Imagine Communications names Dickinson graphic designer

Professional has experience in layout, typography design, more

HENDERSON, Nev. – Imagine Communications has named Julie Dickinson graphic designer. Previously, she served as intern for the company.

In her new position, Dickinson uses her experience in layout, publication, photography enhancement and typography design to benefit the company’s clients. She also has experience in fashion, product and portrait photography using both studio and natural lighting set ups.

Established in 2000, Imagine Communications is a full-service marketing and communications firm that provides strategic business planning, public relations, advertising, video production, consulting and government affairs services to clients nationwide. The company’s 12-person team works with a diverse array of clients of all sizes and in industries across the board.

For more information, call 702-837-8996, visit www.weareimagine.com, follow the company on Facebook or Twitter, or check out the company blog or the company online newsroom.

Imagine Communications names Lane director of client relations

Professional has more than eight years of experience

HENDERSON, Nev. – Imagine Communications has namedMegan Lane director of client relations.

In her new position, Lane uses her more than eight years of marketing experience to benefit some ofSouthern Nevada’s most recognizable organizations.

In addition to her role overseeing client relations for all of the company’s clients, Lane serves as the account manager for such clients as UNLV Libraries, the Galleria at Sunset and Henderson Libraries.

Furthermore, Lane serves as marketing chair for the Huntington’s disease Society of America Las Vegas Affiliate and is the immediate past president of International Association of Business Communicators’ Las Vegas Chapter. She also co-founded Henderson Libraries’ Business Book Club.

Established in 2000, Imagine Communications is a full-service marketing and communications firm that provides strategic business planning, public relations, advertising, video production, consulting and government affairs services to clients nationwide. The company’s 12-person team works with a diverse array of clients of all sizes and in industries across the board.

For more information, call 702-837-8996, visit www.weareimagine.com, follow the company on Facebook or Twitter, or check out the company blog or the company online newsroom.

Planning for family’s future could be more expensive in 2013

Estate planning laws could affect how taxes affect gift value

LAS VEGAS – Planning for a financial future once the heads of the family pass away is a necessary discussion many families put off. With estate tax laws set to drastically change in 2013, some families may have to have the conversation with their estate planning attorneys sooner rather than later to preserve their estates’ value.

An estate tax exemption is the amount anyone can give away tax free during their lifetime or at their time of death. For 2012, the amount a person can transfer tax free is $5 million. The excess amount in the estate, if any, is taxed at 35 percent. In 2013, the estate tax exemption is set to decrease to $1 million with any excess amount taxed at 55 percent.

“To simplify it, if someone has an estate valued at $6 million and gifts $5 million in 2012 and then passes away in 2013, $1 million of their estate will be taxed at 55 percent, which equals $550,000 in estate tax,” said Brooke Borg, founder and attorney for Borg Law Group. “However, if this same person doesn’t choose to gift their $5 million until after they die, and they pass away in 2013, $5 million of their estate will be taxed at 55 percent, equaling $2.75 million due in estate tax. That’s a substantial loss that could have been avoided.”

The current rates took effect in January 2011 and will last through the end of 2012. Therefore, over the past year and a half, many people have decided to take advantage of the higher than usual exemption amount and use their exemption by gifting assets this year before the scheduled change in laws in order to save their estate money in the long run.

For married couples, the current laws allow $10 million, or $5 million each, for the tax exemption. Also, if one spouse dies without using the tax exemption, the unused portion can be claimed by the surviving spouse at his/her death.

“If the amounts set to take effect in 2013 do not change, many people will be affected negatively if they do not have the proper estate planning documents in place. Anyone whose assets even come close to $1 million taking into consideration real estate, investments, life insurance, vehicles, bank accounts, 401ks, etc. should speak to an estate planning attorney soon,” Borg said. “Although we’re still in the first half of the year, it takes time for gifts to funnel through the proper channels. Starting now will ensure all gifting is done in a timely manner.”

Borg Law Group provides legal services to individuals and businesses in the areas of real estate, corporate law, estate planning and probate. The firm’s founder, Brooke Borg, is admitted to the State Bar of Nevada and the State Bar of Michigan.

