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AGA Hosts Cannabis Roundtable

Ansell Grimm May 15, 2017

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC hosted a Cannabis Roundtable on May 11, 2017, including representatives from various business sectors supporting the cannabis community. The goal of the Roundtable was to offer a suite of services to clients providing total support in each sector and easing an otherwise very challenging entry into the cannabis marketplace (particularly on the East Coast).

Participants included:

Ed Keating, a co-founder of Cannabiz, which is the most comprehensive source for U.S. marijuana licensing information acquiring and maintaining up-to-date data on over 16,000 marijuana licenses in the Cannabiz Media Database.
Frank Salluce and Dave Smokler, the co-founders of 420 IT Solutions, which is the leading provider of business advisory and IT advisory services for the cannabis related businesses.
Max Meade and Billy Roberts, with Brown & Brown Insurance, which provides total policy coverage for cannabis, hemp and CBD operations, including: general liability, product liability, excess liability, property, crop, equipment breakdown and workers comp.
Tom Corbo, of Shure Grow, which provides hydroponics, lighting and related equipment for personal and commercial cultivation.
Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq., Michael H. Ansell, Esq., and Anthony D’Artiglio, Esq. of the firm explained how members of AGA’s Cannabis Law Practice Group can assist with corporate formation and governance, licensing, leasing, financing, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
Greg S. Gargulinski, Esq., a criminal defense attorney also with the firm, explained the intersection between state and federal law, and advised applicants on how to protect against a background check revealing dated, unknown, or de minimus issues which may compromise licensure.
AGA clients intending to apply for licensure when the application process is reopened also attended, connecting with those who can support the establishment of a dispensary and grow house in accord with New Jersey’s tiered license structure.

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC’s dedicated Cannabis Law group has an in-depth understanding of the laws both specifically and generally related to cannabis production, sale, use, regulation and legalization and our attorneys are here to help individuals and businesses of all sizes and any stage of development plan for a successful future.

For additional information, please visit our Website and follow us on Twitter @THCCounselors where we provide frequent updates on legal and business developments in the cannabis space.

Recognition for Joshua Bauchner’s NORML Membership

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For more than 85 years, ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC has been dedicated to providing excellent legal representation. In providing zealous advocacy and skilled legal advice to our diverse clientele, our attorneys all practice with a common philosophy… commitment to excellence and commitment to people. For more information, visit us at https://ansell.law.

Byrne shares knowledge of HOA lien foreclosure process

Ansell Grimm May 5, 2017

The foreclosure of a condominium and/or homeowners’ association lien is unique and multi-faceted process. While there are some similarities, there are many, many differences between a lien foreclosure and a residential mortgage foreclosure. Attorneys unfamiliar with those differences, and with the overall lien foreclosure process, can do a great disservice to their condominium and association clients. In the April issue of , Ansell Grimm & Aaron Partner, and Chair of the firm’s Community Association Law practice area, David J. Byrne, Esq., called on his more than two decades of experience in the field to detail some of the unique aspects of the lien foreclosure process, as well compare that process with that of a residential mortgage foreclosure process.

Patterson joins HV-CAI Executive Board

Ansell Grimm April 13, 2017

Stacey R. Patterson, Esq. has been appointed to the Executive Board of Community Association Institute’s Hudson Valley Chapter. The CAI Hudson Valley Chapter serves the educational, business, and networking needs of community associations in the Hudson Valley New York area. Members include condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations as well as those who provide services and products to associations.

Class Action Suit filed against Welch Foods, Inc. & The Promotion in Motion Companies, Inc.

Ansell Grimm April 11, 2017

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC recently commenced a class action against Welch Foods, Inc. and The Promotion in Motion Companies, Inc. seeking redress for Defendants’ unconscionable and deceptive consumer practices in misrepresenting the fruit content and the nutritional and health qualities of Welch’s fruit snacks (the “Fruit Snacks” or “Products”), in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Monmouth County.

The Complaint alleges that Defendants engaged in a deceptive marketing campaign to convince consumers that the Fruit Snacks contain significant amounts of the actual fruits shown in the marketing and on the labeling of the Products, are nutritious and healthful to consume, and are more healthful than similar products. In fact, these representations are not accurate.

