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Illinoisans can now get documents notarized online

2 weeks ago
Illinoisans who need a notary public can now access those services online through a new “E-Notary” portal launched by the secretary of state’s office. This process is one of the latest initiatives of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ ongoing effort to modernize the office and its services. Notaries are state-appointed officials who administer oaths, certify documents and act as witnesses to document singings for things like affidavits and bills of sale. Until now, notary services could…
Alex Abbeduto

How businesses can think more strategically about accounts payable and accounts receivable

2 weeks ago
Your company likely has a detailed growth strategy that covers everything from marketing and sales to product development and strategic partnerships. But do you have a payments strategy? You might approach accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) as a necessary part of doing business, with little innovation or strategy required. Perhaps you receive a bill, wait 30 days, then mail a check. Or maybe you send out an invoice and hope to get paid as soon as possible. If so, then it might…
Commerce Bank

6 cash flow automation tips to help small businesses thrive

2 weeks ago
Cash flow is the foundation of your business. You need customers to pay you on time, so that you’re able to pay your bills. Unfortunately, from invoicing the customer to accepting their payment, there are a number of steps that influence – and hinder – cash flow. Chief among them are bulky, outdated processes and documentation that may be holding your organization back. If you use paper checks or handle approvals manually, you could be due for some upgrades to make payments processes run more…
Commerce Bank

Healthcare Finance Trends for 2024 report highlights progress, major challenges ahead

2 weeks ago
Healthcare Finance Trends for 2024 by CommerceHealthcare® presents the bank’s annual outlook on major factors commanding leadership attention. Ten themes are identified from analysis of a broad spectrum of industry data. Technology is a top-three priority for 56% of surveyed providers, and 75% plan spending growth in the next 12 months. [1] Three information technologies are at the forefront in 2024: Robust system integration. CommerceHealthcare® sees its clients integrating various systems…
Commerce Bank

Growth signals and construction industry trends to watch in 2024

2 weeks ago
While the backlog of construction projects has begun to ease, builders and contractors continue to expect the industry to grow over the next six months. Associated Builders and Contractors surveyed its members in late February/early March and reported a Construction Backlog Indicator of 8.1 months in February, a decrease of 1.1 months from February 2023. Meanwhile, its Construction Confidence Index began to dip, but still showed expectations for growth in sales, profit margins and staffing levels.…
Commerce Bank

Moody's upgrades Illinois’ credit outlook

2 weeks ago
(The Center Square) – A financial transparency expert is downplaying news that Illinois has received another credit adjustment from a credit reporting agency. Moody’s Investors Service revised the Illinois’ outlook from “stable” to “positive,” citing continued improvement in fund balance and budget reserves. Moody's added that the positive outlook hinged on the possibility of continued growth in state revenue. "We’ve had nine consecutive credit upgrades and we want to keep going,”…
Kevin Bessler

Bill ending Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood heads to Missouri governor

2 weeks ago
A bill that would make Missouri the fourth state to ban Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood is on its way to the governor. On Wednesday, the Missouri House in a vote down party lines approved legislation that would end Medicaid reimbursements to any health centers affiliated with abortion providers. Republicans are confident they’ve landed on a strategy that will finally stick after two failed attempts to pass a similar restriction through the state budget were struck down by state courts. This…
Anna Spoerre