AGENDA

1:00pm - 2:00pm

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Join us for an insightful Sunday afternoon session at the CFMA Great Lakes Regional conference, where subject matter experts from various firms will explore essential aspects of AI in construction financial management. This session is tailored to equip you with actionable strategies to excel in contract reviews, strengthen your cyber security and HR practices, and integrate key operational areas for maximum efficiency.

Contract Reviews
Presented by: Rhonda Huismann, Victor Sturgis & Elliot Wagonheim,First Rule
The First Rule Team shares how their proprietary contract rules, battle-tested negotiation techniques, and tactical communication strategies can have an enormous impact on your company’s bottom line. (90 Minutes)

·  Techniques for Thorough Analysis:Master the art of dissecting complex agreements
·  Risk Mitigation & Opportunities: Learn strategies to protect your company and optimize terms

Cyber Security, Insurance, and HR
Presented by: Hylant, HR Collaborative, and Arctic Wolf
These experts deliver a fast-paced, high-impact discussion (45 minutes):

·  Cyber Security: Protocols and best practices to safeguard your data
·  Insurance: Coverage options and risk management essentials for today’s challenges
·  HR: Policies and compliance strategies tailored to the construction industry

Integration
Presented by: Beverlie Cote & Derek Shinska,Hylant
Featuring insights from multiple speakers, this segment ties it all together (45 minutes):

·  Financial Integration & Reporting: Enhance visibility across your operations
·  Budgeting & Forecasting: Refine your financial planning techniques
·  Project Management Tools: Leverage cutting-edge solutions for coordination
·  Job-site Safety Standards: Embed compliance into daily workflows
·  Technology & Automation: Streamline processes for smarter decision-making

5:00pm - 7:00pm

7:00pm - 9:00pm

7:00am - 8:00am

8:00am - 9:15am

Presentation by: Scott Colbert, Commerce Bank

Scott is the chief economist and director of fixed income management for Commerce Trust. He joined Commerce in 1993 and has investment responsibilities for over $24 billion in fixed income assets. Scott oversees all fixed income strategies for both Commerce Bank and Commerce Trust and directly manages the flagship Commerce Bond Fund and the Commerce Short-Term Government Fund.

Session Overview:
Scott will discuss the outlook and growth forecast for the US economy and the likely impact it will have on the financial markets.

9:25am - 10:40am

Presentation by: Michael Krucker, Plante Moran & Lauren Wegener, Plante Moran

Session Overview:
Historic labor shortages contrasted with a predicted global market value of $16.6 trillion by 2025, now is the time to implement strategies to hire, train, and retain top talent in the construction industry. Providing a more effective total rewards package will help construction firms overcome these challenges and remain competitive in the market, but what does that mean in the current environment? Employees want meaningful benefits packages, effective retirement solutions, and overall workplace wellness. During this session, we will discuss overall trends we are seeing in the industry and alternative approaches to long-term incentive compensation strategies – particularly focusing on programs for current and emerging leaders within your organization.

Learning Objectives:
·  Identify market trends relative to long-term incentive compensation structures
·  Distinguish the various long-term incentive compensation alternatives
·  Discuss considerations in developing (or updating) a long-term incentive compensation approach for current and emerging leaders within your organization
·  Outline the tax and accounting implications of the alternatives presented

9:25am - 10:40am

Presentation by: Dave Brueckman & Alan Burn, Michigan (CAOM)

Session Overview:

CAOM will be summarizing the current experience rating plan (ERP) they maintain as plan administrator of the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Placement Facility. Experience rating for workers’ compensation insurance is mandated for risks meeting the plan’s eligibility requirements. CAOM’s responsibility is to annually update the ERP parameters, periodically assess plan performance and evaluate potential plan changes to enhance the plan’s performance for the residual market. Carrier’s writing in the voluntary market may reference the Facility’s plan but must file their own experience rating plan rules and provide actuarially sound rating plan parameters based on their book of business. Key Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives:
·  Gain a conceptual understanding of how an effective experience rating plan supports equitable pricing among different risks within the same class of business.
·  Obtain a high-level understanding of the current experience rating plan methodology.
·  Learn how CAOM maintains the current MWCPF experience rating plan, assesses its performance over time and evaluates potential methodology changes in the future

