ForwardThinking is a look ahead at the latest knowledge and insights available from Grant Thornton LLP. It includes a collection of our research, thought leadership and a schedule of upcoming webcasts and events.

1. ForwardThinking
Insights to help solve today’s most pressing issues
and tackle tomorrow’s challenges
Q1 2017

2. ABOUT FORWARDTHINKING
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Today’s global business environment is marked by mounting regulatory requirements,
profound technology changes, and a complex and competitive marketplace. We seek
to bring high-quality service to our clients and relevant insights on the issues affecting
their businesses.
ForwardThinking is a look ahead at the latest knowledge and insights available from
Grant Thornton LLP for our clients. It includes a collection of our research, thought
leadership and a schedule of upcoming webcasts and events.
The distinctive perspectives and featured events in ForwardThinking aim to help our
clients navigate the opportunities, risks and challenges affecting their businesses.

3. GOVERNANCE, RISK
AND COMPLIANCE
2017 State and Local
Tax Outlook
January 2017
This article will analyze issues
faced by state legislatures
at the outset of the 2017
legislative sessions, and
identify likely occurrences in
the state and local tax world
in 2017.
2017 Corporate General
Counsel Survey
February 2017
Grant Thornton will partner
with The American Lawyer
to launch an annual Corporate
General Counsel Survey. The
survey will explore the major
issues facing top legal officers.
Some initial issues to explore
may include:
• Legal department
management and structure
Thought leadership
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
In today’s evolving business environment of market complexity, globalization and increasing investor
expectations, managing risk while protecting value is more important than ever. Myriad rules and
regulations across all industries are affecting compliance efforts, further elevating reporting quality and
integrity discussions to the top of executive and board meetings.
• Compliance — Foreign
Corrupt Practices
Act (FCPA) and
Anti-Bribery/Anti-
Corrupt (ABAC) programs
• Buy vs. own: Build in-
house or outsource?
• Explaining to the board
the legal dangers related
to cyber risk
• How to improve visibility
into investigations that
should be privileged
• Understanding integrated
risk management and how
it works
Cutting Through the
Complexity of Private Equity
Regulatory Compliance
February 2017
Regulators, legislators and
investors are demanding more
transparency and consistency
in reporting by private equity
firms, especially as this relates
to the allocation of fees and
expenses. This article explores
the significant drivers behind
regulatory change and the
increasing scrutiny at the fund
and deal-making levels. It takes
a look at:
• New regulations affecting
PE funds' compliance
and reporting
• Common issues and
concerns related
to compliance
• Proactive steps middle-
market PE firms can take
to engage in the public
policy debate
Learn more about pending
regulatory changes and steps
you can take to mitigate risk.

4. Thought leadership
Tax Reference Guide
February 2017
The Tax Reference Guide
is your go-to document for
understanding how credits,
exemptions, deductions,
phase-outs, tax rate tables and
other items in the code have
changed. The guide contains
tables with many of the most
important 2017 tax figures for
you and your business.
Modernization of Asset
Management Regulation
March 2017
Gain valuable insights on
how to address the regulatory
changes affecting the asset
management industry.
CFO Survey
February 2017
Our annual CFO Survey
provides insight into how
CFO-level executives are
navigating their complex roles
and prioritizing issues related
to investments, risk, technology
and strategy. Learn more about
how CFOs are driving value
for their organizations while
meeting increased demands for
their time and expertise.
Increasing Regulatory
Complexity
February 2017
As more information
technology (IT) companies are
becoming global enterprises —
sometimes virtually overnight
— management teams may need
to understand and address a
host of new challenges resulting
from geopolitical volatility and
increasing regulatory and tax
scrutiny. This article explores:
• The drivers of technology
industry transformation
• New domestic and
international regulations
affecting IT, and the
challenges of compliance
• Proactive steps middle-
market IT companies can
take to engage in the public
policy debate
Learn more about pending
regulatory changes and steps
you can take to mitigate risk.
Audit Committee Spotlight —
Winter 2017
March 2017
The feature section of our
periodic CorporateGovernor
newsletter will cover
current issues of interest
to audit committees.
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
ADVISORY
NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIPTION
CorporateGovernor Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
covering issues related
to compliance, corporate
governance, board member
roles and responsibilities,
internal controls, risk, fraud
detection and prevention,
and more.
Forensic Alert Newsletter
Subscribe to our periodic
newsletter providing relevant
insights on timely topics to
guide the decision-making
process of in-house counsel
when confronted with fraud
and regulatory issues.
TAX NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Human Capital
Bulletin Newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly
e-newsletter addressing
recent legislative, regulatory
and statutory compensation
and benefits issues and other
human capital matters.
State and Local
Thinking Newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly
e-newsletter covering state and
local tax developments.
Tax Hot Topics Newsletter
Subscribe to our biweekly
e-newsletter addressing a
wide range of tax regulatory,
legal and legislative issues.

