The National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association, has petitioned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to include retail workers in the early phases of COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

GOVERNMENT LINKS
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):
The federal government’s chief destination for COVID-19 information, plus guidance for businesses and employers.
• COVID-19 Page
Resources for Businesses/Employers
• FAQ and 14-day Monitoring Worksheet
World Health Organization (WHO):
A FAQ page from the United Nations’ global healthcare agency.
• Q&A on Coronavirus
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA):
Downloadable PDFs on steps businesses can take to help ensure employee safety.
• Guidance for Preparing Workplaces
• Prevent Worker Exposure
U.S. Department Of Labor:
What businesses need to know to remain in compliance with federal work rules.
• Family & Medical Leave Act Q&A
• Fair Labor Standards Q&A
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
How to apply for low-interest disaster loans and measures for reducing workplace exposure.
• Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Info
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS
The National Retail Federation (NRF):
A clearinghouse for retailer resources, from the industry’s largest trade association.
• NRF Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
Home Furnishings Association (HFA):
• COVID-19 Recovery Resources
• Payment Protection Program Loan Info Webinar

PPP Round Two: What You Need to Know
The new $900 billion COVID stimulus package passed this week by Congress contains a number of new provisions that could directly affect BrandSource members, including additional Paycheck Protection Program funding (PPP) and relaxed deductibility rules.

Business Groups Urge Congress to Restore PPP Loan Tax Breaks
Over 500 state and national trade associations, including the National Retail Federation (NRF), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are pressing Congress to restore tax deductibility for business expenses paid with forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

SBA Proposes PPP Questionnaire for $2M+ Borrowers
In the wake of criticism for issuing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to financially viable companies like Shake Shack and the Los Angeles Lakers, and amid suspicion of widespread program abuse and fraud, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking permission to question borrowers who received $2 million or more in PPP loans.

UASA Cancels ASTI Service Show for 2021
The United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA), a BrandSource partner and arguably the nation’s largest appliance repair trade group, has pulled the plug on next February’s Annual Service Training Institute (ASTI) due to COVID-related health concerns.

The Impact of the Coronavirus and Why I Can’t Wait for 2021
Here’s another interesting effect of the coronavirus that we didn’t expect or at least use in our estimates for economic expansion or contraction: COVID-19 has greatly reduced the time we spend on the highways.

The Impact of the Coronavirus and Why I Can’t Wait for 2021
I have been following America’s economy for more than 60 years and have documented some extraordinary events over that time, but nothing prepared me for what I have witnessed in 2020.

Improving Your Showroom Appeal During the Pandemic, Part 2
As we continue to navigate our way through business during COVID-19, we have to remind ourselves that it’s imperative to make sure our shopping environments are always safe, informative and upbeat, whether we’re in a pandemic or not. It just makes long-term sense to operate this way.
JIM RISTOW TOWN HALL
NEWS BRIEFS
Buy American: President Biden’s flurry of executive orders includes a directive that promotes the purchase of U.S.-made goods by federal agencies. The Economist
If You Build It… Big-box furniture and appliance chain Conn’s continues its multi-state expansion with the opening of two new Orlando locations next month, which will raise its store count to 151. Orlando Sentinel
Heartbreaker: Apple is warning iPhone owners that magnets within its mobile devices could interfere with pacemakers, defibrillators and other medical implants. CNN Business
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