org to make an informed decision on the November ballot question.

Looking ahead: Palm Beach County should follow the lead of our neighbors to the south. Broward’s county commission supported including business reply envelopes with Vote by Mail (Absentee) Ballots. The result, over 40 percent of their electors availed themselves of this method of voting. On Election Day, just over 1/3 of the electors cast ballots (probably owing to the poor weather). The anemic turnout for primary, municipal and off-year elections in Palm Beach County would likely be improved if voters weren’t forced to find sufficient postage to cover the $1.15 required to return their Vote by Mail ballots to the Supervisor of Elections.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Last week: Creativity by Uber, Lyft and RedCap show the ride sharing industry’s high-stakes competition is delivering unexpected solutions for tough issues. A partnership with Ride2MD and scheduled ride services target South Florida’s growing problem of missed medical appointments. Expect more positive disruption ahead, as agility plus innovation capture market share.

Looking ahead: Ranking third in Kiplinger’s new list of the most tax-friendly states, Florida can celebrate its relatively low-tax status as a job-recruiting tool. The distinction has a downside, though. With a population of more than 20 million, and hundreds of new residents arriving daily, our state’s needs are growing fast. That means strained budgets for education, re-training, infrastructure, transportation and healthcare all must compete for legislators’ attention. Thank goodness Broward citizens will have the opportunity to vote in November for two half-penny surtaxes for much needed local transportation and infrastructure improvements.

Bob Tucker, Director, Corporate Affairs, ADT

Last week: Tuesday’s landmark settlement in the sexual harassment lawsuit between former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson and the network’s powerful potentate Roger Ailes should lead to better behavior in the workplace. By terminating Ailes, paying $20 million and issuing a public apology, Fox parent company 21st Century Fox showed that it took the allegations seriously and is committed toward making Fox News a fair and balanced place to work.

Looking ahead:We’ve made significant strides in securing our borders since America’s deadliest terrorist attack 15 years ago today, but we are still vulnerable. That’s especially true when it comes to the global postal system. With one million packages being shipped daily into the U.S., there is no way each can be inspected for dangerous content like explosives or material which could cause a bioterrorism threat. Helping reduce the risk is a bipartisan coalition called Americans for Securing All Packages which aims to have all packages entering the U.S. be screened before arriving on the doorsteps of unsuspecting Americans.

Joshua Thifault, Advancement Director, Turning Point USA

Last week: California State University has created a segregated dorm on campus, as a “safe space for black students.” The school claims the project is “inclusive and non-discriminatory.” Interesting choice of words, considering that acceptance is based on skin color. Millennials of all ethnicities have expressed outrage over the decision. It’s disappointing to see a progressive state make regressive moves like this. May we continue to champion diversity in Florida schools!

Gerry Litrento, senior executive vice president, BankUnited

Last week: Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry, who was raised by a single mother who worked several jobs to support her two sons, once again took the field this week to encourage students ages 13-18 to learn about financial literacy as part of Four Downs For Finance, an essay contest for which they can register online. BankUnited is proud to sponsor this program that reaches out to students at a time when many are beginning to earn their first paychecks and making decisions about paying for college. Inspiring teens to make smart money choices is a touchdown for everyone.

Kristin Jacobs, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: After two arduous years of fighting to pass HB 73, which would ban the drug kratom, I am thrilled to learn the DEA has announced its intent to ban this deadly substance. Predatory profiteers market kratom as a safe and natural herb, targeting recovering addicts and our youth. However, this drug is anything but benign and is incredibly addictive and dangerous. The DEA’s action validates what mothers, nurses, professors, and the recovery community have been saying all along: kratom is an urgent public health threat. Kudos to the DEA for protecting our families on International Overdose Awareness Day and beyond.

Looking ahead: This week, Tallahassee experienced its first hurricane in over 30 years. Fortunately, downed trees and powerlines were efficiently cleared and 90 percent of residents had power restored by Monday. Unfortunately, the governor and city officials still found reason to bicker over the response efforts, leading to a breakdown in communication. As we’ve learned in South Florida, one cannot point fingers and still have both hands ready to heal the damage caused by hurricanes. Recovery efforts should be marked by courtesy and consideration and should never be used to score cheap political points. A little civility goes a long way.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Last week: Have you noticed how many basic commercial enterprises are advertising for hired help? Desperate for workers and unable to lure reluctant Americans seeking higher levels of employment into seasonal occupations, they are relying on a newly expanded visa program approved by Congress recently. House Bill2 will help US businesses hire enough people to do the vital work meeting consumer demands during peak seasons which can last up to ten months. This nearly doubles the number of foreign workers. Whether from Romania, Kurdistan, Bolivia, Serbia, Zimbabwe, or Malaysia, each brings his/her own unique characteristics. Once considered a melting pot, America is now more a collage of cultures.

Looking ahead: No one escapes the experience of aging, but everyone wants to remain healthy. For its Tenth Anniversary of the Future of Medicine Summit, the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services Board is sponsoring a program titled The Quest for Healthy Aging in Mind, Body, and Spirit. It will be held at the County Convention Center on September 15/16. Nationally recognized speakers will provide advice on how one can enjoy life to the fullest as the years pass. Call 561-433-3940 for details. As one privileged to chair this event for the past eight years, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. To your good health.