5. Webcasts
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Compensation Issues
for Partnerships
January 19, 2017
This webcast will address common
compensation and benefits issues faced by
partners and partnerships, including profit
interests, self-employment taxes, recent
management fee waiver guidance, worker
benefits for partners and issues with treating
partners as employees.
Regulatory Update
February 2, 2017
This webcast will discuss recent regulatory
developments affecting the real estate,
construction, hospitality and restaurant
industries. We will explore:
• Recent FASB pronouncements, including lease
accounting and revenue recognition standards
• Important changes to the R&D tax credit
• New IRS partnership audit legislation
Time for a Checkup: 501(r)
Policies and Procedures
January 17, 2017
All tax-exempt hospitals must comply with the
IRC §501(r) regulations. While the regulations
are not new, they have caused some health
systems to pause and consider different
protocols and knowledge-sharing workstreams
that likely did not previously exist. Presenters
will offer tips, tactics and tools so that you can
perform a thorough compliance checkup.
Significant State and Local Tax
Developments for 2016 and
Predictions for 2017
January 18, 2017
Continued efforts to reform state and local
tax (SALT) regimes by state legislatures,
courts, tax authorities and the Multistate
Tax Commission are transforming the way
businesses are reporting their income tax
obligations to states. Evidence of those
changes includes the shift to market-based
sourcing, mandatory unitary combined
reporting and other provisions. Businesses
are also trying to come up with approaches
to handle indirect tax complexity in light of
legislation and litigation challenging the Quill
physical presence rule. In addition, the recent
federal and state elections’ effect on the SALT
landscape will come into focus. Members of
Grant Thornton’s SALT Washington National Tax
Office will discuss significant developments
from 2016 and trends expected in 2017.

6. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Webcasts
International From Day One —
Scaling and Operating a Global
Technology Business
February 8, 2017
Reaching international markets has never
been so straightforward or low-cost. However,
the political, legal and regulatory landscape
facing the technology industry is becoming
increasingly complex. Successfully navigating
cross-border issues will be a key factor in the
makeup and success of technology leaders.
This webcast will explore:
• Data and privacy concerns for local
operations and international data flows
• Considerations regarding optimal
location choice
• Tax and regulatory compliance —
why good planning is required, and what
it looks like
• Rationalizing your maturing international
operations to drive efficiency
Learn more about evolving challenges and
opportunities created by international expansion.
New Frontiers in Company Culture
and Employee Engagement
March 9, 2017
Transforming an organization’s culture at
strategic moments, whether during an
integration or implementation of a new long-
term strategy or to simply stay competitive,
can challenge even the most progressive
organizations. Grant Thornton will discuss its
personal culture transformation experience,
along with how others may envision their own
journeys while maintaining appropriate employee
engagement and sustaining performance.
Tax Accounting Quarterly Update
March 16, 2017
Join our webcast to learn about tax
developments and significant tax issues
that can affect your financial statements,
including accounting for income and
non-income taxes. We will focus on the
financial reporting implications of these
developments. This is a continuation of our
series of quarterly webcasts sponsored by
Grant Thornton’s Tax Accounting and Risk
Advisory Services practice.

7. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Webcasts
Managing Risk in the
Technology Industry
March 21, 2017
Rapid product innovation, expanding global
operations, increasing regulatory oversight
and compliance requirements, blurring of
industry borders, heightened and differing
privacy and security policies — all these
issues raise the risk profiles of technology
companies. Effectively identifying, prioritizing
and monitoring these risks are primary
concerns of both technology management and
boards. This webcast will explore:
• Enterprise risk issues and effective monitoring
• International data privacy and security trends
• Tax and regulatory compliance
• Developing and testing effective controls
• Compliance when operating in the U.S.
government marketplace
Cutting through the
Complexity of Private Equity
Regulatory Compliance
March 23, 2017
The complexity and rate of change for
compliance requirements for private equity
(PE) entities have increased dramatically since
the financial crisis. With a new Administration
entering the White House, there is likely to be
a renewed look at regulations surrounding fund
reporting and controls. This webcast will look at:
• The political, regulatory and legislative
environment for PE
• Key regulations having an impact on PE
• Common issues and concerns that PE firms
face as they comply with new laws, policies
and directives
• Proactive steps middle-market PE firms can
take to engage in the public policy debate
Learn more about how to avoid the tangle of
PE regulatory reporting and compliance.
Modernization of Asset
Management Regulation
March 29, 2017
Join Michael Patanella, Grant Thornton's Asset
Management leader, and guest speakers who
will discuss trends in the asset management
industry and the impact of the new presidential
administration on the regulatory environment.

