Firm attorney, Andy Hall, is a contributing writer to the Franchise Times SuperBook of Franchise Opportunities.  Here is a link to Andy's article, "What Makes a Good Franchise Attorney."

The Franchise Times SuperBook of Franchise Opportunities is a new web site designed to educate and provide a franchise directory for the franchise entrepreneur. Firm Shareholder, Randy Evans, is a featured writer on the web site and here is a link to his latest article, “The Top 10 Financial Mistakes Franchisees Make”.

Krass Monroe welcomes attorney Rachel A. Brygger.  Rachel is a new associate in our Corporate Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Real Estate practice groups.  

Ben Court, an attorney in our Litigation Practice Group, has been named to the Advisory Board for Hospitality Law.  Published by LRP Publications, Hospitality Law details and analyzes significant cases in the hospitality industry.  Ben is also a contributing writer to the publication and here is a link to his November 2009 article.   (Reprinted with permission from Hospitality Law.  Copyright 2009 by LRP Publications.  Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33418.  All rights reserved.  For details on this or other related products, visit www.shoplrp.com or call toll free 1-800-341-7874.)

For the 20th consecutive year, Krass Monroe was a sponsor of the Restaurant Finance and Development Conference, November 9 – 11, at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Randy Evans and Dennis Monroe participated in the presentation “Financing in the Cracks: Alternative Ideas for Raising Growth Capital.”  Dennis also moderated a panel discussion at the annual Restaurant Success Breakfast, “Turning Concepts Into Cash: How Do You Keep the Creative Juices Going?,” where successful restaurant concept owners shared their company stories and highlighted the strategies that have contributed to their success.  Additionally representing the firm at the conference were John Berg, Scott Husaby, Tom MacIntosh, Shanna Strowbridge, Ryan Palmer and Jim Wahl.  

Randy Evans was a presenter at the International Franchise Association wednesdaywise Webinar on November 4th from 1-2 pm Central Time.  The webinar topic was "Franchise Financing: Opportunities for 2010."  Also participating on the panel was Scott Pressly, Managing Partner, Van Ness Capital Advisors.   Available to IFA members, you can listen to a podcast available for downloading at www.franchise.org.

Dennis Monroe spoke at El Pollo Loco's 2009 national Leadership Conference in Indian Wells, CA on October 27, 2009.  The theme of the conference was Mission Possible: Time for Opportunity and Dennis will be speaking on "Current Trends and Opportunities for Franchise Financing."

Jim Wahl, attorney in the Franchise Practice Group, is a featured writer in the Fall 2009 issue of Exploring TOSCA.  Published quarterly, Exploring TOSCA is the Twin Cities only arts by category magazine, and it provides the most comprehensive listing of arts events that take place in the metro and surrounding areas.   Jim’s article is “See Further When Facing New Business Legal Matters.”

Jim Wahl and Ryan Palmer, attorneys in the Franchise Practice Group, attended the ABA Forum on Franchising.  The conference was held October 14-16 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Organized by the American Bar Association, the goal of the forum is to provide high quality educational programs on the legal aspects of franchising.

Krass Monroe participated as a corporate sponsor of the Celebration! 09 Burger King® franchisee conference.  The conference was September 30 – October 4, 2009 and provided an opportunity for Burger King franchisees from the Great Lakes, Tri-States, Midwest, New England and Hispanic Franchise associations to get together and discuss important issues affecting their businesses.  John Berg represented the firm at the conference in Palos Verdes, CA.

Firm attorneys, John Berg and Ryan Palmer, co-wrote an article for Franchising World magazine.  Published by the International Franchise Association, the article is featured in the September 2009 issue and is titled "Troubled Franchisees: Franchisor to the Rescue?"

Dennis Monroe gave a presentation on "Financing in the Cracks" on Tuesday, September 15th at Sysco's "Restaurant Solutions for Today's Market."  The presentation was from 2:00 - 3:00 pm and the meeting was held at 317 on Rice Park in St. Paul, MN.  Sysco is the largest marketer and distributor of food service products in North America, with a distribution network that extends throughout the United States and Canada.

Randy Evans and Dennis Monroe, firm shareholders, gave a presentation on franchise financing at the recent Denny’s National Town Hall Meeting in Las Vegas, NV on September 23, 2009.  Randy and Dennis discussed the current state of the financing market and moderated a panel comprised of lenders to the Denny’s franchise community. 

Krass Monroe introduces our Strategic Business Counsel Program.  This new program offers outsourced general counsel services with the predictability of fixed costs for small and mid-sized businesses.   For more information on the program please check out our Strategic Business Counsel web page describing the program and services.  Click here to read the press release.

