Rob Garagiola, Author at Compass Advocacy

New Year, New Business

Posted on December 6, 2022December 21, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

Whether formalizing a consulting gig, protecting assets, or owning rental property, the New Year is a good time to set up that LLC – limited liability company.

In setting up an LLC, there is more than just filing online.

Have you decided how to be taxed?
Have you prepared an initial organizing resolution?
Have you prepared an operating agreement?
Are you doing business in other states?

Even if you are the sole owner of your LLC, you should do all of the above to protect your personal assets and the assets of the LLC.And if you are doing business in multiple states, you may need to file foreign registrations with such states.

Make it your New Year’s Resolution to consult with Compass Law Partners to properly set up and maintain your business, as well as handle other business legal matters.

Family Medical Leave

Posted on April 14, 2022August 31, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

The Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation that will establish a new family and medical leave insurance program that will be applicable to businesses with 15 or more employees. While the bill is still awaiting final enactment, it is nearly certain that it will become law and take effect on June 1, 2022.

Under the program, both employers and employees would have to contribute to a new fund that would establish a state family and medical leave insurance program. The new program will likely get underway after the Maryland Department of Labor promulgates regulations, which are anticipated in June 2023.

As this is going to eventually affect most Maryland businesses, it will be important to have an employment law attorney to ensure proper compliance. Compass Law can help you navigate this new family and medical leave insurance program as well as other laws affecting businesses.

Fundraising

Posted on April 7, 2022August 31, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

The Compass PR team helps manage and operate a variety of nonprofits and associations. Our services span coordinating meetings and events, membership management and recruitment, and handling financial and compliance matters.

One of our specialties is fundraising! Are you looking to host an event to raise funds for your nonprofit, raise awareness for your company, or something else? We can help!

Whether it’s a small fundraising event, a large-scale fundraising event, or even grants – the Compass Public Relations team is here for you.

Elections, Ballot Measures, and Grassroots Advocacy

Posted on April 5, 2022August 31, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

With warmer weather on its way, many are looking forward to the beaches and vacations. However, at the same time, candidates in Delaware, Maryland and DC at the local, state, and federal levels are gearing up for their Primary and General Elections this summer and fall. In addition, voters will have to decide on an array of ballot initiatives in the coming months on a range of issues.

Compass PR can help get your message out to the candidates and their constituents. We can also help frame issues before the voters to ensure the passage or defeat of ballot initiatives. Compass PR has the tools to inform voters with phones, digital media, text messages, and mail.

Consider reaching out to Compass PR now to devise your strategy, frame the issue, and execute the advocacy plan.

Employment and Business Law Legislation Could Affect Your Business

Posted on February 10, 2022August 31, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

As of today, February 7, 2022 1548 bills have been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly and 325 have been introduced before the Delaware Legislature this session.

In Maryland, House Bill 8 would establish a family and medical leave insurance program, which would impose additional taxes on employers – up to $536/employee – to fund the employee leave. There are also bills to modify Maryland’s wage and hour law requirements and that would change the law affecting limited liability companies – or LLCs.

In Delaware, SB 1, Healthy Delaware Families Act is the bill that I think should be highlighted. This legislation would require employers with 25 employees or more to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to their employees. This bill has momentum and was highlighted by the Governor in his recent State of the State address.

Now it’s more important than ever to engage a firm that can represent your interests before the legislative branches in Maryland or Delaware. Changes are coming that could affect your business.

Set Up your Annual Business Physical Now

Posted on November 20, 2021August 31, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

Much like getting an annual physical to ensure good health, it is critically important to do an annual check-up for your business. Whether a single-member LLC that merely owns real estate or a professional business, there are a few things that should be done each year to reduce liability, protect one’s personal assets, and to ensure the good health of your business. Have you held your annual meeting? Do you have an operating agreement – even if a single-member LLC? Has it been updated for changes in case law or statute to protect your personal assets and that of the business? As 2021 begins to wind down, now is the time to make sure your business is in good health.

Shaping Public Opinion: The Power of Patch-Through Phone Calls

Posted on October 20, 2021August 31, 2022 by Rob Garagiola

Compass Public Relations often works in tandem with lobbyists to affect policy. One tool that can be effectively employed is patch-through phone calls. Compass PR works with clients to frame a message for or against legislation and then facilitates targeting key legislators who may play a decision-making role on such issue. Then dozens – or even hundreds – of live constituent phone calls are generated into legislators’ offices on a particular issue. This is an important tool to advance or defeat legislation! If you would like to augment your lobbying strategy with phones, please let us know.