The Buzz Book Magazine

10 hours ago

5 Practical HR Essentials for Every Small or Privately Held Business Owner
By Amy Luck and Sarah Gardner, @RCO Law

As we celebrate 250 years as a nation, it is important to acknowledge the many small, family-owned, and privately held businesses that have shaped our history.

Our professionals have been advising clients, including small and family-owned businesses, for more than 150 years. We’ve guided clients through audits, disputes, arbitrations, lawsuits, and many other challenges. Most operational risk doesn’t come from bad intentions, but from inadvertently missing the basics.

We know how hard local businesses work. For many organizations, that means individuals serve in multiple functions, so we’re sharing our best tips to help deliver the greatest protection and operational return for growing organizations.

RCO Law’s Top 5 Proactive HR Tips
1. Use written offer letters for every hire
Document compensation, title, classification, and at-will status before day one. This single step helps prevent "promised salary" disputes and sets enforceable expectations. Have counsel review a template to get started, with periodic reviews thereafter.

2. Maintain an updated employee handbook
A handbook sets the rules of the employment game and provides employees with reasonable expectations. It doesn’t need to be lengthy, and it can help set conduct standards, outline complaint procedures, and document harassment and leave policies. Review it annually; state laws and regulations, and internal practices, change faster than most owners realize.

3. Classify workers correctly
Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is one of the more costly mistakes in small business HR. The IRS and Department of Labor apply an economic reality test — if you control the work, they're likely employees. The tax liability and penalties can be severe.

4. Document performance issues in real time
Verbal corrections are invisible in litigation. Write brief, dated notes after every coaching conversation and ask the employee to acknowledge your conversation by signing. If termination becomes necessary, documentation can be the difference between a defensible decision and a costly wrongful-termination claim.

5. Audit your wage, hour, and leave practices
Overtime miscalculations, off-the-clock work, and FMLA and ADA accommodation
missteps are among the most common claims against small employers. Conduct a
simple internal audit of pay practices and federal and state-mandated leave obligations annually, ideally with counsel. Prevention is a fraction of the cost of litigation.

Although this is not a complete list and we know each case presents its own unique
challenges, these can serve as a general guideline. If you have questions on a specific situation, we’re always here to help! ... See MoreSee Less

The Buzz Book Magazine

1 day ago

Grounded in Style: The New Era of Flooring Design
Floor Coverings International Greater Toledo

Flooring has quietly become one of the most influential elements in modern interior design. Once considered purely functional, today’s floors set the tone for an entire space—anchoring aesthetics, enhancing comfort, and even boosting property value. As homeowners and designers alike look to balance beauty with durability, the flooring industry is experiencing a renaissance of innovation and style.

Hardwood remains a timeless favorite, but it’s evolving. Wider planks, matte finishes, and lighter tones—like white oak and natural ash—are dominating current trends, offering a clean, contemporary feel. Engineered wood, in particular, has surged in popularity thanks to its ability to withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for areas previously off limits to traditional hardwood.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile (LVT) are also redefining expectations. With remarkably realistic textures and patterns, these materials mimic wood and stone at a fraction of the cost. More importantly, they deliver exceptional durability and water resistance, making them ideal for busy households, kitchens, and bathrooms. For those seeking practicality without sacrificing style, vinyl has become a go-to solution.

Sustainability is another major driver shaping flooring choices. Eco-conscious consumers are turning to materials like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood. These options not only reduce environmental impact but also introduce unique textures and warmth into a space. Manufacturers are also responding with low-VOC finishes and recyclable materials, aligning design with responsibility.

Carpet, too, is making a comeback—but with a modern twist. Plush neutrals, geometric patterns, and performance fibers are transforming carpet into a stylish and resilient option, particularly in bedrooms and cozy living areas. Meanwhile, area rugs are being used more strategically to layer textures and define open-concept spaces.

Ultimately, today’s flooring is about more than what lies beneath your feet— it’s about creating a foundation for how a space looks, feels, and functions. Whether sleek and minimalist or rich and rustic, the right flooring choice can elevate a home from the ground up. ... See MoreSee Less

The Buzz Book Magazine

1 week ago

Check out All About You Aesthetics and Wellness at their new location!
128 S Prospect St. in BGThe wait is over. We are officially booking at our new location starting June 1.

Whether you have been a client for years or have been thinking about booking for the first time, now is the perfect time to come experience All About You in our new home.

Book your appointment now at allaboutyouaw.com ... See MoreSee Less