So Deborah and I have been watching Webinars on the Trade Shows but next we are seeing one on "Doing Business in Streamlined Sales Tax States (SST)" from a company called Avalara. It's on Tuesday. You can join in if you register here:
http://www.info.avalara.com/webinars?_ga=1.237529472.1261299402.1465015145
They have one later in the month (June 23) on July Sales Tax Changes you can sign up from the page link above with more to come each month.
Also they offer a sales tax survival guide
https://www.avalara.com/learn/whitepapers/sales-tax-survival-guide/
and 12 Sales Tax Tips
https://www.avalara.com/learn/whitepapers/12-sales-tax-tips-for-small-business-owners/
Forbes List of Best and Worst States for Taxes
http://www3.forbes.com/business/best-and-worst-states-for-taxes/
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The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
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Friday, June 3, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Virginia Trip Day 2
Day 2 - no internet in my room. It's pretty bad in the hotel business center but I use one of their hardwired to at least look at email. No internet at the plant because they have to dig the wires to install it from the main street there.
I spend the day looking at the books with Rick and the people there really turned the empty space into factory while I was there. What a great bunch of people! I got some pictures, which I will post later.
Off to the airport with a bar and Barbecue joint right at the end of our concourse! We did have a two hour layover in Philadelphia. Got in late and then horror of horrors: I can't find my car.
I wander for an hour before I give up, call for help and then find out, they KNOW where your car is. All you need is the license number and they can tell you row and floor. Who knew?
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
I spend the day looking at the books with Rick and the people there really turned the empty space into factory while I was there. What a great bunch of people! I got some pictures, which I will post later.
Off to the airport with a bar and Barbecue joint right at the end of our concourse! We did have a two hour layover in Philadelphia. Got in late and then horror of horrors: I can't find my car.
I wander for an hour before I give up, call for help and then find out, they KNOW where your car is. All you need is the license number and they can tell you row and floor. Who knew?
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Virginia Trip Day 1
Johnny showed up with his wife who is not what she seems. She appears quiet but takes her opportunities to tell Johnny what he thinks. She also has slipped up with English in front of Debbie and "ripped Eric and Charlie a new one". She said some things in front of Dr. Hsu in Chinese like he wouldn't understand,
Johnny decided he didn't like the times we were flying and he wanted his wife to go with us so I had to re-book for everyone. Consequently we were starting our day at the airport at 6 am and my phone was ringing at 4 am for pity sake with changes to our 2 pm flight.
We got to Virginia and the climate is way ahead of ours. They seem to be in full blown summer. We had a quick tour of the plant and then a business meeting. Then Johnny and his wife left for the airport. I swear they spent more time in airports than here in Virginia.
We watched the progress being made for a bit and then were taken to our hotel to check in before dinner. We went out to a fantastic dinner at Peter Changs. Peter Chang is an award winning chef specializing in Szechwan cuisine who has cooked for a number of restaurants in the American southeast. Chang was born in Hubei Province and trained in China, and cooked a meal for the Chinese president, Hu Jintao. He moved to the United States to work as the chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
This was not the ordinary Chinese food at all but very interesting dishes Like Scallion Bubble Pancake with a Curry Dipping Sauce and Pan-fried Pork Belly with garlic and chilies. Peter Chang was named a finalist for best chef Mid-Atlantic in James Beard Foundation Awards and in the 100 Very Best Restaurants 2016. They seem to be working on the website but since they opened another location in the same strip mall that makes sense http://www.peterchangrestaurant.com/ The new place seems to specialize in Dumplings, Rolls, and Buns.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Johnny decided he didn't like the times we were flying and he wanted his wife to go with us so I had to re-book for everyone. Consequently we were starting our day at the airport at 6 am and my phone was ringing at 4 am for pity sake with changes to our 2 pm flight.
We got to Virginia and the climate is way ahead of ours. They seem to be in full blown summer. We had a quick tour of the plant and then a business meeting. Then Johnny and his wife left for the airport. I swear they spent more time in airports than here in Virginia.
We watched the progress being made for a bit and then were taken to our hotel to check in before dinner. We went out to a fantastic dinner at Peter Changs. Peter Chang is an award winning chef specializing in Szechwan cuisine who has cooked for a number of restaurants in the American southeast. Chang was born in Hubei Province and trained in China, and cooked a meal for the Chinese president, Hu Jintao. He moved to the United States to work as the chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
This was not the ordinary Chinese food at all but very interesting dishes Like Scallion Bubble Pancake with a Curry Dipping Sauce and Pan-fried Pork Belly with garlic and chilies. Peter Chang was named a finalist for best chef Mid-Atlantic in James Beard Foundation Awards and in the 100 Very Best Restaurants 2016. They seem to be working on the website but since they opened another location in the same strip mall that makes sense http://www.peterchangrestaurant.com/ The new place seems to specialize in Dumplings, Rolls, and Buns.