Dennis Monroe was a presenter at the SS&G Financial Services Restaurant CFO Bootcamp held September 24-25, 2009 at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas, NV.  He presented on "Tips for Turbulent Times,” and he also participated in a panel discussion on “Best Ideas for Today.”  The Bootcamp provides training for financial executives in the restaurant industry.  

Congratulations to John Berg, Jim Casserly, Rod Krass, Tom MacIntosh, and  Dennis Monroe who have been selected as Minnesota Super Lawyers for 2009.  Super Lawyers is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of attorneys in more than 70 practice areas.  Only five percent of the lawyers in the state are named as Super Lawyers.  Key Professional Media, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn has recognized our attorneys and published the Super Lawyers listing in three publications:  Twin Cities Business Monthly, Minnesota Law & Politics and Mpls/St. Paul. 

Each year, Law & Politics undertakes a rigorous multi-phase selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by Law & Politic's attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check.

We are proud of our 2009 Super Lawyers and believe this honor is a reflection of the firm's commitment to excellence and client service.

Dennis Monroe was a featured speaker at the Franchise Business Network event on August 5, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington, MN.  He participated on a panel discussing “Franchise Financing 2009 – Options, Availability, Terms and Pricing.”  

Congratulations to Tom MacIntosh and Dennis Monroe who were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2009 in the area of franchise law (Copyright 2008 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) and featured in the June 2009 issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine. 

Congratulations to John Berg, Randy Evans, Andy Hall, Scott Husaby, Tom MacIntosh, Dennis Monroe and Jim Wahl.  Named 2009 "Legal Eagles" by their colleagues and peers in the franchise community, they are recognized in the May 2009 issue of Franchise Times magazine.

Krass Monroe is pleased to announce the naming of two new partners:  Justin D. Johnson and Shanna L. Strowbridge.  Click here for press release.

Krass Monroe was represented at the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium by John Berg, Tom MacIntosh, Ryan Palmer and Jim Wahl. Held May 17-19, 2009 in Washington, DC, the symposium program focused on exploring solutions to pressing legal and business issues facing the franchise community.  John Berg spoke on "Saving the Franchise Relationship Before Financial Failure - Workouts and Restructuring the Franchise Relationship."   Jim Wahl spoke on "Frequently Arising Issues in Litigation - Analysis of Goals and Objectives of Litigation" and Ryan Palmer lead a round table discussion on "Financing Your Franchisees in the Current Credit Environment:  Legal Issues."

Randy Evans and Dennis Monroe were featured speakers at the Franchise Finance and Development Conference, May 4-6, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV.  The purpose of the conference is to provide resources to help attendees navigate through the economic and financial challenges facing franchise companies in today's current marketplace.  Randy lead a panel of franchisors discussing "Successful Franchise Finance Programs and Other Keys to Success."  Dennis presented on "Franchise Financing 2009:  Options, Availability, Terms and Pricing."  Tom MacIntosh also represented the firm at the conference. 

Krass Monroe was a sponsor and three of our attorneys attended the annual Restaurant Leadership Conference held in Scottsdale, AZ on April 20-22, 2009.  The focused sessions were designed to educate key restaurant operators, vendors and suppliers.   Those attending were John Berg, Randy Evans and Dennis Monroe.  John Berg and Dennis Monroe were also featured speakers at a morning breakfast discussing “Tax Strategies for Tough Times.”

John Berg, firm shareholder and member of the firm's Corporate Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions practice group gave a presentation on March 24, 2009 to the Minneapolis Chapter of the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors on "Current Legal Issues in Investment Banking and M&A."

Dennis Monroe, Chairman of Krass Monroe, has added a new role to his responsibilities.  In addition to being the firm Chair, Dennis is now the CEO and General Counsel for Parasole Restaurant Holdings.  Click here to review the press release.

Krass Monroe attorneys spoke at the 2009 Buffalo Wild Wings Convention.  The national convention was held March 2-5, 2009 in Orlando, FL.  Firm shareholders, Scott Husaby and Justin Johnson, spoke to the franchisees on Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation issues.   Dennis Monroe, firm Chairman, and John Hamburger of Franchise Times Corporation, addressed the current state of the franchise finance market. 

Congratulations to Scott Husaby.  A firm shareholder and member of the firm Wealth Preservation practice group, Scott has been named a FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager for 2009 by MplsSt.Paul and Twin Cities Business Monthly magazines.  More than 34,000 consumers and 4,200 financial service professionals were asked to evaluate wealth managers in the Twin Cities area and Scott was named to the final list.

Krass Monroe announces our acceptance in the International Society of Primerus Law Firms.  Primerus is a highly selective alliance of small to medium-size, independent law firms that are vetted and accredited for membership based on their commitment to rigorous standards based on the following six principles:  integrity, excellence of work product, reasonable fee structure, professional education, civility, and community service.  To learn more about Primerus, please visit www.Primerus.com.

