On Nov. 6, the President signed the “Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009”, which extends and generally liberalizes the first time homebuyer tax credit (FTHTC). Here are the highlights of the changes to the credit:

The purchase of the personal residence of the first-time homebuyer must be completed by April 30, 2010 (formerly November 30, 2009). The credit also applies to purchases before June 30, 2010 if a written binding contract was in effect on or before April 30, 2010.

How has the economic downturn affected the cost of capital in private markets? Based on a recent survey of more than 50,000 lenders, investment banker Rob Slee, in conjunction with Pepperdine University, uncovered these findings, as published in the July 10, 2009 edition of the Charlotte Business Journal:

Believe it or not, find out what Washington D.C. can teach you about customer service?

In October, we implemented a new paper recycling system at Grimbleby Coleman.  Our staff member, Kimberly, headed up the project distributing additional waste baskets to each person.  As a result, the amount of “regular trash” has decreased noticeably and a large amount of paper is being recycled.  Our shredding policy remains the same in order to protect your personal information.  We are pleased to do our part in making a positive impact on the environment.

On September 30th, attendees will hear information from Marty Fox of Grimbleby Coleman on how to improve various areas of financial management in their business.  This seminar is presented by the Alliance Small Business Development Center and will take place from 7:30am to 9:30am at the Alliance Free Enterprise Center, 1020 10th Street suite 102 in downtown Modesto (in the Brenden Theater Plaza, across from Jamba Juice).  To sign up, call the Alliance SBDC at 209-567-4910 or visit alliancesbdc.com.