Coronavirus — Advance Planning is Key

By BrownWinick | 03.10.2020

As instances of the coronavirus are on the rise both nationally and across Iowa, it’s important for businesses to assess their contingency and disaster plans. Yesterday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a disaster proclamation following the Iowa Department of Public Health's confirmation of 8 cases of COVID-19 in Iowa. The threat is real and requires... Read More

Preparing for the Coronavirus: Getting Back to Basics

By BrownWinick | 03.04.2020

Although there are currently no reported cases of the coronavirus in Iowa, now is a good time for all Iowa long-term care facilities to review their policies and practices relevant to disease control and emergencies. The recent news of the death of a long-term care resident in Washington and the exposure to other residents and staff show how dire... Read More

It’s 2020, is Hemp legal yet?

By BrownWinick | 02.24.2020

Hemp is still illegal in Iowa. And while legalization is coming, it is unclear how exactly hemp and hemp-derived products, such as certain CBD (cannabidiol) products, will be regulated. The United States Department of Agriculture has yet to approve Iowa’s state plan for licensing and regulating the production of hemp, which is necessary for... Read More

BrownWinick Provides Valentines for Area Seniors

By BrownWinick | 02.18.2020

BrownWinick’s Charity Committee assembled 120 pink and red carnations with handwritten valentine cards to share with the residents of the Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines last month. On February 14, BrownWinick attorneys and staff delivered the valentines to the residents. Volunteers had the opportunity to interact with residents and... Read More

BW Wins Appeal in $30 Million Contract Dispute

By Michael Dee | 02.18.2020

The Iowa Supreme Court on February 7, 2020, held that BrownWinick client Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC (HES) had an enforceable contract with a former HES board member to repurchase the member’s units in HES. In 2013, HES entered into a contract with then-board member Steve J. Retterath to repurchase Retterath’s units in HES for $30 million.... Read More

A Bold New Brand for a Brave New World

By BrownWinick | 02.17.2020

We are proud to announce that BrownWinick is launching a new brand centered on the principles our clients value most - the unparalleled wisdom and boldness our attorneys bring to the table every day. Today, nearly 70 years since we first opened our doors, the nature of our work is rapidly evolving, as are the challenges our clients face. In... Read More

EPA Greenlights Ten Pesticides for Use on Hemp in Advance of the 2020 Growing Season

By BrownWinick | 01.31.2020

Last month, the EPA approved 10 pesticides—including one conventional pesticide, or synthetic chemical, and nine bio pesticides, or naturally occurring bioactive organisms—for use on the cannabis plant. These are the first crop protection tools ever to be approved for the plant because, up until passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was classified... Read More

Tax Update - Qualified Opportunity Zone Final Regulations and Highlights of Tax Provisions in Spending Bill

By Christopher Nuss | 01.24.2020

Final Regulations for Qualified Opportunity Zones At long last, after two sets of proposed regulations, the IRS finalized its regulations with respect to investing in a “qualified opportunity zone” (“QOZ”). See previous articles on the tax benefits of such an investment and how to qualify for them here: Invest in Opportunity Zones and Updated... Read More

SEC Proposes to Expand Accredited Investor Definition

By BrownWinick | 12.19.2019

On December 18, 2019, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed to expand the definition of accredited investor. The proposed amendments would ultimately allow more investors to participate in private offerings. More specifically, the proposed amendments to the accredited investor definition would: add new categories to the... Read More

BrownWinick Raises Funds for MercyOne House of Mercy

By BrownWinick | 12.17.2019

MercyOne House of Mercy was the recipient of BrownWinick’s jeans day fundraiser. This donation included monetary gifts, blankets, crayons and other items. About MercyOne House of Mercy Since opening in 1988, House of Mercy has dedicated itself to making the community a healthier place by providing quality substance use disorder treatment and... Read More