What’s on Our Minds

Over the holidays, Klenda Austerman’s attorneys and staff contributed to the Salvation Army’s effort to supply holiday gifts to young children. The firm collaboratively collected toys, including board games, stuffed animals, clothes, wagons, and a bicycle. After the items were collected, the Salvation Army distributed the toys to children through the Angel Tree and Toys for Tots programs.  Those at Klenda Austerman were delighted to spread the holiday spirit this season!

As most fans of the Kansas City Chiefs are now aware, the Chiefs have fired head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli after another disappointing season.  While many fans celebrated the transition to new leadership of the organization, most probably did not pay much attention to the steps that the Chiefs organization had to take to make that transition possible.   This provides a strong reminder of the importance of keeping an eye on …

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Jeffrey D. Peier will be a panelist at the 2013 NBAA Business Aircraft Finance, Registration & Legal Conference sponsored by the National Business Aviation Association being held in Bonita Springs, Florida, on February 7 – 8, 2013.  Peier will join H. Lee Rohde, III, President of Aviation Management Systems, Inc., in presenting “Use, Insurance, Maintenance and Return Conditions in Leases and Security Agreements.”  You may register for this aviation conference at the following web site:  …

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The U.S. government has been in the midst of an ongoing conundrum commonly referred to as the “fiscal cliff”.  If images of the end of the popular film Thelma and Louise come to mind when you hear this phrase then you might not be far off.  While Congress and the President have reached an agreement, absent that, dramatic and potentially disastrous economic consequences could have resulted. Similarly, one who is charged with DUI faces his …

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Today’s small businesses can learn a lot from the Petraeus’ scandal when it comes to protecting their intellectual property assets.  Petraeus demonstrates the damage that can be done to an organization when valuable information is not adequately protected.  In entrepreneurial communities like Wichita, an ever increasing percentage of the value of businesses is tied up in intellectual property, or “IP”.  Unfortunately, many leave their IP without adequate protection, exposing themselves to potential damage from a …

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Recently, a young woman named Lindsey Stone sparked a nationwide debate over free speech and appropriate use of social media.  In November of this year, Ms. Stone posted to her Facebook account a picture of herself raising her middle finger and pretending to yell at a sign posted near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery that states “Silence and Respect.”  The photograph soon went viral and national media outlets  picked up …

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According to legend, a Twinkie has an indefinite shelf life.  The outcome of the most-recent Hostess Brands, Inc. bankruptcy might put that legend to the test.  After rounds of labor negotiations, Hostess could not reach an agreement with all of its union employees to accept wage, pension, and benefit reductions.  The company announced its plan to cease operations and liquidate its assets on November 16, 2012. The Hostess story has local ties, as the company …

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Member Greg Klenda is well known for his extensive community service, including his participation in the Go Wichita! Convention & Visitors Bureau.   On November 16, 2012, Greg was officially welcomed as its new 2013 Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Go Wichita! annual meeting.   Previously serving this organization as a member of its Executive Committee and Board Treasurer, Greg has an acute understanding of the group’s goals and direction.   Greg brings with …

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Members of the Klenda Austerman LLC aviation law practice group attended the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 65th Annual Meeting & Convention held in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest event of the year for the business aviation industry, bringing together businesses and individuals from all segments of the business aviation industry around the world. Aircraft and parts manufacturers use this event to unveil and launch new products.                                               NBAA is a great opportunity for firm …

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Member Jeffrey D. Peier attended the 2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society (“NMSS”) Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, from November 8 to November 10, 2012.  Jeff is a member of the National Volunteer Leadership Council and the Midwest Volunteer Leadership Council, and also participated as a voting member of the annual Delegate Assembly. He also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mid America Chapter of the NMSS and is Chairman of …

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