For more information regarding Borg Law Group call 702-318-8808 or visit www.BorgLawGroup.com.

Town & Country Bank names Holtzclaw CFO

Professional brings 30 years of experience to the bank

LAS VEGAS – Town & Country Bank has named Dick Holtzclaw chief financial officer.

Holtzclaw comes to Town & Country Bank from First Scottsdale Bank, a Scottsdale, Arizona de novo bank with assets of $70 million as of February 2012. He served as the bank’s CFO.

“Dick has an extensive and well-rounded background in the industry that will be of great benefit to our clients and bank alike,” said Ali Rizvi, Town & Country Bank’s chief business banking officer. “We’re very pleased to have him as a member of our team.”

Holtzclaw has also served as chief financial officer of WestStar Credit Union, Fifth Street Bank, First Asian Bank and Valley Bancorp/Valley Bank. He was the founding chief financial officer of First Asian Bank and Valley Bank and assisted in establishing all financial systems, policies and procedures prior to First Asian Bank’s opening in June 2007 as well as Valley Bank’s opening in October 1998.

In September 2004, he assisted with the initial public offering of Valley Bancorp. Valley Bancorp/Valley Bank was later sold to Community Bancorp. Valley Bank grew from $7.5 million at October 1998 to $440 million at June 2006.

“Dick is a seasoned CFO with local market knowledge,” said James Brewer, Town & Country Bank’s chief executive officer. “He will be a great addition to our management team at Town & Country Bank.”

Holtzclaw, who began his banking career in 1982, earned his MBA from the University of Georgia and his and BBA from Mercer University. He is a certified public accountant, a certified financial planner and a certified credit union executive.

Town & Country Bank has served the Las Vegas Valley’s personal and business banking needs since 2002. With four locations around the valley, Town & Country Bank has complete financial packages and expert customer service to help clients meet their financial objectives.

For more information, call Town & Country Bank at 702-252-8777 or visit www.tcbanknv.com.

Lucchesi Galati Architects changes name to LGA

New digs at Holsum Lofts proves perfect timing, energy for firm

LAS VEGAS – The move to the historic Holsum Lofts in The Arts District wasn’t meant to coincide with the name change of Lucchesi Galati Architects to LGA, but the serendipitous timing turned out to be perfect.

The new office is located at 241 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite #107, close to downtown Las Vegas and in the heart of The Arts District. 

“It’s smaller than our old office, but we decided to adapt to the space. Eliminate paper. Smaller work stations,” said Craig Galati, LGA partner. “The space felt right, so we adapted to it.”

It’s no secret times have been difficult for all the Las Vegas Valley the last few years, especially in the construction, architecture and new building industries. After celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, the firm made a conscious decision to evolve. Thinking outside the box is a big part of the company’s culture, and the move is part of it.

“During hard times, it’s important to be connected, especially to your staff and those you work with on a daily basis,” Galati said. “For me, it’s great timing, because I’m sitting with everyone now instead of in my own office. I was out of touch with everyone in the office, and I didn’t know it until I sat with them. It felt like we were back at the beginning of the company when we all sat together again.”

Established in 1986, Lucchesi Galati, now LGA, is a cross-disciplinary, client-centered consulting firm that brings together the disciplines of architecture, sociology and sustainability using a collaborative, participatory and community-based process. Best known for its work on the LEED-certified Springs Preserve master plan and one of only a handful of Platinum LEED-certified buildings in the world, the Desert Living Center at the Springs Preserve, LGA has been a longtime advocate of green design and green living.

For more information on LGA, call 702-263-7111 or visit www.lgainc.com.

Company celebrates 15th anniversary with expansion, new building

Capstone Brokerage opens branches in New York, New Jersey, Reno; Mayor Pro-Tem Stavros Anthony to attend the April 25 ribbon cutting

LAS VEGAS – The preparations for Capstone Brokerage’s 15th anniversary began in 2011 with the first steps – naming Mary Thompson as president and moving the corporate headquarters into a new building better suited for a company experiencing significant growth. Although the company has clients across the United States, it took the next step and expanded this year with branches beyond Las Vegas borders.

