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Chester named Chair of EDCC’s “Entrepreneur & Innovation Committee”

By Blog, Community, Innovation, News

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce (EDCC) has formed a new  Entrepreneur and Innovation Committee (E&I).

The new committee was recently created to reach a broader audience within the East Dallas community and meet the growing networking and information-sharing needs of the community’s entrepreneurs in the IT/technical and creative industries.

Chamber member Jim Chester, a Lakewood area attorney and founder of Chester & Jeter LLP, was named the founding chairman of the new E&I Committee.

“I was thrilled when Jim came to me with his ideas,” said Chamber Chair Darlene Ellison. “His vision includes tapping into the growing population of entrepreneurs in the Greater East Dallas community who are in the technology and creative industries, and providing networking to increase  business opportunity synergies amongst the members. JimJFC pic 2013 is the perfect Chamber member to lead the charge.”

The Entrepreneur and Innovation (E&I) Committee was formed to announce to the local and regional business community that East Dallas is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship by spotlighting area start-ups and emerging companies, as well as innovation-based companies and resources.  By “Innovation”, the Committee intends to encompass two distinct yet interrelated areas: technical (IT, ecommerce, computers, software, etc.) as well as creative (PR, advertising, graphic design, web design, photographers, fashion, writers, etc.) innovators.

Of the new E&I Committee, Chester states:  “I am excited to be a part of this initiative of the Chamber.  There are already a number of entrepreneurs and innovative companies located in (or with ties to) East Dallas, so one of our primary roles will be to provide opportunities and places for these folks to gather, network, share ideas, and get assistance, resources and support.  Once folks see what the Chamber has to offer entrepreneurs and innovators like themselves, I expect that many will not only want to join the Chamber, but will get involved in the E&I Committee and its projects, as well as other Chamber activities – bringing new ideas and energy along with them.”

“As an additional benefit,” adds Chester, “we hope that, by showcasing East Dallas as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, we will encourage more companies to start or relocate their operations to the area.

“As the E&I Committee grows and evolves, we expect to implement a number of  initiatives over the next few years,” Chester declared.  “But our present focus is to start with a couple of core projects, build some momentum, and then go from there.”

The E&I Committee is off to a fast start:  it has already launched a mentor program in coordination with the Chamber’s Young Professionals group to match emerging innovators and entrepreneurs with more experienced business professionals.

In addition, the E&I Committee is currently promoting its inaugural “E&I”-centric happy hour networking event on May 28th at Times 10 Cellars.  Also in May, the E&I Committee is providing the an entrepreneur-oriented speaker and topic for the EDCC’s Brown Bag Lunch Series at C.C. Young on May 16th.  Similar additional events are planned later in 2014.

Some proposed projects include The Entrepreneur And Start-Up Training Development Sessions  (or “E.A.S.T.”) which will provide training for start-up businesses to go from “idea to enterprise” to include entity formation, tax issues, banking/accounting etc. A second, more advanced level of training would help people manage growth and handle “next stage” development issues such as office space, employees, branding, IT, etc.

Future plans include more ambitious projects such as partnerships with area schools in the promotion of the entrepreneurship and innovative careers, annual EDCC awards for area innovators and entrepreneurs, and even the establishment of an East Dallas innovation-oriented business incubator.

 

About the EDCC.  The Greater East Dallas Chamber works to promote the civic, cultural, business and educational interests in the East Dallas area. For more information www.eastdallaschamber.com.

About Chester & Jeter LLP.  Chester & Jeter LLP is a Dallas, Texas law firm providing comprehensive legal services to innovation-based companies doing business in the US, around the world, and on the web.  Its mission (and passion) is helping entrepreneurs and emerging companies solve problems and protect their interests. Chester & Jeter LLP delivers value by providing business-savvy, cost-effective solutions to legal challenges.  The firm offers a wide array of business legal solutions, such as business entity formation (LLCs, corporations, etc.), trademarks and other intellectual property, technology transactions, contracts, ecommerce, employment law and dispute resolution.  Additional information about the firm and its attorneys may be found at www.chester-law.com

 

THE BOX: Corrective Action, not Employee Discipline

By Blog, Community, Employment, Grab Bag

Post by: Michael Melder

 

So the conversation started like this:

Business Owner: “I have two employees who don’t seem to be doing their jobs like I want them to.”  He provides me with specific examples.

I am sure you can think of at least one employee in your organization that isn’t living up to expectation.

After listening to him, I provided my philosophy about corrective action.  I call it “The Box.”

Employers hire employees to do a certain job; the employer’s defined position and duties are The Box.

An employee takes a job and a position and he has his own expectations of what the job requires and the duties necessary to perform the position.

This is the start of an expectation disconnect; the employee begins to move outside The Box.   As the employer and employee settle into the relationship, the employee will begin to define the job and position he thought the employer wanted him to do.  More importantly, the employee will begin to define the roll he wants to do.  Of course not all employees do this and sometimes the changes are welcome and positive.

However, clearly the business owner I was having the conversation with wasn’t happy with the performance of his employees.

He had allowed his employees to move outside of The Box.  He expected his employees to do “X” and they were doing “Y”.

I suggested he nudge the employees back in to The Box.  Meaning, communicate with the employee in a positive and constructive manner what the employer’s expectations are for the position and the expected duties.

Notice I said “in a positive and constructive manner.”  Correct the behavior.  Define your expectations.  This is corrective action or what most employers call “Progressive Discipline” in their handbooks.

I’ll admit that at some point correcting an employee who fails to fall in line will require traditional discipline.  However, if expectations are communicated effectively, such discipline isn’t a surprise to the employee.

Surprise is what you want to avoid.  An employee who feels ambushed by an employer will look to third parties for help.  I get those calls all the time from jilted ex-employees trying to figure out the “Why.”