******************************************
Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Losing Time
So I started the month sick as hell, fighting with Ring Central to provide a dial tone for 23 days before I told them "you have substantially failed to fulfill your contract so it is over" called Time Warner and the next day we had phone lines. Of course, I had to get out of bed and get to two Office Depots to get enough phones to drop off at the office so they could hook them up.
Then we found out we needed a specialist to come in and install the phones. What happened to calling the phone company and saying I want phones? Yes that's rhetorical but really why is everything so bloody hard to do?
By the time I got back to work even half days, I was behind with work so I have been playing catch up ever since. I have Debbie pulling together Payment Requests to be signed so at least that helps. When Dr. Hsu comes in I hand him a folder full to sign. He and the rest of them are slow to send me paperwork which is becoming more of a problem.
Chen is still not sending me paperwork on the $650,000 sent to Henghe Xingye in China. Johnny is slow to send paperwork on the $150,000 I sent for components but sure wants financials. He doesn't seem to get that his paperwork creates the financials.
Now Johnny is arriving today with his wife and Chinese accountant. We will be going to Virginia to see the progress at Charlie's plant later in the week. So next it's getting airlines tickets. It's never a dull moment here.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Then we found out we needed a specialist to come in and install the phones. What happened to calling the phone company and saying I want phones? Yes that's rhetorical but really why is everything so bloody hard to do?
By the time I got back to work even half days, I was behind with work so I have been playing catch up ever since. I have Debbie pulling together Payment Requests to be signed so at least that helps. When Dr. Hsu comes in I hand him a folder full to sign. He and the rest of them are slow to send me paperwork which is becoming more of a problem.
Chen is still not sending me paperwork on the $650,000 sent to Henghe Xingye in China. Johnny is slow to send paperwork on the $150,000 I sent for components but sure wants financials. He doesn't seem to get that his paperwork creates the financials.
Now Johnny is arriving today with his wife and Chinese accountant. We will be going to Virginia to see the progress at Charlie's plant later in the week. So next it's getting airlines tickets. It's never a dull moment here.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Raise
So if you don't toot your own horn, who will? My probationary period was reduced to 60 days and I got a $5,000 raise. Yes I am glad but still trying to get back to well so I am doing as little as possible.
The few times I felt a burst of energy, I made a pile of food: chili in the slow cooker, a half dozen pork chops with potatoes and carrots in a roasting bag so I don't have to do anything but get out of bed when the timer goes off. I even accepted a batch of Chinese food from my daughter in law who said they hated it. It wasn't great but it gave me something to eat.
Oh well as I feel better this will change. I am looking forward to a a large kitchen with storage but I haven't found any dishes. I am eating off paper plates and bowls but I do have real silverware.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
The few times I felt a burst of energy, I made a pile of food: chili in the slow cooker, a half dozen pork chops with potatoes and carrots in a roasting bag so I don't have to do anything but get out of bed when the timer goes off. I even accepted a batch of Chinese food from my daughter in law who said they hated it. It wasn't great but it gave me something to eat.
Oh well as I feel better this will change. I am looking forward to a a large kitchen with storage but I haven't found any dishes. I am eating off paper plates and bowls but I do have real silverware.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Monday, March 28, 2016
March - Moved and Sick
So I moved on the 5th with the help of 19 people. It's not organized well yet but I knew from day one where I would sleep and where there was clothes to wear. I have lots to unpack yet but I am home by myself again. What a blessing!
I blithely went my way working and going to many events and proceeded to get sick on March 15th. Not just a little but cough till tears pour down your face sick. In the start there were a few flu symptoms but maybe it was all about so much phlegm and all that coughing. Thank God for Deborah who held down the fort on the many days I went home early or could not get in at all!
Of course they never leave me alone so there were calls, texts, WeChat, email, and even a visit to my home to pick up a check. This went on for weeks. I am gradually improving but it's a long way back to well for me.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
I blithely went my way working and going to many events and proceeded to get sick on March 15th. Not just a little but cough till tears pour down your face sick. In the start there were a few flu symptoms but maybe it was all about so much phlegm and all that coughing. Thank God for Deborah who held down the fort on the many days I went home early or could not get in at all!
Of course they never leave me alone so there were calls, texts, WeChat, email, and even a visit to my home to pick up a check. This went on for weeks. I am gradually improving but it's a long way back to well for me.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Help at Last
When the CEO suggest hiring someone I latched on and said "from an agency or someone I know?" They suggested they would like someone I know. So I started calling women in my group who are age appropriate and found that Deborah could come in and meet with them. They liked her and hired her on the spot.
I am so glad! I finally have someone to talk to and share all the crazy things that go on in and out of the company. Her skills are different than mine but she seems willing to tackle anything. She just sets her mind to it and gets through it. My big concern is they are not paying her what she is used to making.
Then again I have been severely retarded in salary growth and have taken steps backwards at times, so I am not making what I should either. As mature women we are seeing it is harder and harder to find decent jobs that pay well. We both have prayed for a "good job" and this was what we got.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
I am so glad! I finally have someone to talk to and share all the crazy things that go on in and out of the company. Her skills are different than mine but she seems willing to tackle anything. She just sets her mind to it and gets through it. My big concern is they are not paying her what she is used to making.