The expansion is an answer to the demand from clients and the ever-growing needs of the company. In the last 15 years, Capstone Brokerage has developed a healthy client list covering all industries including construction, professional and trucking as well as some national accounts in the technology industry. Capstone has developed a large client roster that includes most of the top nightclubs in the United States from New Jersey and New York to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The company provides risk management services for many casino hotels as well including such companies as Wynn Resorts.

Thompson, who served as a member of the company’s leadership for seven years prior to her appointment, helped navigate Capstone Brokerage through one of the most difficult business environments in decades. She took the helm last summer just as expansion efforts were first taking shape.

“As a company, we’ve experienced growth throughout the recession,” Thompson said. “With the instability of the economy, that’s quite a feat. Inc. Magazine has recognized the company every year since 2008 for its steady growth, which is significant.”

Recognition as one of the fastest growing companies in America on Inc. Magazine’s annual list for the last four years helps illustrate the company’s growth, but expanding beyond the boundaries of Las Vegas began with the opening of Capstone Brokerage’s new headquarters.

Last summer, the company moved into a larger, 12,320-square-foot space located at 8681 W. Sahara Ave. The building includes office space as well as a meeting facility, where the company hosts events and seminars. The move was just the beginning of the company’s expansion efforts to keep up with its growth.

Currently, Capstone has expanded to include branches in New York and New Jersey, and a branch in Reno is expected to come online by the end of the year. The Reno office will focus on the Northern Nevada and Northern California markets.

“Business opportunities came up in the New York and New Jersey area, so we decided to pursue them,” Thompson said. “The Northern Nevada and Northern California markets are good environments for growth, and there are good opportunities to expand there as well as the Northeast.”

The company will host a grand opening celebration for the new office and 15th anniversary on Wednesday, April 25. During the event – which will take place from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the new building located at 8681 W. Sahara Ave. – will feature a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Stavros Anthony will be present for the ribbon cutting.

Capstone Brokerage is a Las Vegas-based independent risk management and insurance brokerage that offers a comprehensive selection of products and services.

Capstone Brokerage was recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in America by Inc. Magazine in 2008, achieving revenue growth of 325 percent over a three-year period. The company was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. In addition, Capstone was recognized in 2009 and 2010 in Business Insurance Magazine as “Best Places to Work in Insurance Nationally.”

For more information, call 702-227-5727, or visit www.capstonebrokerage.com.

Imagine Communications names Chege client relations manager

HENDERSON, Nev. – Imagine Communications, a Henderson-based marketing and communications firm, has named Diana Chege client relations manager. In her new position, she manages client relationships and accounts for the firm.

Chege previously worked part-time for the firm as client relations assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations and an MBA.

Established in 2000, Imagine Communications is a full-service marketing and communications firm that provides strategic business planning, public relations, advertising, video production, consulting and government affairs services to clients nationwide. The company’s 12-person team works with a diverse array of clients of all sizes and in industries across the board.

For more information, call 702-837-8996, visit www.weareimagine.com, follow the company on Facebook or Twitter, or check out the company blog or the company online newsroom.

Town & Country Bank names Jeu senior vice president

Jeu brings more than 20 years in customer service experience to the bank

LAS VEGAS – Town & Country Bank has chosen Wayne Jeu as the organization’s senior vice president and relationship manager.

In his position, he will focus on new business development, building long-term client relationships and originating commercial and government-backed loans.

“Wayne has exceptional customer service skills, so bringing him on as our senior vice president and relationship manager was a perfect fit,” said Ali Rizvi, Town & Country Bank’s chief business banking officer. “Town & Country Bank is dedicated to providing top customer service, and Wayne fits in with our way of doing business.”

Prior to joining the Town & Country team, Jeu served as the vice president and relationship manager at Plaza Bank in Las Vegas since 2010.

Jeu started his career in banking in 1989, when he managed various commercial branches and opened two new ones in the Las Vegas market. He graduated from Citrus College and California State College, Los Angeles.

