Editor's Note: Look for the Helpers
You may be familiar with the famous Fred Rogers quote: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"
That's the focus of today's newsletter: helpers. Here you'll find articles and information about amazing things ABI members are doing to help all of us and fellow members. Farther below, in ABI President Mike Ralston's "From the Desk of" column, you'll learn how ABI is helping you and your business during these challenging times.
Assistance: ABI Members Helping All
Webinars/Podcasts: Members Helping Members
Friday, April 3
Friday, April 10
Daily
Anytime
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Federal Spotlight: Treasury Issues Guidance for Paycheck Protection Program; Take Advantage of This Relief
Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled guidance for a large component of the Phase III coronavirus relief legislation that President Trump recently signed into law. The CARES Act, which was a $2.2 trillion package aimed at alleviating the burden the American economy is enduring due to the coronavirus, includes the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to small and medium sized businesses to keep their employees on the payroll. Businesses can start applying tomorrow. Below are valuable resources your business can use to learn more about the program and apply for a forgivable loan through your financial institution.
Federal Spotlight: IRS Unveils FAQ Guides for FFCRA Tax Credits
The Internal Revenue Service has released an extensive FAQ guide on how employers can take advantage of the tax credits related to the paid sick leave and family leave benefits in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA was signed by President Trump on March 18. The credits are designed to alleviate the burden eligible businesses will face due to the mandates being imposed. The IRS has
a webpage
dedicated to explaining the credits, how employers can utilize them and other key information.
IWD Updates Leave Policy for Employees Affected by Coronavirus
Iowa Workforce Development announced on Monday that employees who will be or are laid off, or are unable to work, due to the coronavirus will no longer be required to use all paid leave prior to being eligible for unemployment benefits. The change is not retroactive and is effective immediately. The original policy was necessary to sustain the unemployment trust fund, but with the CARES Act being signed into law, significant relief is coming from the federal government for state unemployment compensation trust funds. Read the
news release
.
SOS Announces All Active Registered Voters Will Receive Absentee Ballot Via Mail
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Paul Pate stated that all active registered voters in Iowa would be mailed an absentee ballot for the June 2 primary to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The forms will be sent out in mid- to late-April with prepaid postage for return to the county auditor. Pate announced last week that the mail-in period for absentee ballots would be extended to 40 days. Iowans can now request absentee ballots through May 22. Read the
news release
.
“The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater” Training Webinar Coming Soon
The Iowa Storm Water Education Partnership, in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host multiple sessions for industrial stormwater compliance. Facilities that discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity are often required to obtain permits, in this case, General Permits #1 and #3. The training session will help facilities understand permitting requirements, develop pollution prevention plans and implement best management practices. The webinars will take place on May 5 and June 10. You’ll hear from and have the opportunity to ask questions of experts from EPA Region 7; the DNR; Stanley Consultants; Cargill Starches, Sweetners, and Texturizers North America; the Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership; and Felsburg, Holt, and Ullevig. You can register for the May 5 webinar
here
and the June 10 webinar
here
.
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Our Focus During the Coronavirus Outbreak: You
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Mike Ralston
President
Iowa Association of Business and Industry
At this time of year, as I write the column for the first week of April, I typically address issues such as metrics for the year. Or I address the upcoming annual conference. Or I address public policy. This April column will be different than those columns.
ABI members are dealing with a global pandemic that is challenging organizations in completely new ways. Maintaining health and safety is the first and most important goal. Following that, how does a company serve its customers at such a time? In addition to challenges related to health and safety, what general business challenges are ABI members facing? Supply chain, cash flow, operations; certainly all of these are impacted.
Here is what we are focused on at ABI. Of course we are working to keep our own employees safe and healthy. Employees who can work remotely are doing so. Outside visitors to the ABI office are prohibited. All ABI events and travel are cancelled for at least one more month.
But serving ABI members is always our goal and our focus. Very early on in this crisis, the association created a
COVID-19 webpage
to provide resources to help you manage the impact of the disease on your company. Multiple teleconferences and messages have been provided to help you address issues such as health, safety, unemployment, business continuation and other issues. Direct member calls and connecting you with state officials and legislators has led to other support.
And ABI members have been busy doing what they do best: helping Iowa. Many of you have altered your normal business practices to manufacture personal protective equipment or other items to help fight the virus. Or you are providing new services and/or information to help clients and customers. Or making donations to local institutions in the form of equipment or financial assistance.
All we can say is thank you. Thank you for all you are doing. And if you need ABI in any way, please
call on us
. In the meantime, our wish is for your continued health and safety and success. Again, thank you.
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How to stay in compliance and effectively manage your most valuable assets in these trying times.
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List of Potential PPE Sources Available from CIRAS
CIRAS has received a variety of requests from public and private organizations throughout the state requesting assistance in identifying alternate sources for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Based on these requests, CIRAS staff members have performed an outreach effort over the last several days to identify the most likely sources of product. If you are looking for PPE, view their
current list
of potential PPE sources. You may contact the providers directly.
In addition, CIRAS is providing a
Supplier Scouting form
. If your organization needs assistance identifying sources of supply (for PPE or any other industrial needs related to COVID disruptions), fill out the
form
and email it to
ciras.info@iastate.edu
.
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