Here’s a real-life reminder to be wary of unsolicited mailings — even if they appear to be official.
Two EricJohnLtd. clients called last week to ask if they should fill out and submit an official-looking form they had received in the mail. It was titled: (MN) Annual Meeting (Corporate) Disclosure Statement, Minutes of Directors and Shareholders.
Both the envelope and the form appeared to be official government documents, but they really were creative solicitations from a private firm. (If you ready thoroughly, they carried a disclaimer.)
The promotion plays off the well-known requirement that Minnesota corporations hold annual meetings. Most companies have attorneys, accountants, or other advisers help with this requirement — not an unknown mail solicitor. That’s just a good and solid business practice.
We feel it is important for you as a corporate officer to seek out and align your business with trusted advisers. This clever come-on is one reason.
My accounting and tax preparation firm, EricJohnLtd., does offer a template form for recording minutes and results of annual meetings. But as always in legal matters, we also suggest you obtain proper guidance from your attorney.