8. Sponsorships and events
Global Association of Risk
Professionals' 18th Risk
Management Conference
March 7–8, 2017
New York City, NY
The Global Association of
Risk Professionals' convention
brings together the world’s
foremost risk management
practitioners and regulators
for discussion and debate on
today’s most important risk
issues. This two-day program
includes keynote sessions
offering expert opinions,
discussion and debate on
critical issues, in addition
to smaller, more targeted,
in-depth track sessions and
breakfast briefings.
American Bar Association
National Institute on White
Collar Crime
March 8–10, 2017
Miami Beach, FL
The Institute will include
outstanding panelists who
deal with some of the most
significant legal issues of our
time. It will provide valuable
updates on new developments
and strategies, as well as the
opportunity to meet colleagues,
renew acquaintances and
exchange ideas. Attendees
include leading federal and
state judges and prosecutors,
law enforcement officials,
defense attorneys, corporate in-
house counsel and members of
the academic community.
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Tax Executives Institute's
Midyear Conference
March 19–22, 2017
Washington, D.C.
The Tax Executive Institute
is a worldwide association of
in-house tax professionals.
Attendees of its midyear
conference are business
executives responsible for
taxation matters on an
administrative or policymaking
level, or whose work is
otherwise concerned with the
challenges of business taxation.
The Institute of Internal
Auditors' General Audit
Management Conference
March 20–22, 2017
Orlando, FL
The conference will provide
an in-depth exploration of
the latest issues facing today’s
executives, in addition to the
opportunity to network with
peers. Attendees will:
• Gain strategies and tools that
can be shared with and used
to train your audit team
• Have access to industry
leaders who will share
insights and leading practices
• Meet vendors by visiting
the exhibit area to get
answers and discover
products that decrease
enterprise expense and
increase ROI
Learn from the industry's best
and brightest thought leaders as
they share their perspectives on
how to position internal audit
leaders for the future.

9. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
TO RECEIVE
ONGOING INSIGHTS:
• Download ForwardThinking, our quarterly guide
to help you address today's pressing business
issues and tackle tomorrow's challenges
• Subscribe to receive regular communications,
newsletters and timely alerts
• Register for live webcasts or view
on-demand episodes

10. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
GROWTH
Innovation Trends for Food
and Beverage Manufacturers
January 2017
Where does healthy meet
sustainable? With growing
consumer demand for
transparency and convenience,
innovation has become a
state of doing business for
food manufacturers. Based
on a recent discussion with
food company executives,
investors and the dean of
the Culinary Institute of
America’s Food Business
School, we will examine the
trends entrepreneurs are
championing and the areas of
innovation established brands
should consider embracing.
Thought leadership
Ninety percent of companies grow for one year, but only 8% can do it five years in a row. Why? Because
sustained growth means new markets, new processes, new regulatory issues and new ways of
operating, all of which may introduce risk and delay success. For dynamic organizations to fully achieve
their objectives, financial measures and process efficiencies, new ways of working and stakeholder
relationships must grow.
Middle Market Indicator (Q4)
January 2017
Based at the Ohio State
University, the National
Center for the Middle Market
(NCMM) is focused on
addressing and advocating for
the needs of middle-market
companies. The NCMM
produces a quarterly survey —
the Middle Market Indicator
— to understand the sentiment
and trajectory of middle-
market businesses. This survey
and subsequent report provide
insights into growth rates
and levels of optimism, and
highlights noteworthy sectors
and trends. Grant Thornton is
a sponsor of the NCMM.
Bridging the Cultural Divide:
Quantitatively Assessing the
‘Softer Side’ of Integration
January 2017
Studies have shown that more
than 50% of acquisitions fail to
achieve the desired outcomes
because of cultural clash or
misalignment, yet culture is
often the area least focused
on during due diligence and
transition. The most common
reason is the perceived
difficulty of dealing with “soft
stuff.” This article explores
how you can objectively assess
cultural alignment.

