On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a proposed rule that would ban the use of non-compete clauses, also known as restrictive covenants, in employment agreements. The proposed rule is very broad, and its application would be far-reaching. The proposed rule would prevent employers from entering into non-competes and would also require employers to rescind any existing non-competes and inform current or former employees who are bound by a non-compete that they are no longer in effect.
The business world is abuzz with implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance strategies, often abbreviated ESG. These multi-part strategies outline practical guidelines the company operates within through a series of related policies. While ESG-type practices have existed far longer than the buzzword itself, transparency via technology has become an enormous factor.
As companies of all sizes continue moving toward transparency in their ESG practices, the requirements they impose will likely extend into their supply chain as well. Here are a few reasons why mid-market companies should prepare for ESG to extend to their supply chain and examples of policies they may consider looking for in prospective supply partners.
Detroit, MI – Ed Boucher, a top construction lawyer at Kotz Sangster, was awarded the 2023 W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award by the WashtenawContractors Association (WCA) as part of their annual Pyramid Awards on March 10, 2023. The Vander Hyden Award is the only WCA award given to an individual instead of a company, and has been awarded annually since its creation in 1978. Boucher received the prestigious award for his service to organizations in the construction industry for 25 years, and is only the second attorney to ever receive the award in its 45-year history.
Named after Nelson Vander Hyden, a highly-regarded member of the Washtenaw County construction industry through the 1960s and 1970s, the award is given to individuals who “exemplify the high standards of professionalism and commitment to the improvement of the construction industry in Washtenaw County” and who are personally dedicated to improving the community as a whole. WCA seeks nominations for the award by industry and community members, with a committee composed of past award recipients making the final selection of the award winner.
“For over 25 years, Ed has been a strong ally and resource for the construction industry,” the WCA said. “As a highly acclaimed construction lawyer at the Law Firm of Kotz Sangster he works with his construction clients in the project planning and negotiation phase to identify and reduce risk, and also works with them during the project to help manage difficult events and brewing claims.”
Boucher has represented construction industry organizations involving state administrative bodies including MDOT, Michigan Gaming Control Board and Michigan OSHA. Alongside his team, Boucher also participated in the first virtual oral argument heard by the Michigan Supreme Court during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, successfully representing Skanska Construction and ultimately winning the case.
In addition to the 2023 W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award, Boucher has earned his place on a variety of “Best Lawyer” lists including “Best Lawyers in America,” “Super Lawyers,” DBusiness Top Lawyer,” and others. The W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award was presented to Boucher by Oscar Notz, Board of Directors President of WCA, and Jody Humphries, Executive Director of WCA.