For example, in a May 19, 2009 press release announcing the launch of the Island Fruits variety of the Fruit Snacks, Michael Rosenberg, President and CEO of Promotion in Motion, claimed, “Like all Welch’s® Fruit Snacks, new Island Fruits is made with Real Fruit and Fruit Juices . . . It’s a better alternative to lots of other snacks as it also contains 100% of the daily value of Vitamin C, 25% of the daily value of Vitamins A and E and is fat free. We find that Mom is putting one pack of Welch’s® Fruit Snacks Island Fruits in her kid’s lunchbox—and keeping one pack for herself.” Indeed, Defendants label and market the Fruit Snacks as “Made With REAL Fruit,” prominently depict a cornucopia of characterizing fruits on the front of each package, and prominently claim that “Fruit is our 1st Ingredient!”

However, Defendants’ Fruit Snacks contain only minimal amounts of the vibrantly depicted fruits, and are no more healthful than candy. In fact, two of the first three ingredients in the Fruits Snacks are added sweeteners. On average, sugar makes up 40% of each serving of the regular Fruit Snacks, 60% of each serving of the Fruit ’n Yogurt Snacks, more than half of each serving of the PB & J Snacks, and about 40% of the Fruit Rolls Snacks. The Products are mostly a combination of corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, juice from concentrate, and artificial flavors and dyes. The fruits that Defendants depict in the marketing and labeling of the Fruit Snacks are not the most predominant fruit in the Product and Defendants are only able to claim that “Fruit is our 1st Ingredient!” by violating federal labeling law.

Thus, although Defendants market their Fruit Snacks as healthful and nutritious, these Products are devoid of the health benefits Plaintiff and other reasonable consumers associate with consuming real fruit.

The Complaint alleges that Defendants’ deceptions played a substantial part in influencing Plaintiff’s, and other consumers’, decisions to purchase the Fruit Snacks. Plaintiff relied on Defendants’ “Made With REAL Fruit” claims prominently displayed on the front of the Products’ packages. If Plaintiff had known the true fruit content, as well as the true nutritional and health qualities of the Fruit Snacks she purchased, she would not have purchased the Fruit Snacks.

As a result, the Complaint alleges that Defendants’ deceptive statements regarding the Fruit Snacks violate state and federal law. Plaintiff asserts claims on behalf of herself and on behalf of all purchasers of the Fruit Snacks for Defendants’ violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq. (“CFA”), the New Jersey Truth in Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act, N.J.S.A. 56:12-14 through 18 (“TCCWNA”), and for fraud, breach of express and implied warranties, and unjust enrichment.

Plaintiff is jointly represented by ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC and the RICHMAN LAW GROUP.

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC regularly pursues claims on behalf of consumers deceived by marketing, labeling, or other misinformation concerning food and other products in the marketplace. If you, or someone you know, has purchased a product relying on deceptive information please contact Joshua S. Bauchner ([email protected]) or Michael H. Ansell ([email protected]) to discuss your case.

Wiechnik wins $2M verdict for Falcon Ridge

Ansell Grimm March 31, 2017

The Superior Court of New Jersey recently entered a $2M, verdict against Silver Fox, LLC, and in favor of Falcon Ridge Condominium Association, Inc. Falcon Ridge is a 27 building condominium situated in Hamburg New Jersey. Silver Fox, LLC, is the successor sponsor and developer of Falcon Ridge.

Falcon Ridge originally filed suit in December 2011, asserting a variety of claims, including negligence, breach of warranty and breach of implied warranty. Falcon Ridge’s expert, Mitchell Frumkin of KIPCON, Inc., estimated that Silver Fox’s negligence and breach of warranty caused $1,782,000.00, worth of damage to Falcon Ridge’s owners and residents. The parties attempted mediation, but the matter was not able to be settled amicably.

After a two-week, non-jury, trial, the Honorable Frank J. Deangelis ruled that Silver Fox had negligently constructed common elements. He ruled further that Silver Fox breached both implied and express warranties, in regards to Falcon Ridge’s buildings.

Mark Wiechnik, Chair of Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Community Association Law Group’s Construction Defect Practice, oversaw the litigation since its onset, and personally represented Falcon Ridge at trial.

For questions concerning construction defects or any other litigation matters, please contact Mark Wiechnik, Esq. by email at [email protected].

Patterson on panel for CAI roundtable

Ansell Grimm March 2, 2017

Stacey Patterson, Esq. will serve as a panel member in a roundtable luncheon discussion with property managers and homeowners, answering legal questions affecting New York community associations, as presented by the attendees. This event is hosted by the Community Associations Institute Hudson Valley. The luncheon will talk place at the Hyatt House in White Plains, New York on March 22 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Attendance is free for property managers and homeowners. Please visit the CAI website for more details and to find out how you can register.