11. Webcasts
State of Asset Management
January 10, 2017
The need to demonstrate value is
transforming the way in which asset
managers operate. Join us for a webcast that
outlines the changing landscape focusing on
transparency and risk management.
State of Banking
January 13, 2017
Continued focus on regulation, rate
pressures and the impact of new
technology are all impacting the banking
industry. Our webcast will outline the
issues confronting members of the
industry today with recommendations for
the future.
Navigating Headwinds for
Success: Disruptive Forces
Changing the Dynamics
of Manufacturing
January 25, 2017
Weak global demand. Advanced
technologies. These are uncertain times
in the manufacturing industry. Join
Jeff French, Grant Thornton’s national
Manufacturing leader, to explore the
impact of the disruptive forces changing
the dynamics of manufacturing.
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Thought leadership
State of Higher Education
in 2017
February 2017
These are not quiet times for
higher education institutions.
Our sixth annual State of
Higher Education report covers
key industry developments
and challenges facing higher
education leadership.
State of the Not-for-Profit
Sector in 2017
March 2017
These are not quiet times for
not-for-profit organizations.
Our fourth annual State of
the Not-for-Profit Sector
report covers key industry
developments and challenges
facing not-for-profit leadership.
Private Equity Investment
Opportunities in Transportation
March 2017
Without the transportation
industry, the U.S. economy
would come to a standstill, both
literally and figuratively. Nearly
every product we consume has
moved along the supply chain
via transportation, logistics
and distribution companies.
Industry research shows that
the sector topped $1.45 trillion
in 2014. Private equity investors
and strategic buyers have taken
notice. This article explores:
• Transportation sector trends,
including macro trends
affecting investments
• Key industry challenges
• Strategies for acquisition
Based on our firm’s report
Driving Growth through
Investment: Private Equity and
Transportation, this article offers
a glimpse into the transportation
industry and its subsectors.

12. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Webcasts
Thriving in the New Normal
March 21, 2017
The energy industry continues to experience
unprecedented challenges. We will explore the
ways that many companies are learning to operate
in the new normal, including the following:
• Addressing budgetary constraints
• Restructuring asset portfolios
• Accessing and prioritizing capital
• Developing operational efficiencies
• M&A opportunities
State of the Not-for-Profit and
Higher Education Sectors
March 22, 2017
These are anxious times for the not-for-profit
and higher education sectors, and we do not
expect a return to normal anytime soon. This
webcast will explore the disruptive forces that
are changing industry dynamics. Based on
articles to be published in our 2017 State of
Higher Education and State of the Not-for-Profit
reports, our discussion will include creative ways
of using social media to further engagement,
operationalizing ERM, succession planning and
leadership challenges in aging demographics,
anticipating changes in ERP platforms, and plans
for retaining millennials.
State of Life Sciences: Strategy
Resets to Patient Outcomes
January 31, 2017
The focus in the pharmaceutical industry has
shifted to patient outcomes. This shift is driving
consolidation, new pricing models and different
uses of technology to increase value. Join
our webcast to learn more about the current
environment in pharma and what companies are
doing now to make the change.
Exploring the Thoughts of
Nonprofit Chief Financial Officers
and Board Leaders
February 16, 2017
The not-for-profit and higher education sectors
face tremendous challenges and opportunities.
This webcast will discuss topics that are top-
of-mind with CFOs and board leaders of these
industries. We will explore their thinking about
not only day-to-day challenges — such as cost
containment and compliance concerns — but
also how to address strategic shifts in delivery
methods and marketplace globalization. Our
webcast will also address opportunities for
partnering with outside organizations, use
of data analytics in decision-making, and
cybersecurity risks and mitigation.
This webcast is presented exclusively for
Grant Thornton clients.

13. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Association for Corporate
Growth Leadership Week
February 13–15, 2017
Washington, D.C.
This program is being
developed and sponsored
by Grant Thornton in
conjunction with the
Association for Corporate
Growth (ACG) InterGrowth
2017 conference.
No one knows ACG
members and their interests
better than ACG chapter
leaders. ACG chapter
leaders from across the
country participate in this
important meeting to gain
new knowledge and skills
to increase membership,
strengthen programming and
network with other chapter
leaders and board members.
Sponsorships and events
While the agenda is driven by
meeting participants, some
topics include:
• ACG chapter content,
programming and operations
• Membership: Retaining,
increasing and expanding
the corporate development
member track
• Best practices for staying
in front of changing
member needs
Learn from some of the
most experienced ACG
chapter leaders, and share
your perspective on what
ACG Global and sponsoring
organizations, such as
Grant Thornton, can do
to improve the value of
ACG membership.

14. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
TO RECEIVE
ONGOING INSIGHTS:
• Download ForwardThinking, our quarterly guide
to help you address today's pressing business
issues and tackle tomorrow's challenges
• Subscribe to receive regular communications,
newsletters and timely alerts
• Register for live webcasts or view
on-demand episodes

15. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Succession Planning and
Talent Management
January 2017
A research publication
from the National Center
for the Middle Market, this
report explores trends in
succession planning and talent
management among middle-
market businesses. The paper
will provide insights into
how leading high-growth
organizations are enhancing
their talent pipeline to better
prepare for the future.
Thought leadership
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Organizations are constantly challenged to flourish and gain advantage in an increasingly complex and
ever-changing environment. To maintain growth, organizations must remain flexible, agile and profitable,
which often requires new operating models to support the evolving needs of the business. The key is to
understand which business processes no longer make sense and which ones should remain, while
ensuring activities are being performed more efficiently and effectively and with less risk.
Innovate to Optimize the
Financial Performance of
Your Supply Chain
February 2017
Your supply chain is critical
to sound corporate financial
performance. Optimize it
with integrated planning,
and your business wins. This
report will explore the key
attributes of optimization
— and how to effect change
— based on quantitative and
qualitative feedback from
manufacturing executives.
Working Capital Trends and
Best Practices
February 2017
A research publication
from the National Center
for the Middle Market,
this report examines how
leading high-growth
organizations are improving
operating performance
through improved working
capital management.

16. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Thought leadership
Top Key Performance
Indicators for Supply
Chain Optimization
February 2017
Based on the results of our
Innovate to Optimize the
Financial Performance of Your
Supply Chain report, this top
10 list will highlight the most
valuable key performance
indicators of your supply
chain’s financial performance.
Using Technology to
Overcome Supply
Chain Complexity
March 2017
Ever get the feeling that you
are making things harder than
they need to be? Here are the
top three things that make
supply chains difficult to
optimize, based on the results
of our Innovate to Optimize
the Financial Performance of
Your Supply Chain report.
Transforming Portfolio Value
March 2017
While many companies are
performing well and growing
at a reasonable pace, winning
in an era of fundamental
change requires adopting new
operating models to improve
operational excellence and
accelerate value creation. Some
investors see this environment
as an opportunity for
competitive advantage. They
are proactively improving
processes and making the
right decisions regarding their
technology investments. This
article will explore:
• Functional areas, processes
and technologies that drive
optimum performance
and can increase
competitive advantage
• The varying operating
models for value
transformation – and their
pros and cons
• Why the investment in
innovation needs to be on
the agendas of every CFO
Learn more about game
changers in transforming the
value of portfolio assets.

17. New Frontiers in
Company Culture and
Employee Engagement
March 9, 2017
Transforming an organization’s culture
at strategic moments, whether during
an integration or implementation of a
new long-term strategy or to simply stay
competitive, can challenge even the
most progressive organizations. On this
webcast, Grant Thornton will discuss
its personal culture transformation
experience, along with how others
may envision their own journeys while
maintaining appropriate employee
engagement and sustaining performance.
Innovate to Optimize the
Financial Performance of
Your Supply Chain
March 22, 2017
Your supply chain is critical to sound
corporate financial performance. Optimize
it with integrated planning, and your
business wins. This webcast will share
key attributes of optimization based on
feedback from manufacturing executives.
Avoiding Culture Failure:
Reaping the Benefits of a
Positive Environment
January 25, 2017
Establishing and maintaining a positive
culture will link individuals — internally
and externally — with your organization’s
values and mission, create a healthy
work environment and differentiate your
organization. But how do you create that
positive culture? And what are the most
important aspects that will move your
organization in the right direction and
create a lasting impact? This webcast will
explore the cultural elements of high-
performing organizations.
ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
Webcasts

18. ForwardThinking | Q1 2017
TO RECEIVE
ONGOING INSIGHTS:
• Download ForwardThinking, our quarterly guide
to help you address today's pressing business
issues and tackle tomorrow's challenges
• Subscribe to receive regular communications,
newsletters and timely alerts
• Register for live webcasts or view
on-demand episodes

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member firms provide audit, tax and advisory services to their clients, as the context requires. GTIL and each of its member firms are separate legal entities and are not
a worldwide partnership. GTIL does not provide services to clients. Services are delivered by the member firms in their respective countries. GTIL and its member firms
are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. In the United States, visit grantthornton.com for details.
© 2016 Grant Thornton LLP | All rights reserved | U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd
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Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton
International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms.
Grant Thornton has revenue in excess of $1.6 billion and operates 60 offices with more than 570 partners and more
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