As it has for many years, BGS was a sponsor of the Minnesota Trucking Association’s annual conference, held this year at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. The conference is a great opportunity to connect with trucking companies and transportation officials in a relaxed and fun setting. Included in conference activities were golf and other social events, as well as educational sessions on business topics important to the industry. BGS sponsored the keynote speaker, David Horsager. David is CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute and inventor of The Enterprise Trust Index™, director of the annual study – The Trust Outlook™, and the bestselling author of The Trust Edge. He provided a dynamic and engaging presentation on the critical nature of trust in all business relationships. BGS’ own attorney Erik Ordahl had the opportunity to introduce this amazing keynote speaker. BGS Attorneys Jim Wills (a former long term MTA board member) and Carole Clark Isakson (a current board member of the MTA Foundation) introduced associate BGS attorney Erik Ordahl and BGS paralegal Rachel Schwankl to all things trucking, including the truck expo sponsored by Blaine Brothers. While most industries can field an interesting conference, we’re pretty sure that only a trucking conference features a parking lot exhibit of huge new trucks! If you can manage the…
Read MoreThe short answer is that it depends. But there are many cases where, with hindsight, we can say that it would have been beneficial to try early mediation. There are some cases where we tried early mediation and they settled before the parties spent a lot of money and time. These are usually the happiest litigants. In my 35 years as a lawyer and advocate for litigants, in many different types of civil litigation cases, and my years as a mediator and an arbitrator, I can tell you that there are many cases that would, and many that did, do well in early mediation. There are also many more cases, especially in the last years, that should have tried early mediation and settled. Litigation should be a last resort for dispute resolution. It costs too much, and it takes too long. Good lawyers, who have a thorough understanding of the law and experience in the litigation process, and who are representing reasonable clients, should be able to negotiate a settlement with the help of a skilled mediator. More and more the parties wish, as they slog through the litigation process, that they would have settled earlier in the process, instead of spending the money and time it takes to litigate. 96% of all…
Read MoreBoating is one of most popular summer activities for Minnesotans, making it crucial that everyone on the water takes the necessary safety precautions. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), there were 18 boating deaths, 69 non-fatal boating accidents, and 53 non-boating drownings reported throughout the state in 2021. Being cautious and attentive helps keep everyone safe and having fun. However, the fact remains that there’s no guarantee. Continue reading to learn more about boating safety and what you should do if you have an accident. Boating safety tips and regulations First things first, we want to outline precautions everyone should take when boating. These tips will help keep you, your passengers, and those in other boats safe. Wear a life jacket Stay sober and never illegally operate a boat under the influence* Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back Be aware of current and upcoming weather Avoid distractions and always stay alert of your surroundings Remain seated whenever the boat is being driven Drive the boat responsibly Have the proper equipment on your boat Have a boating license if required Don’t allow more than the maximum people on your boat Additionally, you may want to consider a boating safety course. This will give you…
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