Congratulations to our "Rising Stars."  Five Krass Monroe attorneys have been selected by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine as Minnesota Rising Stars.   The selection process involves a survey of all Minnesota Super Lawyers and independent research to identify outstanding, up-and-coming attorneys who have demonstrated superior professional potential.   Our 2009 Minnesota Rising Stars are Ben Court, Andy Hall, Justin Johnson, and Ryan Palmer.

For the 19th consecutive year, attorneys at Krass Monroe were presenters at the Restaurant Finance and Development Conference, November 9 – 11, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Dennis Monroe participated in the presentation “Restaurant Finance 101 for the Non-Financial Conference Participant” and was the panel moderator for the annual Success Breakfast where successful industry operators shared their stories and highlighted the strategies that have contributed to their success.  Jim Wahl and Ryan Palmer gave a presentation on how to “Optimize the Value of Your Trademarks and Fuel Growth Domestically and Internationally.”  Dennis Monroe closed the conference appearing on a panel providing “Tips for Raising Capital for Small and Medium Size Restaurant Chains.”  Additionally representing the firm at the conference were John Berg, Randy Evans andScott Husaby. Krass Monroe was also a conference event sponsor.  

Krass Monroe participated as a corporate sponsor at the Celebration!! 08 Burger King® franchisee conference.  Occurring on October 26-30, 2008, the conference provided an opportunity for Burger King franchisees from the Great Lakes, Tri-States, Midwest, New England and Hispanic Franchise associations to get together and discuss important issues affecting their businesses.  John Berg and Randy Evans represented the firm at the conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Krass Monroe is pleased to welcome Rachel Myers to the firm.  Rachel is a member of the firm's Litigation Practice Group.

Congratulations to Mark Moxness for being named one of the "Top 40 Attorneys in Estate Planning, Probate and Elder Law."  The list is based on the Minnesota Law & Politics Super Lawyer Survey® results.  Mark is a shareholder and member of the Wealth Preservation, Business Law, and Taxation practice groups.  Mark's profile is featured in the October/November 2008 issue of Minnesota Law & Politics magazine.

Congratulations to John Berg, Jim Casserly, Rod Krass, Tom MacIntosh, Dennis Monroe and Mark Moxness who have been selected as Minnesota Super Lawyers for 2008.   MSP Communications has recognized our attorneys and published the Super Lawyers listing in three publications:  Twin Cities Business Monthly, Minnesota Law & Politics and Mpls/St. Paul.  This honor is a reflection of the firm's commitment to excellence and client service.

Congratulations to Jim Wahl who is listed in "Who's Who in Intellectual Property" in the June/July issue of Minnesota Law & Politics magazine.  Jim is Co-Chair of the firm's Franchise, Distribution and Intellectual Property practice group.

Dennis Monroe was a presenter at the 2008 AICPA National Restaurants Conference.  The conference was held at Caesars Palace on June 8-10, 2008.  He presented on "Legal Issues in the Restaurant Industry" on Sunday, June 8th and was a panel member on Monday, June 9th for "Deal or No Deal - A Private Finance Discussion". His final presentation, "Different Issues to Consider When Representing Franchisors Versus Franchisees", was on Tuesday, June 10th,

Congratulations to Tom MacIntosh who was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2008 (Copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) and featured in the June 2008 issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine. 

Congratulations to John Berg, Randy Evans, Andy Hall, Scott Husaby, Tom MacIntosh, Dennis Monroe and Jim Wahl.  Named 2008 "Legal Eagles" by their colleagues and peers in the franchise community, they are recognized in the April 2008 issue of Franchise Times magazine.

Congratulations to Scott Husaby.  A firm shareholder and member of the firm Wealth Preservation practice group, Scott has been named a FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager for 2008 by MplsSt.Paul and Twin Cities Business Monthly magazines.  More than 46,000 consumers and 5,000 financial service professionals were asked to evaluate wealth managers in the Twin Cities area and Scott was named to the final list.

Congratulations to John Berg, Jim Casserly, Rod Krass, Tom MacIntosh and Dennis Monroe who have been selected as Minnesota Super Lawyers for 2007.   Rod Krass was named as one of the Top 40 Employment Litigation Attorneys.  MSP communications has recognized our attorneys and published the Super Lawyers listing in three publications:  Twin Cities Business Monthly, Minnesota Law & Politics and Mpls/St. Paul.  This honor is a reflection of the firm's commitment to excellence and client service.

Super Lawyer ballots are sent to more than 18,000 people and 11,000 ballots were counted.  A 150-member blue ribbon panel reviews the list and then a selection committee makes the final cuts. 

Congratulations to Tom MacIntosh who was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2007 (Copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) and featured in the June 2007 issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine.  Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States.