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting

Last week: While clearly protected by the first amendment, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for our national anthem is not shielded in the court of public opinion. Tragically thousands of Americans have been killed, many left disabled and struggle to survive resulting from fighting to preserve our freedoms. Our national anthem, ceremonially preformed, is a symbol of pride and sang in respect for those who have served protecting it. Kaepernick’s behavior is totally disrespectful, unacceptable, and insulting to all Americans. His choice should not prevent his playing, but clearly is deserving of the outrage of the fans.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Broward County continued its efforts to prevent the spread of the Zika virus in our community with aerial spraying for mosquito larvae in Coral Springs, Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach. The spraying is part of the county’s coordinated mosquito control plan – including property inspections, elimination of standing water, and ground and aerial spraying. Broward has only one non-travel related Zika case. With residents’ help, we can minimize Zika’s impact on Broward County. To learn more about how to protect your family, visit broward.org/streets/mosquito or call 954-765-4062.

Looking ahead: Broward County residents can have their say about next year’s county budget at the first of two public hearings on Thursday. County commissioners are expected to adopt a one percent reduction in the county tax rate, which means the average homestead property owner will not pay higher county property taxes next year. Individual tax bills may vary, depending on the property’s value. Budget hearings will occur at 5:00 pm on Sept. 15 and Sept. 27, at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The public can address commissioners about the budget at both meetings.

Daniel Cane, President and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Last week: I realize it was a little over a week ago, but the passing of Gene Wilder still gets to me. Yes, he was an icon, but hearing that he kept his Alzheimer’s diagnosis private because he “simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world” is touching. Here’s hoping the attention being brought to the disease will have an increased positive impact on finding a cure.

Looking ahead: Physician burnout is a growing concern. A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that for every hour physicians spend face-to-face with patients, they spend two more hours at the end of every day documenting what they discussed into the EHR system. That’s a lot of time to document what you did each day. But not all systems are the same, and some systems — like the one developed by Modernizing Medicine — are built specifically to save doctors time. We want doctors to continue to help patients, not spend time on administrative tasks, or even worse, retire.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

Last week: September is National Preparedness Month, which reminds us all to take action for any emergency that can affect our surroundings. Even though we’re in the middle of hurricane season, it is never too late to start getting prepared. Having a plan and knowing your evacuation routes are essential when anticipating a hurricane or any other state emergency. Many communities have made it easy to set up a text alerting system for emergency notifications. Please visit America’s PrepareAthon, and for access to free helpful resources, see www.ready.gov.

Looking ahead: The CDC has researched and concluded that the flu shot is more effective than FluMist, an easy-to-use nasal spray. The flu shot has been tested and shows the ability to prevent and protect a wider array of life-threatening infections caused by influenza, while FluMist is not as effective. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not believe the FluMist should be offered in the U.S. this year. Even though the vaccine is more painful than FluMist, the vaccine will help prevent severe infections and illnesses. Make sure to get your flu shot as flu season is approaching.

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, Associate Provost, Broward

Last week: Broward County and its municipalities have entered into an inter-local agreement for implementing proposed sales surtaxes of a half-penny each for much needed transportation and infrastructure improvements. A new website was launched this week: “APennyAtWork.com” providing information about the ballot, an overview of the initiatives, an interactive map of projects, and the composition of an Oversight Board. Worth navigating before you cast your ballot on November 8th. Also important to note is that both ballot items must pass — otherwise both will fail.

Looking ahead: Colombia’s president, Juan Manuel Santos, exhorts “better to have an imperfect peace than a perfect war” as Colombians debate the pros and cons before the upcoming plebiscite on whether to support the agreement between the government and the FARC. It would “end the conflict” with a “stable and durable peace.” To be sure, peace in Colombia would set the stage for attracting increased foreign investment and tourism. Peace may also lead to improvements in security that would remove remaining barriers — real and perceived — for academic institutions to collaborate with their Colombian colleagues to enhance research, teaching and other mutually beneficial exchanges.

Peter Moore, President, Chen Moore and Associates

Last week: This past week I worked on several agreements relating to Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, also known as Public Records Requests. This recent legislation was moved forward, in particular, by consultants and contractors working for State Government to stop frivolous lawsuits that impacted taxpayer costs. Essentially, it requires during a request for public records regarding a public project must be made directly to the public client, who will be responsible for responding to any such public records requests. Consultants/contractors are then required to provide any requested records to the public client to enable them to respond to the public records request.

Looking ahead: On September 15th, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches has its annual Athena Awards luncheon. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a person who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 6,700 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in US and abroad. Awards are also given for Young Leaders and Organizations. As the president of a past organizational award recipient, I encourage all to applaud these accomplishments.

Richard Berkowitz, CEO, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants

Last week:

Looking ahead: If you have not received a K-1 from your partnership, corporation, sub-chapter S or pass-through entity, you will by September 15. It is the last day to file 2015 tax returns for these types of entities. Much midnight oil will be burned in accounting firms across the country to finish these returns and comply with federal deadlines. If returns are filed after Thursday, prepare for substantial fines. Once you receive these reports, do not forget to include this information on your 2015 individual income tax return, which must be filed by October 15 if you filed for an extension.