In the April 2020 issue of DRI’s For The Defense magazine, Charles A. Fox, PhD, director of Technical Services at Engineering Systems, Inc. in Ames, IA, Melissa L. McAlpine, counsel, product safety at Polaris, Inc. in Medina, MN, and Johnson & Bell Shareholder, Kevin G. Owens, co-authored, “Virtual Reality: Put Your Best Foot Forward.”  In   Continue Reading »

To meet the increased number of Americans applying for unemployment insurance, the Department of Labor issued guidance to help states implement expanded unemployment benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  The announcement covered two initiatives, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).  The PUA program   Continue Reading »

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are establishing the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund to offer small businesses low interest loans of up to $50,000. Businesses located outside of the City of Chicago with fewer than 50 workers and less than   Continue Reading »

Just a quick note that Johnson & Bell’s Insurance Coverage Team is monitoring new filings of insurance coverage disputes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In these coverage disputes, we also are assessing the various arguments for and against coverage for Business Income Loss and Civil Authority provisions.  Granted, these early filings are only the proverbial   Continue Reading »

Johnson & Bell Shareholder, Mark D. Belongia, who regularly works with family and privately held companies, reports that the Federal Reserve has finally released a term sheet for its Main Street New Loan Facility targeting small to mid-size companies with up to 10,000 employees.  The Fed will be backstopping lenders up to 95% on loans   Continue Reading »

Johnson & Bell Shareholder, Joseph F. Spitzzeri, who works with a number of companies on their employment issues, shares a reminder with employers from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  OSHA issued a press announcement to employers that it is illegal to retaliate against workers because they report unsafe conditions or   Continue Reading »

Johnson & Bell Shareholder, Mark D. Belongia, who works with privately and family held companies, notes that the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development has launched The Cook County Community Recovery Fund for businesses in suburban Cook County.  The fund will provided rapid relief loans for small businesses, gig workers and independent contractors. This loan   Continue Reading »

Johnson & Bell Shareholder, Christopher J. Carlos, provides an overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act is intended to provide vital economic support for families, individuals and businesses of all sizes. Related Items: More Financial Support Available to Business — The PPP and EIDL Initiatives Chicago Launches   Continue Reading »

Johnson & Bell Attorney, Martha E. Drouet, is the focus of a feature story in Leading Lawyer Magazine.  Ms. Drouet is a member of our Healthcare Group, where she defends hospitals and medical practitioners against medical malpractice, Nursing Home Act and general negligence claims. As the article notes, she brings a strong creative, yet analytical   Continue Reading »

The Small Business Administration is rolling out two financing programs to help small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).  We have highlighted components and eligibility requirements for each program.  If you have questions, please contact Johnson & Bell Shareholders, Mark D. Belongia or Joseph F. Spitzzeri, or the   Continue Reading »