Urgent Message Regarding Federal Loans and Grants - Time Sensitive
Dear Colleagues,
Today, I am going to keep this message short and to the point since time is of the essence. This week is your only window of opportunity to apply for the new PPP2 program. The applications are processed on a first-come, first served basis and when the money is gone, it’s gone.
In the spirit of time, I’ve researched the best tutorials for you to watch and came up with the one below that will take you through the entire application for sole proprietors, independent contractors and partnerships. Review this as soon as possible and get going on the application if you haven’t already:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRNKKSpPDaw
Also, hidden way down on the SBA website regarding the EIDL, there is a $10,000 grant program (free money). Some caveats to receiving this money apply so watch this video to find out if you are eligible. The amount of money in this grant program is $40 million and will pay out mid-February which is double that of the grant program from last June so don’t shirk this off! This link is extremely helpful to know exactly what’s entailed so watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xbjas5xwUI
For Greater California Livery Association members only – our office hours are 9am - 5pm, PST. My team and I have actually applied for relief on behalf of the GCLA and know the ins and outs too. If you need personal assistance, you should call our offices immediately or email us at www.sara@gcla.org and set up an appointment for one of us to help you. Our office number is (213) 349-0190.
If you are not a GCLA member, you need to join now. Our annual dues are $75 – that is $6.25 per month, or the cost of a Starbucks coffee and donut! The benefits to belonging to the GCLA extend out to offerings like this, a personal help desk, and go far deeper. Just go to our website and see what’s cook’n. www.gcla.org
We encourage members from all states and all countries to become members to connect with us. The state of California represents the 6th largest economy in the world with over than 165 Billionaires and more than 1 million Millionaires. The state is the Mecca of tech and entertainment. It also attracts more than 300 million visitors a year who vacation here. This is where the major networking opportunities abound. Come one, come all – you are welcomed here. We are enjoying an explosion of growth in our community and we’re only in month ONE of the New Year.
Our motto is real: We are in this to win this and so we shall!
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
Executive Director, GCLA
PPP – Part 2: Applications Should Be Filled Out NOW!
Just in case the crazy news cycle has distracted you from getting new information about another round of funding (PPP 2) which was approved December 27th I am highlighting the details for you. Applications opened this week and small businesses ONLY may apply so that, this time around, money goes to those who need it the most, first. Remember, this is a LOAN that must be paid back. This is not free money. Read the loan terms so you are clear on this point.
GCLA Hosts First Town Hall on the Subject of Insurance in Today’s COVID-19 State
This past Tuesday, our association held a ZOOM Town Hall to a PACKED crowd. Selim Aslan, GCLA board of director and owner of MIB in San Diego and Harry Dhillon, GCLA VP and owner of Ecko Worldwide were duel moderators.
The big question of, “What is the state of affairs in CA regarding for-hire transportation regarding changes brought on by the Covid-19 crisis?” was the cornerstone issue. It was addressed by Ken Bruno, the California Public Utilities Commission Program Manager for Transportation Enforcement and Don Wise, Licensing Supervisor for the CPUC. Mark Freeark with TIB Insurance got deep into insurance challenges we all face and Patrick O’Brien, attorney at O’Brien Law and GCLA board of director weighed in on legalities and workers comp issues. Also, Ashley Richmond joined us from AK&A Labs to address drug testing.
Selim asked a great question of the panel to start the session off. “What can we do to improve our relationship with all of you in the spirit of working together while we strive to get through these tough times?” Mark Freeark spoke on behalf of the panel and said the answer is, consistent and clear communication. Staff changes, remote challenges, and new rule have upended our world and what this panel wanted us to know is that they only win if we do. We are in uncharted waters but they are on our side and stand ready to help us.
The question of why insurance costs are rising was also addressed. Transportation insurance has grown to be so costly for insurers they are pulling out of the market. Why? Because litigation expenses have supersized over the last decade and reform laws are needed. For instance, what was a minor accident 10 years ago with a payout of say, $20,000 to $50,000, now settles for $1 million or worse. Even if an operator has a perfect incident record, their premium must help subsidize those humungous claim settlements - which irks a lot of people. In the state of California, the panel noted that only two primary insurance companies – Lancer and Philadelphia are left. Atlas was an example of an insurer that jumped into the transportation market only to file for bankruptcy. Northland Insurance pulled out of the state last month.
The group tackled the idea of the GCLA creating an insurance captive only to determine the costs were too high and the risks too great. The best thing we can do is work together on collective purchasing – meaning group buys on safety equipment that helps lower insurance costs such as vehicle cameras.
