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TOP STORY: CERTS Act Funding Survives at $2 Billion Level
CERTS Act funding for the motorcoach industry survived at a level of $2 billion, less than the previously hoped for amount of $8 billion. Why? While the transportation sector retained the $45 billion, state department of transportations were allocated $12 billion at the last minute.
This is the first time our industry was specifically earmarked in a relief bill. As of last night, both the Senate and House passed the relief bill and now it's off to President Trump for his approval. In addition to the $2 billion, there is a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), more funding for the SBA's Economic Industry Disaster Loans (EIDL), and other tax-reduction measures. It is recommended you start getting your financial information together and contact your financial advisor, so you're ready when the applications open.
Congressional leaders have indicated there will be a bigger funding measure in the spring, when the new Administration and 117th Congress is in place. Thanks to all PBA members who wrote letters, made the calls, sat in on calls with Congressional delegates with us, sent emails, and more. Your action made our collective voice heard.
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Alison Klein Sherman Named President of Klein Transportation, Wayne Klein as CEO
During a virtual company meeting on Thursday, December 17, 2020, now CEO, Wayne Klein of PBA Member Klein Transportation, announced that Alison Klein Sherman was named as the new company President.
Alison Klein Sherman, Wayne's daughter and 4th generation of management at Klein, has grown up in the industry with work experience at a destination management organization, hotel and multiple motorcoach companies. Alison holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, Marketing and Travel & Tourism. Her combined experiences have helped to prepare her for this position.
"I am passionate about leading our company and the Klein Transportation family of employees into the future," said Klein Sherman. "Working with my Dad is a great honor, and I am confident there are great things to come at Klein as we work together to lead the company." Read the press release.
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BUSBooks to Present at WIB Webinar
Tracy Fickett, of PBA member BUSBooks will present "Making the Most of a Bad Financial Year" at the December 23rd Women in Buses last webinar for 2020.
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REGISTER OR
SAVE-THE-DATE!
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Distracted Driver
Train-The-Trainer Program
January 26, 2021
Virtual
FMCSA 18-CARAT Workshop
January 28, 2021
Virtual
PBA 2021 Marketplace
March 23, 2021
York Expo Center
York, PA
PBA 2021 Annual Meeting
October 24-27, 2021
Wind Creek
Bethlehem, PA
PBA 2022 Marketplace
March 22, 2022
The Liberty Arena
Williamsport, PA
PBA 2022 Annual Meeting
June 2022
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
State College, PA
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PBA Hosts All-Member Call - With a Twist!
PBA hosted an all-member call which included a Virtual Holiday Happy Hour on Thursday, December 17th. Discussions included updates on stimulus/CERTS, Marketplace, a general check-in and of course, we had some fun too!
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Registration Open: for FAMS, Travel Suppliers and Operators
Please visit our website to get all of the details and to register. Deadline mid-January!
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PBA Travel Suppliers - Are You Open for Business?
We sent travel supplier members emails asking to complete a short survey form to let us know the status of being "open for business". So far, 105 members have responded! We are sharing this information so our operator members know who is open for trip planning. We also asked for contact updates for our database. Missed the memo? Here's a link to complete the form. Updated r esults are available to download and view. #letsgetrolling! |
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COVID-19 UPDATES AND INDUSTRY NEWS
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Coalition of Bus Associations Lays Out Reasons for Congress to Support Industry Pandemic Relief
A coalition of 25 state, regional and national motorcoach associations (including PBA) appealed to congressional leadership for adequate funding for the motorcoach industry in any coronavirus relief pact. Read more...
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Newsmax Highlights Motorcoach Industry Relief
As Congress prepared to vote on its first major stimulus package since April, a question increasingly heard is whether there will be enough money in the final bill to rescue an important-but-oft ignored means of transportation: America's motorcoaches. ABA's Peter Pantuso was quoted in the Newsmax story, click here for the story.
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President-Elect Joe Biden Selects Pete Buttigieg as Transportation Secretary
President-elect Joe Biden has chosen former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be his Transportation secretary. A $1 trillion infrastructure plan Buttigieg unveiled in January as part of his presidential campaign hints at what could be the agency's future priorities. Read more...
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EEOC: Employers Can Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination - With Some Exceptions
Employers can require proof that employees have received a COVID-19 vaccine, with some exceptions, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in Dec. 16 guidance. Read more...
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FMCSA Update
FMCSA Creates New Rule, Extends Waivers in Effort to Get and Keep More Drivers on the Road
States will soon have the option to allow third-party CDL instructors to administer driving tests to their students. The DOT is also extending license renewal waivers through February as the pandemic is still creating backlogs at local agencies. Read more...
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ABA Releases 2020 Motorcoach Industry Closure Data
The American Bus Association (ABA) released motorcoach industry closure data gathered from the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Read more...
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COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Gets It and When? Phase One Breakdown
With news that one COVID-19 vaccine is already being distributed at hospitals statewide, what is Pennsylvania's plan for getting the vaccine out to the public? Read more...
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No Toll Increases on DRPA Bridges in 2021
Motorists who travel Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) bridges will not see any toll increases next year. Read more...
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MDOT News: All Lanes Now Reopened
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has reopened the newly constructed I-895 bridge north of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) during peak times, with two lanes of traffic in both the northbound and southbound directions from north of the tunnel, through the tunnel and to the toll plaza. Read more...
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Half of US Travelers Plan to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
According to the research, 50 percent of respondents would get the vaccine as soon as it's available to them. Forty percent said that would wait at least a few months to see if it is effective, and nine percent would not get the vaccine. Read more...
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ICYMI- MEMBER ALERTS
 Member Alerts are sent out to our Members as needed. Here are the alerts we sent out since last Go News:
- #MarketplaceMonday! Happy Holidays!
- Two from PennDOT: Travel Advisory & Pathways Program (deadline tomorrow)
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Executive Coach, Fullington Trailways, Hagey Coach, Innovative Coach, Krapf Transportation, Mlaker Trailways, Trans-Bridge Lines and Wolf's Bus Lines have coaches and other items for sale now!
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The Motorcoach PAC allows the Pennsylvania Bus Association to support legislators who work with us to promote, change or defeat legislation that impacts our industry. Contributing to Motorcoach PAC gives us a stronger voice in Harrisburg. Please consider giving $200, $300 or more.
Personal checks may be made payable and sent to:
Motorcoach PAC
200 North Third Street, Suite 1500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Corporate funds are not permitted in any form. Unincorporated business checks are acceptable providing no owner or partner of the business is a corporation. Please contact Milliron & Goodman if you have any questions at (717) 232-5322. Political Action Committee donations are not tax deductible.
Download the solicitation form for more information.
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PBA is Active on Multiple Social Media Platforms
If you are not aware, PBA maintains active Social Media Platforms. In addition to the emailed communications we send to you, we actively share information to our Facebook and Twitter accounts and our new LinkedIn. We encourage you to LIKE US, FOLLOW US and ENGAGE with us! #pabus
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STAY CONNECTED WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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