Technology’s rapid evolution is changing every aspect of business operations — including legal compliance. A failure to “get ahead of it” may negatively impact a company’s productivity and market share, and may create short-term and long-term legal issues that can be avoided with proper planning and organization.
This evolution is “shrinking” our world. For example, customers and clients are no longer limited to our great state. Our ability to digitally and electronically connect with others in neighboring states or far-off lands means that we must be aware and comply with the laws of other states, countries and continents that were previously irrelevant or immaterial to most Arizona businesses. From the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation to California’s soon to be effective California Consumer Privacy Act, Arizona businesses need to understand and comply with a growing number of laws designed to manage and control seemingly unending technological advancements.
This month’s cover story delves into several universal areas of concern to businesses. Attorney contributors lay out “what business decision makers need to know” in the areas of intellectual property, privacy and data security, employment law, global trade, and finance.
The regular Legal feature focuses its in-depth treatment this month on the distinction between employees and independent contractors. The classification of workers is coming under increasing scrutiny. Because many Arizona businesses are not employing the proper criteria to their classification, this in-depth article provides concrete ideas on properly distinguishing between two classes or workers that sometimes become confusingly similar.
Other timely topics include attracting talent in an era of historically low unemployment, appropriate Instagram branding, and the value of mental well-being in the workplace. In “It’s Risky Out There without Digital Policies,” Kristina Podnar discusses why digital policies are the ticket to the tech revolution. And this month’s From the Top profile spotlights an office in the public sector that impacts commerce between Arizona and one of its bigger trading partners — the Honorary Consul of France.
In Business Magazine also presents its annually updated, comprehensive Business Owners’ Legal Services Guide, compiled to help business owners find the best legal expertise for specific needs.
It is my pleasure to have worked with In Business Magazine to help bring you this June edition. I hope you will find it a rewarding read.
Sincerely,
Joshua Becker
Shareholder
Gallagher & Kennedy
With years of experience in franchise, franchise mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property law, Josh Becker assists companies of all sizes with franchise regulatory matters, mergers and acquisitions, technology licensing and sales, and general corporate representation. His clients include established and young franchisors, technology companies, licensors, licensees and private equity firms. He serves as the de facto General Counsel for many of his clients.