Ken and Don from the CPUC helped to clarify confusion about requirements involving Transportation Charter Permits. They also touched on the TNC matter regarding Prop 22 by stating it was too early to know how or what enforcement policies will change. That subject is unfolding. The GCLA was tasked with spearheading a task force to address all things involving the new outcome to which our legislative team has already met on. Stay tuned.
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
GCLA - Year in Review
"Never Doubt That A Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens Can Change the World; Indeed, It's the Only Thing That Ever Has.”
—Margaret Mead
This was a very busy and very exciting week here at the Greater California Livery Association. The board of directors met Tuesday for nearly three hours to hammer out strategies ranging from Prop 22 to ending the year with a face-to-face meeting for our entire membership.
Here’s an update that I know you’ll find enlightening:
On Government Assistance: The HEROS Act was revised to $2.2 trillion. Democratic lawmakers introduced the measure on Monday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. It is unlikely to pass before the November 3 election. Operators wanting information on the PPP loan forgiveness program must first apply for that at https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application.
On the Financial Fitness of the GCLA: The association hit a yearly low in reserves this past July only to rebound thanks to new members, a surge in sponsorships and a $8,500 grant from the National Limousine Association.
On Industry Recover Efforts: The GCLA endorsed the SafeCleanRide sanitation training, testing and certification program. This project was 5 months in the making and we feel strongly that it will play a vital role in business recovery for the state of California and beyond. Go to the www.GCLA.org for more information.
On Board Seats: Our association election efforts for board seats kicks off next week. If you are interested in running for the board and/or participating on committees please reach out to me at sara@gcla.org. I have applications ready to email you right away. The deadline for board applications is closed of business on Monday, October 26th.
On Legislative Work: Vote NO on Prop 22 is our #1 focus. We have retained the Marketing/PR firm of Curtis Gabriel to handle social media strategies. We are part of the www.NOonCAPROP22.com coalition. As of now, the No’s are essentially tied with the Yes’s with 25% of likely voters’ undecided. We set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to support the Coalition, who’s set to raise $10 million. Our industry is expected to do our part to support the NO efforts so if you haven’t given yet, please do so! The Coalition is not expecting a huge check from us, they know we are suffering. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the cause. https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/gcla-campaign-vote-no-on-prop-221.
Watch your inbox! Coming this weekend in a GCLA – TV exclusive interview with Assembly person Lorena Gonzalez, the author of AB 5 and champion of the Vote No initiative. This program is facilitated by Mo Garkani, GCLA president along with Mark Stewart, GCLA Legislative Chair. Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez unpacks the details of this landmark legislation. It is a must see!
On Uniting Our Membership in a Face-to-Face Event: The discussion with the board on whether or not to plan for a 1-2 event that includes business strategy meetings, a state of the industry, awards event and a holiday dinner was met with mixed feelings. Many of us are craving the comradery and human interaction that live events afford us. Some directors are concerned about the optics in light of so much pain and suffering this year. We have dates on hold at the Portofino Hotel and Conference Center, Redondo Beach on December 14-15 just in case but we need a consensus. Directors are reaching out to members by email to get feedback. Feel free to contact me as well and let us know if this is something you want to see happen this year.
In close, I must say how proud I am to be a part of such a fighting and spirited group. This industry represents the best of the true American Entrepreneur. These are extremely difficult times for the travel and hospitality industry but still we forge ahead. We are constantly thinking about ways to get mobility “unstuck” and our efforts are paying off…slowly BUT surely. It is an awesome thing to see backyard competitors who are coming together to support one another in the most unselfish of ways. Together we are better and remember, we are In this to WIN this!
Stay strong!
—Sara Eastwood-Richardson
A Second Stimulus Package - What's in it for You
Senate Comes Back Next Week:
What You Need to Know About the Bill That's on The Table
On September 8th, the Senate returns from recess and will take up the matter of finalizing another economic stimulus package.
Steve Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met by phone yesterday to try and find a compromise. President Trump is considering more executive orders to sidestep Congress if the bottle neck is not fixed.
This excerpt is from CNET. These are actions underway that are specifically important for you to understand:
1. The new eviction moratorium
What it is: On Sept. 1, the Trump administration under the CDC banner issued a nationwide order temporarily halting millions of US renters from being evicted, in hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19. The order will cover all 43 million US residential renters so long as they meet certain requirements, and will last through Dec. 31, 2020.
How it could help you: To be eligible for the CDC's eviction moratorium, you must not expect to earn more than $99,000 this year (or $198,000 for joint filers). You're also eligible if you did not report income in 2019, or if you received a stimulus check earlier this year. You must also demonstrate that you've sought government assistance to pay rent, declare that you are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19 hardships, and affirm that you are likely to become homeless if you are evicted.
