Complete Story
05/22/2020
Coronavirus Update
As Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky initiate plans for reopening in the near future, Graphic Media Alliance continues to stay abreast of recent developments regarding COVID-19 and related stimulus opportunities. We will continue to provide our industry members the most relevant and up to date resources. One of our most recent updates is a Post Pandemic Back-To-Business FAQs for Employers, provided by GMA legal representatives, Fisher & Phillips. This document is an invaluable resource to prepare for the next phase in the COVID 19 crisis. While many of our members have remained open during the shutdown there will be even more questions and concerns as workloads pick up and more staff return to work. Hopefully this will help answer your questions but please contact us with any problems.
Print is Essential!
Following a major advocacy effort by GMA, PIA, and all major affiliated associations in our industry, printers and packagers have been specifically included as essential workers in the updated Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) released on April 17, 2020. While CISA’s guidance is not law nor a binding government regulation, it serves as an important benchmark by providing a standard definition of essential workers and encourages adoption by governors, county officials, and mayors. CISA estimates that approximately 75 percent of states have adopted its guidelines to create a more harmonious approach to determining which types of businesses remain open. A special thanks goes out to Government Affairs VP, Lisbeth Lyons, and PIA President, Michael Makin.
Paycheck Protection Program / Stimulus 3.5
Five days after the Paycheck Protection Program ran out of money, Congressional leaders have reached a deal. Known as “Stimulus 3.5,” this legislation is an interim pandemic relief bill that extends the SBA loan program originated in the CARES Act. In addition to increasing the Paycheck Protection Program from $349 billion to $659 billion, the deal also increases funding for Emergency Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) Grants from $10 billion to $20 billion. An additional stimulus option 4.0 is currently being considered by the president and congress and we will keep everyone aware of the progress.
The Association’s expanded series of free webinars has been well attended by members and we will continue to offer new informative and educational opportunities throughout the upcoming summer. Our next webinar is scheduled for May 12th and 13th and will be taking the place of our May Regional Council Meetings. We will be featuring David Mauro to discuss the topic of cybersecurity. Future webinars include Jim Russell with New Direction Partners, on the state of mergers and acquisitions as we come out of the COVID 19 crisis and look to the future.
More information on each of these topics can be found on our research page below.
The Association office is scheduled to re-open Monday, May 11th. Most member visits and non-essential travel will still be limited. Our BDDs and Jim continue to be available by phone or video meetings to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Webinars
Reimagining M&A in These Unprecedented Times
Graphic Media Alliance will be hosting a Zoom webinar featuring Jim Russell and Peter Schaefer from New Direction Partners to discuss the state of mergers and acquisitions as we come out of the COVID-19 crisis and look to the future. This webinar will also include an update on trends and how the M&A market is shifting due to the impact of the pandemic. We will host the webinar at 2:00 pm on May 28th, 2020. The webinar is FREE, but registration will be required.
Register today!
COVID-19 Information
• Printing Industries of America COVID-19 Resources and FAQs
• Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
• Post-Pandemic Back-to-Business FAQs for Employers
• Cloth Face Coverings At Work: Are They Personal Protective Equipment, And Who Pays For Them?
The Families First Act
The Families First Act Laws Took Effect on April 1st. This Requires Displaying the New Posters Listed Below:
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice – Frequently Asked Questions
• Families First COVID-19 Toolkit
• Family First Coronavirus Response Act and Other Coronavirus Information for Employers
The CARES ACT
• Section By Section Full CARES Act Summary
• Paycheck Protection Program FAQs
• Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Overview
• Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Information Sheet
• Assistance for Small Business - U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Employer FAQs On Paycheck Protection Loans
• Paycheck Protection Program Final Rule
• Paycheck Protection Program Fillable Application
• How to Calculate Payroll Costs for Your Paycheck Protection Program Loan
• What Employers Need To Know About The Unemployment Provisions Of The CARES Act
Small Business Administration Guidance
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
State Updates and Federal Resources
• IRS Payment of Tax Credits: Form and Instructions
• An Employer’s Step-By-Step Guide To COVID-19-Related Tax Credits For Paid Leave
• National COVID-19 Updates from PIA
• New Responsible RestartOhio Opening Dates
• Michigan Stay Home, Stay Safe Order
• Michigan Governor Creates Broad Employment Protections During COVID-19 Crisis
• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Orders "Remain Healthy at Home"
• Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
• Northern Kentucky Health Department (NKY Health)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
• CDC Significantly Relaxes Essential Worker Return-To-Work Standards After COVID-19 Exposure
• CDC Posters to share with employees:
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Protected Concerted Activity: The Next COVID-19 Challenge For Union And Non-Union Employers Alike
Workers' Comp Updates
• New Legislation Impacting Ohio Workers' Compensation Claims
• Bureau of Workers' Comp 2020 Dividend FAQ
• BWC Related COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Claims FAQs provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
• Coronavirus Workers' Comp Update
• Coronavirus Unemployment Update
Association Tools
Disaster Mutual Assistance Plan
When disaster strikes, it's good to know that there is someone to lend a hand just around the corner. Several times over the past few years, Association member companies quickly came to the aid of their fellow printers, offering their facilities to assist those who were shut down by storms, power failures or other disasters, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. See the GMA's Disaster Mutual Assistance Plan (DMAP) guidance as a reminder for current participants and for others to sign up at no cost to participate.
Teladoc
The coronavirus (COVID-19): Be prepared COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that was first identified in China. The virus is airborne and spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. U.S. officials have advised that Americans should be prepared for disruption due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Teladoc doctors can answer questions about the disease, evaluate your risk, and provide support by phone or video and help relieve symptoms for affected patients. Read updated content and informational articles from GMA's Teladoc program, or sign up for the telemedicine program.
If you have any questions or specific concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your partnership and your continued support of GMA.
Take care,
Jim Cunningham | President
Graphic Media Alliance