Sometimes it is a good thing to think inside The Box. Nudge an employee back – don’t push.

FMLA: Intermittent Leave & The Party Animal

By Blog, Community, Employment

 

FMLA: Intermittent Leave & The Party Animal

Regulating Intermittent FMLA Leave: May an Employer Request a Doctor’s Note for Each Intermittent FMLA Absence?

Post by:   Michael Melder

[The above subtitle came from an article I recently read.  If you would like to read it, click here.]

 

If you don’t want to read it here is a short summary: the employer in the article got tired of employees using intermittent FMLA to extend their weekends.  A few employees were taking FMLA leave on Mondays and Fridays.  The employer believed the employees were abusing their leave. Really, employees would do that!

For you employers who haven’t experienced this yet, employees may take family medical leave is small chunks. For employers having to administer FMLA, abuse of intermittent leave can cause many headaches. One common problem is trying to stop an employee who is intentionally using family medical leave to take three day weekends. This employer was just trying to stop the practice of some employees using intermittent leave to do just that, take extended weekends.

I highlight the article because it spotlights an important issue, how does an employer deal with an employee abusing family medical leave?   The employer in the article resorted to requiring the employee to get a doctor’s note for each leave request. If you are considering that option don’t; it might lead you to the courthouse steps.

So what is an employer to do?

Before I answer the question, let me digress and quote some law, “The employee and employer shall attempt to work out a schedule for such leave that meets the employee’s needs without unduly disrupting the employer’s operations, subject to the approval of the health care provider.”

The quote should be empowering!  The FMLA actually requires the employee to work with the employer to work out a schedule that doesn’t disrupt the employer’s operations. If an employer suspects abuse, such as an employee who seems to take too many Mondays and Fridays off under the guise of FMLA, take control.

How?  Low hanging fruit, but consider these:

  1. Require the employee to provide dates when leave is to be expected, if possible.
  2. Push back when leave does disrupt operations.
  3. Provide alternate days or times that fit with operations.
  4. If you consider abuse, address it.

What would that look like?  Well, circling back to the article.  If an employee is taking too many Mondays and Fridays off, have the employee reschedule that leave to a Monday afternoon or a Friday Morning or a Tuesday or Thursday.

The employer has every right to require the employee to take leave that works with the employer’s schedule. It is a collaborative process.  Like any legal issue it isn’t black and white, but if you suspect abuse, exercise your right to require the employee to work out a schedule that doesn’t disrupt operations.

 

Chester Named to “Texas Super Lawyers” List

By Blog, Community, Grab Bag, News, Portfolio, Testimonial

J. F. (Jim) Chester, founding principal in the Dallas-based business & innovation law firm of CHESTER pllc, was recently selected for inclusion on the 2013 Texas Super Lawyers® list. Chester will be listed in the intellectual property practice section, although his practice also covers a broad range of business, technology and international transactional matters.

Texas Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding Texas lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual Texas Super Lawyers® selections are based on a rigorous, multiphase process, including peer nominations and review, and independent research. No more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected to be a part of this list.

This is the first time Chester has been named to the Texas Super Lawyers® list, although he has been listed several times in “Rising Stars Under 40,” by the same issuing group.  Chester has also earned an “AV® Preeminent” Peer Review Rating by Martindale Hubbell®, a separate yet equally-prestigious honor.

Chester stated, “There are a number of lists and awards out there, but this is one of the big ones because it is based on recommendations from colleagues in the legal community, including those who were previously named Super Lawyers.  To be recognized by such an esteemed group of legal professionals is truly an honor.”

 

About CHESTER pllc
CHESTER pllc is a Dallas, Texas law firm providing comprehensive legal services to innovation-based companies doing business in the US, around the world, and on the web.  Its mission (and passion) is helping entrepreneurs and emerging companies solve problems and protect their interests. CHESTER pllc delivers value by providing business-savvy, cost-effective solutions to legal challenges.  The firm offers a wide array of core legal solutions to entrepreneurial enterprises, such as business entity formation (LLCs, corporations, etc.), trademarks and other intellectual property, technology transactions, domestic and international contracts, and ecommerce matters.  Additional information about the firm and its attorneys may be found at www.chester-law.com

Jim Chester Speaks at DISD’s Career Day Event

By Blog, Community, Innovation, Intellectual Property, International Business, News

Jim Chester explains "intellectual property" to first graders using a "Star Wars" branded notepad as an example

J. F. (Jim) Chester,  founding partner in the Dallas-based business and intellectual property law firm of CHESTER pllc, recently spoke to students at Lakewood Elementary School as part of in Dallas Independent School District’s (DISD) career day event.

 Chester, whose law practice involves commercial IP, technology transactions and international business/trade matters, also teaches courses on International Trade Law and International Business Transactions at Baylor University Law School.   Chester spoke to a class of first graders and fifth graders about his practice, educational background and experience.

 At CHESTER pllc, we believe in the power of innovation and creative thinking,” notes Chester.  “We strive to help our clients, our team members, and our community innovate. Participating in community service events such as DISD career day is a vital part of our firm’s mission.”

About CHESTER pllc

CHESTER pllc is a Dallas, Texas law firm providing comprehensive legal services to innovation-based companies doing business in the US, around the world, and on the web.  Its mission (and passion) is helping entrepreneurs and emerging companies solve problems and protect their interests. CHESTER pllc delivers value by providing business-savvy, cost-effective solutions to legal challenges.  The firm offers a wide array of business legal solutions, such as business entity formation (LLCs, corporations, etc.), trademarks and other intellectual property, technology transactions, domestic and international contracts, and e-commerce matters.  Additional information about the firm and its attorneys may be found at www.chester-law.com.