COVID-19 talks

On this episode of COVID Talks, Mazars Consumer Products Partners Stuart Nussbaum and Joseph Ferrone are joined by Paul Pagano, Vice President at Milberg Factors, to help companies dissect and deal with credit risk in the current environment. The speakers do a deep dive into factoring and how it can benefit consumer products companies – namely fashion and home goods. Then they go on to share their insights on ways to access liquidity and what to look for when evaluating the credit risk of a company. The speakers also share what new business strategies are being implemented based on lessons learned throughout this pandemic.

About our guest:

Paul Pagano joined Milberg Factors, Inc. in 2014 as Vice President. He brought a variety of skill sets to Milberg, including accounting and strategic planning. In his role at Milberg, Paul heads up the due diligence team and manages client relationships.

For more information, visit 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-pagano

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 During this episode of COVID Talks, Alisha and Tashonda dive right into Part 2 of the discussion with Becker Legal. Anthony Vizzoni and Joseph Harraka explain what they are telling clients to focus on to remain compliant for SBA loan forgiveness, and what the workforce will look like as states begin to reopen. The episode closes with ‘A Note on Personal Preparedness” segment, and some thoughtful insights from Anthony and Joe.

About our guests: 

Anthony J. Vizzoni is Chair of the Firm’s Business Services Group. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate, financing and transactional matters. Prior to joining Becker LLC, Anthony was in-house counsel to a real estate development firm where he focused his efforts on business development. His prior experiences in the world of business have positioned Anthony to provide practical guidance to his clients as they navigate the many challenges that businesses face in the market.

Joseph G. Harraka is a member of Becker LLC and a senior partner in the firm’s Litigation Department. Joe has been practicing law for 35 years and has both a JD and MBA degree. Joe prides himself in not only being a zealous legal advocate for his clients but partnering with them to ensure that any recommendations that he makes are consistent with their long term business goals and financial and economic objectives.

For more information, visit 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-vizzoni-84abba15

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harraka-9a198a11

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Part 1 of our discussion with our guests from Becker Legal begins with some great information on the CARES Act, for participants of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Senior Partners: Anthony Vizzoni and Joseph Harraka, tell us what the impacts of certain PPP frequently asked questions might look like across industries, and what considerations businesses should be taking if they are participating in the PPP, as well as for future audits.

About our guests:

Anthony J. Vizzoni is Chair of the Firm’s Business Services Group. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate, financing and transactional matters. Prior to joining Becker LLC, Anthony was in-house counsel to a real estate development firm where he focused his efforts on business development. His prior experiences in the world of business have positioned Anthony to provide practical guidance to his clients as they navigate the many challenges that businesses face in the market.

Joseph G. Harraka is a member of Becker LLC and a senior partner in the firm’s Litigation Department. Joe has been practicing law for 35 years and has both a JD and MBA degree. Joe prides himself in not only being a zealous legal advocate for his clients but partnering with them to ensure that any recommendations that he makes are consistent with their long term business goals and financial and economic objectives.

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On this episode of COVID Talks, Mazars Consumer Products Partners Stuart Nussbaum and Joseph Ferrone are joined by Leon Terrano, Senior Vice President and Group Head of Commercial Banking at Bank Leumi, to discuss how the current environment is affecting retailers and wholesalers. The speakers share their insights as well as what they are experiencing with their consumer products clients when it comes to financial projections, key decisions to be made, inventory management, collateral and more. They also touch on the opportunities that could arise as we emerge from this pandemic.

About our guest:

Leon Terrano is a Senior Vice President, Group Head of Commercial Banking, and National Head of Trade Finance at Bank Leumi USA. Leon joined Bank Leumi in 2016. He has over 35 years of experience in Financial Services.

For more information, visit

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-terrano

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On this episode of Mazars COVID Talks, Alisha and Tashonda take an enthusiastic look at the impacts of the current crisis across the insurance industry. They are joined by Mike Friel, Senior Vice President and Regional Sales Leader for AssuredPartners, as he lays out the top considerations for the insurance today, and details about how the insurance market pre-COVID is impacting businesses today. The episode closes with a fun “Note on Personal Preparedness” segment, where Mike shares what he and his family are doing to give back during these trying times.

