Bulmer Consulting LLC

10/08/2026

In a compliance audit, if it isn't documented, it didn't happen!

Federal standards require employers to keep basic payroll records, collective bargaining agreements, and sales/purchase records for specific retention windows.

Timecards, work schedules, and wage rate tables must be preserved to verify accurate pay calculations.

Maintaining organized, digital records ensures that if an investigator ever asks for proof, you can deliver it in minutes with absolute confidence!

👇 Is your payroll record storage 100% digital, paper-based, or a mix of both? Share below!

10/07/2026

Calling someone a "1099 contractor" or having them sign an agreement doesn't automatically make them an independent contractor under labor standards.

Federal agencies look at the economic reality of the relationship:
Does the employer control when, where, and how the work is done?
Is the work a core integral part of the regular business operation?
Does the worker supply their own tools and equipment?

Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is one of the most heavily scrutinized areas in compliance audits today.

💬 Need help auditing your worker classifications? Drop a comment or reach out!

10/06/2026

What an incredible afternoon celebrating the ribbon-cutting of our new Bulmer Consulting LLC office space!

We are deeply grateful to the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce and Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce for co-hosting today’s milestone, and to every ambassador, local business owner, partner, and friend who came out to celebrate with us. Special thanks to The Treehouse Pie Company for providing fantastic catering for our guests!

Thank you, DeKalb County, for believing in small business & becoming our HOME!

🌐 www.bulmerconsultants.com

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Bulmer Consulting LLC with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Congratulations to Sj Bulmer on this important milestone and the continued growth of her business. Bulmer Consulting works with businesses and organizations to provide thoughtful guidance, strategic support, and solutions tailored to their individual needs.

Thank you to our Chamber Ambassadors, local business leaders, friends, and supporters who joined us in recognizing this occasion. We are proud to have Bulmer Consulting LLC as part of the Sycamore Chamber and wish Sj continued success.

10/06/2026

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: POP-UP TOMORROW NIGHT!

Following our ribbon-cutting today, we’re keeping the local small business momentum going strong!

Join us tomorrow evening as our sister brand, Ink & Icon Boutique, hosts a FIRST live Pop-Up Event in downtown Sycamore!

Date: Wednesday, October 7th
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Angry Pickle Pub (215 W. State St, Sycamore)

Stop by after work to network with fellow professionals, grab a refreshment, and test your luck with their interactive Mystery Scoops, Balls, Boxes, and Bags filled with boutique workstation and lifestyle essentials!

Supporting local entrepreneurs and regional venues makes our business community thrive. See you there! 💜

10/06/2026

Here is a common misconception in bi-weekly payroll processing: averaging hours over two weeks.

If an employee works 50 hours in Week 1 and 30 hours in Week 2, their total for the bi-weekly pay period is 80 hours. However, under the FLSA, overtime is calculated on a workweek-by-workweek basis. You cannot average those hours to avoid paying 10 hours of overtime for Week 1!

Understanding how your standard 7-day workweek is defined protects your payroll accuracy!

👇 Does your business pay weekly, bi-weekly, or semi-monthly? Let us know below!

10/05/2026

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY! 🥳✂️

The giant scissors are polished, The Treehouse Pie Co. is prepping the sweet & savory pie bites, and the raffle bowls are ready to be filled! 🥧

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to step away from your desk, enjoy a fantastic catered lunch, and connect with regional business owners, this is it!

Join Bulmer Consulting LLC, the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, and the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce tomorrow for our official Ribbon Cutting Open House!

📍 Where: 303 E. Hillcrest Dr., Suite 6, DeKalb, IL 60115
⏰ When: Tomorrow! Tuesday, Oct 6th | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
✂️ Ribbon Snip: 11:45 AM sharp!

Don't forget to drop your business card at the door to enter to win a $495 seat to our PMU Workshop Series or a gorgeous luxury gift set from Ink & Icon Boutique! 🎁

Everyone is welcome! Just pop in whenever your schedule allows between 11 am and 1 pm.

See you tomorrow 💕

10/05/2026

Supporting regional industry, workforce development, and local innovation!

We are thrilled that DeKalb County is hosting the statewide Makers on the Move Bus Tour on October 8th as part of National Manufacturing Month!

Organized by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and IMEC, this initiative highlights the innovation driving modern manufacturing across Illinois. The local tour stops showcase the full spectrum of our regional strength:
Ferrara – Global confectionery leadership
J.F. Glidden Homestead – Historic innovation that transformed American agriculture and industry
Custom Aluminum Products, Inc. – Advanced technology and workforce development

Strong local manufacturing fuels a resilient local economy! 🍂

🚍✨ DeKalb County is proud to welcome the Makers on the Move Bus Tour on October 8 as part of National Manufacturing Month!

Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and IMEC, this statewide tour highlights the innovation, talent, and opportunity driving modern manufacturing across Illinois.

Tour stops in DeKalb County will showcase our unique manufacturing story:

🍬 Ferrara in DeKalb, a global confectionery leader whose products bring joy to millions around the world.

🌾 J.F. Glidden Homestead in DeKalb, where the invention of practical barbed wire forever changed American agriculture and industry.

🔧 Custom Aluminum Products, Inc. in Genoa, a family-owned manufacturer investing in advanced technology, workforce development, and continuous improvement.

From groundbreaking inventions that shaped history to companies driving innovation today, DeKalb County continues to be a place where makers thrive.

10/05/2026

"Can you quickly answer this text.....?", or "Can you set up the station 15 minutes before clocking in?"

Requiring or allowing nonexempt employees to perform small tasks before clocking in or after clocking out creates significant "off-the-clock" wage risks. Under federal law, if an employer knows or has reason to believe work is being performed, that time must be counted as hours worked.

Best Practice: Ensure your team clocks in for ALL work-related tasks, including prep work, closing duties, and mandatory team meetings!

💬 How does your team track pre-shift or post-shift tasks? Drop your methods in the comments!

10/03/2026

ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! 🎃

Looking for a cozy, festive fall activity? Join us at the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center for our Past Times at Glidden: Country Pumpkin Barn Quilt Workshop!

This hands-on workshop is perfect for all skill levels—you’ll receive a pre-drafted 17 " × 17 " board and step-by-step guidance to create and take home your very own custom autumn barn quilt! 🍂

🗓️ Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: J.F. Glidden Homestead | 921 W. Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb
🎟️ Registration: $85 (includes all materials!)

Space is strictly limited to keep the workshop personal, and we only have a handful of seats remaining! Grab a friend, reserve your spot, and come spend a creative autumn afternoon at the Homestead. 🎃✨

👉 Register here before it fills up: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/past-times-at-glidden-country-pumpkin-barn-quilt-workshop

💬 Tag a friend in the comments who needs a craft day! 👇

10/03/2026

Ignoring a small payroll error because "that's just how we've always done it" can turn a minor oversight into a massive financial liability.

When a wage violation is confirmed during an audit, the cost isn't just the unpaid wages. Businesses often face:

Back Wages Due: Retroactive payment for up to 2-3 years.
Liquidated Damages: Mandatory equal amounts added to back wages.
Civil Money Penalties: Fines assessed per willful violation.

Reviewing your pay practices regularly isn't an expense. It's an investment in risk management!

👇 How often does your business perform an internal policy review? Annually, bi-annually, or monthly?