Then again I have been severely retarded in salary growth and have taken steps backwards at times, so I am not making what I should either. As mature women we are seeing it is harder and harder to find decent jobs that pay well. We both have prayed for a "good job" and this was what we got.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
More Progress
So far we ran the plant a few days before we ran out of components. I just pray we have workers when they arrive. I have an employee who tested positive for drugs but on the upside we are getting a handle on the banking. I got my token so now I can do internal transfers and pay some bills online.
This is starting to move along but is going to be an uphill climb for a while. It's weird but the President has shown a deep aversion to signing anything. This will be a challenge for me since we require two signatures for checks, expenses, and wire transfers.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
This is starting to move along but is going to be an uphill climb for a while. It's weird but the President has shown a deep aversion to signing anything. This will be a challenge for me since we require two signatures for checks, expenses, and wire transfers.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Progress
Step by step, inch by inch...all the money was transferred via Cashiers Checks but it is still not resolved since there is a CC hold for 3-5 days. And we were informed US Bank rejected the next incoming wire! I do understand but REALLY could this be much more difficult?
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
Friday, January 29, 2016
My solar adventures
As my readers may be aware, I have long been under and unemployed since the economy tanked. Starting in the beginning of November I interviewed with Dr. Feng Hsu regarding a position with a start up company in the solar industry. They are purchasing existing companies currently in the field including one out east, one out west and one right here in Milwaukee.Through many twists and turns I have now become their Accounting Manager in January 2016.
I have the requisite skills due a combination of experiences and a continued thirst for knowledge which has caused me to continue my education with classes on a wide variety of topics. I am an avid reader for both fun and knowledge. Let's hope I continue with my learning trend.
My previous experience included other start ups so I have suffered the bumps of that sort in the past. In this company we also have language and culture differences. The investors and a large portion of the workforce are Chinese Nationals with a smattering of permanent residents and naturalized citizens among them. I can't help but think that has caused some of the difficulties with the bank.
Ah yes, the bank! It would be unfair not to discuss something which has taken up so much time between The president (Dr. Hsu), the representative of the previous company (Mr. Ding), and myself have literally lost days of time to the process of opening and closing the account with the strangest behavior possible in between demonstrated by the bank representatives. This was at US Bank, which claims to be an International Bank.
On one day, everything was fine but the next we saw extremely poor customer service and refusal to allow access to wired funds that had previously arrived. The following day was a change of tune with talk of a commercial banker, to deal with our account and access to funds for our most dire needs. The tide turned with the change of day and we were back to cooling our heels in the lobby.
With all this nonsense, we have been unable to purchase the company, components, and even office supplies. The old company did not have enough to cover payroll or other expenses at their bank and we had to supplement their funds. In the process of doing that it was decided to simply use the old existing bank account at Park Bank for the ongoing expenses.
I can't help explaining all this because it has been weird beyond my previous experiences. Is it truly because of the amount of the International Wires? Moving forward there will be many large wires to accommodate purchases of facilities and components. Is it concern for where the money is coming from due to real problems or is it prejudice against another culture?
When we went to add money to the old account, the banker was welcoming and opened an account for us. Park Bank is over 100 years old and works in partnership with Chase Bank for International Wires
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
I have the requisite skills due a combination of experiences and a continued thirst for knowledge which has caused me to continue my education with classes on a wide variety of topics. I am an avid reader for both fun and knowledge. Let's hope I continue with my learning trend.
My previous experience included other start ups so I have suffered the bumps of that sort in the past. In this company we also have language and culture differences. The investors and a large portion of the workforce are Chinese Nationals with a smattering of permanent residents and naturalized citizens among them. I can't help but think that has caused some of the difficulties with the bank.
Ah yes, the bank! It would be unfair not to discuss something which has taken up so much time between The president (Dr. Hsu), the representative of the previous company (Mr. Ding), and myself have literally lost days of time to the process of opening and closing the account with the strangest behavior possible in between demonstrated by the bank representatives. This was at US Bank, which claims to be an International Bank.
On one day, everything was fine but the next we saw extremely poor customer service and refusal to allow access to wired funds that had previously arrived. The following day was a change of tune with talk of a commercial banker, to deal with our account and access to funds for our most dire needs. The tide turned with the change of day and we were back to cooling our heels in the lobby.
With all this nonsense, we have been unable to purchase the company, components, and even office supplies. The old company did not have enough to cover payroll or other expenses at their bank and we had to supplement their funds. In the process of doing that it was decided to simply use the old existing bank account at Park Bank for the ongoing expenses.
I can't help explaining all this because it has been weird beyond my previous experiences. Is it truly because of the amount of the International Wires? Moving forward there will be many large wires to accommodate purchases of facilities and components. Is it concern for where the money is coming from due to real problems or is it prejudice against another culture?
When we went to add money to the old account, the banker was welcoming and opened an account for us. Park Bank is over 100 years old and works in partnership with Chase Bank for International Wires
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Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This policy is subject to change at anytime.
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