NAMA Recaps Government Actions Around COVID-19 And Operator Resources In Town Hall
NAMA staff described in an online town hall on April 14 how they are responding to government actions and consumer trends the coronavirus pandemic has prompted. Seventy-four people attended the event, which is part of the NAMA Listening & Leading Town Hall webcasts series.
In the webinar, Mike Goscinski, director, federal and state affairs, gave an overview of the CARES Act’s provisions, which include the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance. NAMA has provided a document guiding operators how to apply for relief options. The association also is pushing for incentives for essential workers that will encourage them to return to work and securing tax relief for companies that have needed to transition to telework. Goscinski encouraged operators to apply as soon as possible for government aid.
“As you can imagine, the Small Business Administration is slammed with requests,” he added.
Sandy Larson, senior director and counsel, government affairs, told webinar participants about states’ decisions regarding self-quarantining measures. Forty-three states have issued stay-at-home orders, including some that have enacted alternative plans regarding essential workers. As Larson noted, Delaware and Pennsylvania have declared vending machine operators’ businesses should be closed in documents that identify the businesses with North American Industry Classification System code 4542. The exception to this, as each document states, is that vending operators can still service customers who work in public health or public safety functions.
NAMA is tracking the availability of loan and grant programs that states have provided. The association will report on this through its website. Governments are, however, running out of funding to help businesses.
“States and cities are facing the prospect of budget shortfalls,” remarked Eric Dell, senior vice president, external affairs. He said the association is working to ensure levels of government do not financially burden the convenience services industry in response.
NAMA urges members to keep them posted on any challenges they experience with state and local governments and let them know how they can help. Convenience services operators can contact NAMA via its Rapid Response Portal with any questions regarding government actions or other concerns regarding the coronavirus’s impact on the industry. NAMA’s other resources related to the coronavirus are accessible here.