Town & Country Bank has served the Las Vegas Valley’s personal and business banking needs since 2002. With four locations around the valley, Town & Country Bank has complete financial packages and expert customer service to help clients meet their financial objectives.

For more information, call Town & Country Bank at 702-252-8777 or visit www.tcbanknv.com.

Management group ensures HOAs are financially responsible

Community Management Group works with more than 60 HOAs in town, goes above and beyond to educate, train its boards

LAS VEGAS – Nowadays, HOAs are under constant scrutiny. While this pressure – which has been added to all HOAs as a result of the actions of a few – is difficult at any time, it’s especially difficult during a time when HOAs are expected to perform all the functions they always have, but with smaller budgets (as a result of loss of HOA dues while many homes sit vacant).

Community Management Group, which manages more than 60 communities in town, helps their communities address such challenges.

CMG’s managers work with their HOA boards to maximize their funds and spend responsibly.

(Each CMG manager’s portfolio does not exceed 10 associations or 3,000 units, as smaller portfolios allows managers to devote appropriate time and attention to each association he or she manages.)

To do this, CMG’s managers:

• Help their HOA boards make their money work smarter.
• Explain accounting in laymen’s terms so board members can understand what they’re dealing with.
• Provide board trainings with CMG staff members and with experts in the field (like CPAs).
• Help the boards adjust their budgets to ensure operating and reserve accounts are healthy.
• Bring in investment counselors and bank officials to help boards make important decisions.
• Provide their boards with a detailed review of reserve study (a budget planning tool) every year in accordance with NRS116.
• Encourage boards to discuss problems with industry-specific experts such as lawyers or CPAs.
• Monitor CDs, renewal cycles and encourage boards to review rates frequently.
• Review contracts with vendors annually to ensure property is being maintained properly and the association is getting their money’s worth.

An example of how CMG goes above and beyond to make its communities a great place to live, these efforts are all a part of the services CMG provides to every HOA the company manages.

“Being on an HOA board is more difficult than people would think. In many ways, it’s like running a large company. There are budgets to balance, quotes to compare, vendors to choose from, and much, much more,” said Courtney Murphy, president and supervising community manager for CMG. “Still, it’s important people understand what it is they’re doing. That’s why we work so hard to help and educate our board members.”

Established by longtime Las Vegan Courtney Murphy in 2009, Community Management Group is a Nevada-based community association management company serving assorted planned unit developments in theLas VegasValley.

Providing top customer service in all facets of its work, CMG works with homeowners, HOA board members and vendors to assist in decisions to maintain communities’ property values and ensure the preservation of associations’ financial health. The company’s services – handled by a team of certified managers – balance fiscal responsibility, cutting edge technology (which is unique in the field), homeowner education and a positive atmosphere for all its clients, from single family and business parks to condominiums and master planned communities.

For more information on Community Management Group, visit www.cmg-hoa.com, call 702-942-2500, or follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CMGlv.  

Imagine Communications names Carbajal art director

Professional benefits firm’s clients with talents in digital imaging, design layout, illustration, typography, more

HENDERSON, Nev. – Imagine Communications, a full-service marketing and communications firm, has named Cynthia Carbajal art director.

Carbajal has been with the firm for just over a year. Experienced in everything from digital imaging and design layout, to illustration and typography and everything in between, her skills are an excellent fit for the needs of the firm’s local and national clients.
 
Prior to joining the Imagine Communications team, Carbajal served as a graphic designer for MGM Resorts International, where she designed collateral for 13 strip hotel and casinos.

Originally from Utah, Carbajal has lived in Las Vegas since 2000. She earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Las Vegas and has donated her time and talent to designing marketing materials for local nonprofits such as Be the Example.

Established in 2000, Imagine Communications is a full-service marketing and communications firm that provides strategic business planning, public relations, advertising, video production, consulting and government affairs services to clients nationwide. The company’s 12-person team works with a diverse array of clients of all sizes and in industries across the board.

For more information, call 702-837-8996, visit www.weareimagine.com, follow the company on Facebook or Twitter, or check out the company blog or the company online newsroom.