This program will focus on ways to mitigate expenses for clients regarding property tax increases on residential and commercial properties. The discussion will start with the the "dos and don'ts" and then move into an opportunity for Q&A. Lunch is included with your registration. Mimi's will take your order at the restaurant and you will choose either a beef, chicken or a quiche dish. Cost is $12 for everyone, which covers the cost of lunch, including tax and tip. Credit cards only; no checks. Speaker: John A. Cocklereece, JD; Bell, Davis, & Pitt John has practiced law in Winston-Salem for more than 35 years. John began his legal career with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice and has been with Bell Davis Pitt since 1998. John’s principal areas of practice are: [1] handling appeals of real and personal property tax values with County tax offices and the North Carolina Property Tax Commission; [2] general business representation, including the formation and dissolution of business entities, the sale, purchase, and financing of businesses, and the drafting and review of all types of business agreements; [3] tax controversy matters, including resolving return and payment disputes with the IRS and North Carolina Department of Revenue; and [4] estate planning and estate administration. John co-authors The NC Property Tax Law Monitor with Justin Hardy, and authors the Estate Planning Law Blog and is active as a community volunteer. He currently serves as a member of the board of trustees of the Forsyth Tech Community College and the Forsyth Technical Community College Foundation. He previously served on the boards of the Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, the Winston-Salem Public Assembly Facilities Commission, the North Carolina Eye Bank, and the Forsyth County Industrial Development and Pollution Control Financing Authority. Born and raised in Greensboro, John received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he played football and was named an Academic All-American. His wife, Gina, is a lifelong banker in Winston-Salem.