AGA offering new service for companies seeking government contracts

Ansell Grimm February 28, 2017

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, P.C. is excited to announce a professional alliance with REMTC, Inc. to provide a new service in the field of security compliance for government contracting work.

REMTC, Inc. has over 20 years of experience and a tremendous success rate in providing consulting services to government contractors large and small to ensure compliance with all applicable eligibility regulations for government contracts and to secure and maintain security clearances. With new regulations coming into effect, even companies with existing contracts and security clearances will need to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework. Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC attorneys can assist clients in navigating this complex process to achieve the necessary compliance and security clearances to obtain lucrative government contract work.

For more information or assistance regarding our services, please contact Michael H. Ansell, Esq. in the firm’s Woodland Park office at (973) 247-9000 or by email at [email protected]. Additional information concerning REMTC may be found at www.remtcs.com.

Linderman selected as Author of the Year by NJ CAI

Ansell Grimm February 22, 2017

Rich Linderman (center) was honored at NJ CAI’s Annual Awards Dinner as both author of the year and for his work on the revamping the organization’s magazine Community Trends, as part of the Editorial Committee.

We are pleased to recognize that Richard B. Linderman, a partner in the Community Association Practice group for being honored as the Author of the Year by the New Jersey Chapter of Community Associations Institute at its Annual Awards Dinner on Feb. 17 at the Palace at Somerset Park.

Richard’s article for the December 2016 issue of CAI’s Community Trends magazine, “The Changing Shape of Our Neighborhoods” took a look at how the communities we build shape our lives and how they are shaping communities today. In addition to the individual honor, Richard is a member of the organization’s Editorial Committee, selected as Committee of the Year by NJ-CAI’s membership, after relaunching and improving Community Trends.

Along with Richard the committee members were, Robert Arnone, Mary Barrett, Joe Chorba, Dan Fusco, Bill Harvey, Melissa Lathrop, Angela Morisco, Kari Valentine and Committee Chairman Robert Roop of Lockatong Engineering, Rosemont. Congratulations to the Editorial Committee on your achievement and award!

Bauchner and D’Artglio review the state of NJ Cannabis Industry

Ansell Grimm February 16, 2017

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC attorneys Joshua S. Bauchner and Anthony J. D’Artiglio recently published an article with High Times Magazine on the emerging cannabis industry in New Jersey. The article, entitled “New Jersey’s Cannabis Industry Is Growing: Where Does It Grow from Here?” is available here.

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC’s dedicated Cannabis Law Group has an in-depth understanding of the laws both specifically and generally related to cannabis production, sale, use, regulation and legalization and our attorneys are here to help individuals and businesses of all sizes and at any stage of development plan for a successful future. Please contact Josh ([email protected]) or Anthony ([email protected]) by email or at (973) 247-9000.

Zoning Dispute To Continue in State Court

Ansell Grimm February 2, 2017

Ansell Grimm & Aaron recently secured a victory for its client, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, permitting it to continue its fight in state court. For the past decade, Raceway Park has been involved in a zoning dispute with a neighboring property owner, Dayalbagh Radhasoami Satsang Association of North America (DRSANA), over its plans to build a house of worship and accompanying residential facilities near the famed drag strip.

The matter was before the Old Bridge Township Zoning Board of Adjustment for more than five years and has been the subject of battles in both state and federal courts.

For its part, DRSANA sought to limit all wrangling over its plans and the Zoning Board’s decision to federal court by entering into a consent decree seeking to resolve all issues; including Municipal Land Use Law challenges typically subject to state court review. Raceway Park’s attorneys filed objections to the approval in state court which DRSANA argued were precluded by the federal consent decree. In March of 2015, a judge of the Middlesex County Superior Court dismissed Raceway Park’s suit with prejudice finding the consent decree foreclosed the action.

Raceway Park appealed and on January 6, 2017, a three judge panel of the Appellate Division reversed the dismissal permitting the action to proceed in state court. Among other things, the Appellate Division considered whether the federal court consent decree served as an “end run” around the state court prerogative writ process for challenging zoning decisions; as Raceway Park was not a party to the federal case or the decree. The Appellate Division also concluded that the trial judge abused his discretion in dismissing the action with prejudice.

Raceway Park is represented by Ansell Grimm & Aaron partner, Joshua S. Bauchner, and by Michael R. Leckstein and Marc A. Leckstein of Leckstein & Leckstein LLC.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron attorneys regularly represent clients in pursuing their property rights against public and private incursion. For additional information, please contact Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq . ([email protected]) at (973) 247-9000.

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