When it comes to the post-recession commercial real estate recovery, it’s clear that not all markets are equal. While some are experiencing red-hot growth, some of the hottest have begun to cool a bit, some markets are lukewarm at best, and there is widening disparity among them.

Attendees at the recent Commercial Real Estate Finance Council and Mortgage Bankers Association-Commercial Real Estate Finance conferences had varying opinions. While there are clearly differences of opinion on whether the fundamental bellwethers of commercial real estate will grow, plateau or decline in 2017, the majority of real estate professionals are optimistic in their predictions of what the coming year will hold.

A short while ago, China finally granted the Trump Organization  a trademark registration after a 10-year struggle. The timing of the announcement has fueled concern because just days before, President Trump had a phone call with Mr. Xi Jinping, China’s president.  During the call the President reportedly told Mr. Xi that he would honor the U.S.’s “One China” policy, and also wished Mr. Xi a happy Chinese New Year.

Despite speculation that the approval was a favor by the Chinese government, offered in light of President Trump’s friendliness - after some unflattering comments about China during the Presidential campaign – the timing of the trademark approval was almost certainly a coincidence. The truth is that this particular trademark was provisionally approved on Nov. 14, 2016, and the registration granted after, like any trademark approved for registration in China, it had been published for a three-month opposition period.

Employers often find themselves in the unenviable position of deciding whether to continue the employment of an individual who has been charged with – but not yet convicted of – criminal conduct.  How should an employer handle an employee who has been arrested and charged with assault and battery, who claims complete innocence, and whose trial is months away?