10:50am - 12:05pm

Presentation by: Chris Duprey, Granger Construction Company

Session Overview:
Unless you have an unlimited budget to hire a full, highly qualified staff, the reality is that most financial managers have to fill the roles of Strategist, Business Transformation Leader, Mentor, and unfortunately, Senior Staff Accountant.  By implementing certain processes, tools and techniques to address recurring obligations, you can minimize the time you spend as Senior Staff Accountant, so you can focus the proper energy on the other, higher-value added aspects of your role.

Learning Objectives:
·  Identifying recurring reporting and audit obligations, and formulating strategies to address those efficiently
·  Become enough of a “technician” about various financial and tax concepts, to allow you maximize value for your company and grow your own skill
·  Developing a daily and weekly work structure that functions well for you

10:50am - 12:05pm

Presentation by: Justin Stemple, Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP

Session Overview:
Please join us for a discussion on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) with Justin Stemple, Partner at the law firm of Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP.

During this event, we will discuss:
·  An overview of how an ESOP operates and how it can be used as an ownership transition tool and an employee benefit.
·  The circumstances that suggest a business owners should consider an ESOP program.
·  How ESOP transactions are implemented and the associated tax benefits available to the selling shareholders, company, and employees.

12:05pm - 1:00pm

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Session Overview:
Join legendary Coach Mark Dantonio for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to build a legacy of excellence through leadership, accountability, and unwavering culture. Drawing from over a decade at the helm of Michigan State Football, Coach Dantonio will reflect on the principles that drove his teams to championship success and how those same principles apply beyond the locker room—in business, education, and life. With stories of grit, loyalty, and adaptation through high-stakes pressure, this session is designed to challenge and motivate leaders at every level.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explore the Core of Inspirational Leadership: Understand how to lead with authenticity, vision, and values in a way that earns trust, inspires loyalty, and motivates peak performance.
2. Learn How to Build and Sustain High-Performing Teams: Gain insights into cultivating a strong team culture through accountability, mutual respect, and a shared mission—whether in sports, business, or community.
3. Discover Strategies to Lead Through Adversity and Change: Hear how Coach Dantonio navigated setbacks, maintained composure under pressure, and guided his team through moments of challenge and transformation.

2:10pm - 3:10pm

Presentation by: Tim Walsh, Oswald & William Powell, Donley Companies

Session Overview:
· Wrap-Up Insurance Overview (OCIP/CCIP)
· Wrap-Up Terms
· Wrap-Up Documents
· Bid Credit Methodologies
· Things to Look Out for

2:10pm - 3:10pm

Presentation: Alex Miller, FMI

Session Overview:
This session will provide an in-depth exploration of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the construction industry. Participants will gain insights into the strategic initiatives undertaken by businesses to accelerate growth, prepare for transactions, enter new markets, and mitigate risk. The session will also cover the impact of M&A on organizational dimensions such as culture and knowledge management strategies.

Learning Objectives:
·  Understand the Strategic Importance of M&A: Identify the key reasons why construction companies pursue mergers and acquisitions, including growth acceleration, market expansion, and risk mitigation.
·  Navigate the Acquisition Process: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in the M&A process, from initial valuation to post-acquisition integration. Learn about the critical factors that influence the success of M&A deals in the construction industry.
·  Analyze Industry Trends: Evaluate the current and future outlook of the construction industry both regionally and nationally. Understand the factors driving growth and the challenges faced by construction firms, including labor shortages and material price fluctuations.
·  Apply Best Practices: Learn from case studies and expert insights on how to effectively manage transactions. Develop strategies for seamless integration and maximizing the benefits of M&A.

3:20pm - 4:20pm

Presentation by: Hilger Hammond

Session Overview:
The things that keep us up at night - these seasoned attorneys see the fallout from the poorly constructed contracts to poorly constructed buildings. Close your Monday with these Stories from the Front Lines.

4:20pm – 4:30pm