About our guest:

Mike Friel is a Senior Vice President & Regional Sales Leader for AssuredPartners, a National full-service insurance agency with over 6,800 employees. Where they take great pride in always doing what is in the best interest of the client and leading with integrity.

For more information, view 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-friel-cic-au-aai-5aa17978

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Today we are joined by Lisa Minniti-Soska and Kyle Wissel of our Real Estate Practice to continue the industry-focused discussion around the impacts of the coronavirus to the real estate industry. Kyle and Lisa bring some innovative viewpoints about how businesses can employ new operational strategies to not only stay in business, but to also avoid potential interruptions, engage their workforce, and ultimately stay above water. The episode closes with the ‘Note on Personal Preparedness’ segment, and Lisa and Kyle give us take on what they are doing to keep themselves and their families prepared psychologically during this crisis.

Mazars COVID Talks is a podcast series about pandemic resilience, aimed at supporting business survival by directing organizations to resources and embedding a culture of preparedness.

About our guests:

Lisa heads the Construction Group in the Mazars USA Real Estate Practice, serving general construction, construction management, homebuilders, and specialty contractor clients.

Kyle is a Tax Principal within the Real Estate Market Segment where he focuses on providing tax compliance & planning, and business advisory solutions to real estate owners, operators and developers.

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During this episode, our co-hosts are joined by Jennifer Wilson, founder and partner at Convergence Coaching, to discuss some of the struggles in teleworking and what we are learning as this crisis continues to force people across the globe to transition to working from home. Jen shares some key takeaways for listeners including a ‘Note on Personal Preparedness’ that only further extends the practicality around the virtual spaces utilized in telework.

For more information, visit

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilsonprofile

https://convergencecoaching.com/author/jennifer-wilson/

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This episode of COVID Talks is a focused spotlight on regulatory responses in the financial sector as it relates to the current pandemic. Alisha and Tashonda hand off the mic to Charles Abraham and Sam Pizzichillo from the Mazars USA Financial Services Group to share some facts for broker-dealers and banks to consider as they navigate through the evolving crisis.

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During episode 5, experts from the Mazars Real Estate practice, Carlos Martins and John Confrey join our co-hosts to lend some of their expertise on the CARES Act and Real Estate. Carlos and John share some insights around the madness of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), along with the impacts of this crisis on the real estate industry and some reactions to the newly available relief options.  As always, we close with a ‘Note on Personal Preparedness,’ and John Confrey shares a lasting thought for listeners.

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During Episode 4, co-hosts have a discussion focused around some of the key lessons learned thus far from the current global pandemic, as well as relative best practices that could be adapted from previous crises. They conclude with some tips for private sector organizations looking to adapt or stay in business by supporting crisis response efforts, and a note on personal preparedness for individuals who are looking to be proactive against the evolving economic impacts of the outbreak.

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During Episode 3, Alisha, Daniella, and Tashonda are joined by Mazars USA Tax Expert, Ryan Vaughan, who is well-versed in the CARES Act. They dive right into some of the questions currently leaving organizations unsettled around this new bill, and Ryan sheds some light in the dark that could help organizations become more proactive, and less reactive. The discussion dispels much of the confusion around all of the content in the CARES Act, and Ryan leaves listeners with three focus areas to help businesses start taking action.

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Episode 2 takes a quick look at the upticks of the weekend and the infamous Stimulus Bill. The conversation continues as co-hosts help listeners understand who the “essential workforce” is, based on guidance from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and what considerations these organizations can take to support their business continuity efforts. The episode closes with some helpful notes on personal preparedness from each co-host.

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During the first episode of Mazars COVID Talks, co-hosts open with a review of some of the industry impacts and trends of the day. A segment on tax and accounting expands on the Family Medical Leave Act, SBA Disaster Loans, and tax filings and extensions, with an urgent message to organizations to seek guidance on how to proceed through the current crisis. Episode 1 closes with a note on family preparedness and best practices for those at high risk or stuck at home.

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