January / February

When a workers compensation claim goes to litigation, expenses rise dramatically — a burden that is often shouldered by the business. To mitigate attorney-related costs, organizations should re-think their approach to engaging injured workers and use artificial intelligence to enhance outcomes.

Modern businesses thrive on efficient, accurate access to their operational data. One path your organization may explore is increasing automation with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. There are many ERP providers available, and with such a substantial investment you want to be sure your time and money is well spent. Associated Bank is partnering with Matt LaSuer of Crowe LLP to address the critical question of how to choose the best ERP for your organization. The first webinar on Tuesday, 2/19, from 11AM - 12 PM begins a three-part series that will guide you through successfully implementing an ERP system.

In his 2025 market outlook, BMO Capital Markets’ Chief Investment Strategist Brian Belski explains why U.S. equities will provide more balanced returns than the previous two years, and why a return to historical norms is a positive development.

Shining a light on a big fiduciary risk for plan sponsors: plan forfeitures. Joe Topp, Senior VP if Investment Consulting, details recent legislation and litigation and provides plan sponsors with tips on prudently handling these plan assets. Article published in WICPA's magazine, On Balance. 

The “people, process, technology” framework has been around for more than a half-century. But its value as a tool to help company leaders, including chief financial officers (CFOs), drive organizational effectiveness and efficiency has perhaps never been more valuable than in today’s complex, dynamic and uncertain business environment.

That’s especially true when two powerful and closely linked elements are included in the traditional lineup: data and AI.

The incoming U.S. Presidential administration is loudly signaling that businesses should expect changes in trade policies in 2025. Although no specific policies have yet been promulgated, the President-Elect has stated in social media outlets that broadly sweeping import tariffs may be imposed on goods from Mexico, Canada and China. Even without policy details, there are key steps many U.S. businesses should consider in advance of any specific changes.