However, it's important to note that the order does not set aside any new federal funding for renters -- even if renters can't be evicted, they will eventually owe that rent, along with any late fees, penalties or interest. And in the meantime, landlords might struggle without that income from renters. Renters can also still be evicted for reasons other than not paying their rent.
2. A second stimulus payment to spur spending
What it is: A payment sent to qualifying individuals and families, based on annual income, age, number of dependents and other factors. The first stimulus payment authorized under the CARES Act has been sent to over 160 million Americans -- as a check, as a prepaid credit card or via direct deposit. But there have been problems, and after three months some are still waiting for their stimulus payment.
How it could help you: The payment isn't taxable and you can use it however you want -- to pay for food, housing, clothing and so on. The idea is that spending the checks will help the economy recover faster.
Why we think a second payment will pass: The CARES Act authorized payments of up to $1,200 per eligible adult and so does the $1 trillion HEALS Act. The House of Representatives' $3 trillion Heroes Act also called for $1,200 stimulus payments, but for more people. The White House supports another round of checks, which makes it likely that sending out payments will be part of the final bill.
3. Payroll Protection Program designed to help small businesses retain employees
What it is: Intended to help you retain your job, the Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable loans to small businesses as an incentive to keep employees on the payroll.
How it could help you: The PPP is intended to encourage businesses to keep employing workers who would otherwise have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Why we think it could get extended: The Republican proposal will target the hardest-hit small businesses, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said during the rollout of the bill. That includes those with revenue losses of 50% or more over last year.
4. Employee retention tax credit could help companies cover worker pay
What it is: Under the program, an employer can receive refundable tax credits for wages paid to an employee during the pandemic. The employer can then use the credits to subtract from -- and even receive a refund for -- taxes they owe.
How it could help you: Again, it's not a direct payment to workers, but the program encourages businesses to keep workers on the payroll.
Why we think it could happen: The HEALS Act includes further tax relief for businesses that hire and rehire workers, and the Democratic-backed Heroes Act also builds on the tax credits that were part of the initial CARES Act. And there's additional bipartisan support besides.
5. What's happening with Trump's payroll tax cut?
What it is: The president has for months pushed the idea of including temporary payroll tax cuts in the next stimulus package. Another directive he signed earlier this month includes deferring certain taxes retroactively from Aug. 1, through December for people earning less than $100,000.
How it could help you: If you have a job, a payroll tax cut would let you keep more of your earnings from each paycheck for now. The plan would not help those who are unemployed and don't receive a paycheck. Workers and employers would still need to pay those taxes the following year.
Will it stick? Trump signed a memorandum Aug. 8 to enact the payroll tax cut, but it isn't clear if he has the legal right to do so. Typically, financial decisions like tax cuts are authorized by congressional vote, not a presidential order. We'll have to wait and see if legal action is brought against the order. Neither the proposed Heroes Act nor the Senate plan includes a payroll tax cut. US Industry trade groups say the tax cuts may be "unworkable."
Stay Safe,
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
Repossessions: Why Banks Should Not
This Is Why Financial Institutes Should Avoid Repossessions at All Costs!
We all saw this coming - the end of vehicle loan deferments is looming and people are bracing for things to get “bloody.” Here is why it is imperative that lending institutes and YOU work together NOW on a long-term strategy to avoid involuntary repos at all costs.
Without awareness, history repeats itself. That said, we want to avoid the mistakes of the past and instead learn what not to do. Let’s look at what happened in the height of the recession years of the 2007-2009. The first mistake we made is that we panicked. Transportation loans, of which more than half are originated by non-bank finance companies, rely on short-term funding markets for their own financing. In those years, they panicked and acted swiftly to reclaim their collateral. The side-effects to doing that, however, exacerbated the long and very painful transportation recovery of the Great Recession.
It created a glut on the market of used equipment which drove values down. Repos created so much inventory that NEW vehicle sales stalled out for years. Further, repossessions ruined consumer credit, which in turn negatively impacted NEW vehicle sales by a lot. If people are not credit worthy and cannot buy, funding companies dry up. It’s that simple. Such was the case during the Recession. In 2017, there were 16 million new car sales. By 2009, sales crumpled to only 7.9 million sales and caused the collapse of major automakers in Detroit.
It only takes a spark to get a fire going. The consequence of repossessing equipment was a market recovery that took five years when it should have recovered in two. This is why it is so critical for us to avoid the mistakes of the past. We need to have a meeting of the minds with our financial institutions on this matter. Non-voluntary repossessions of vehicles are disastrous for both owners of transportation companies and their financial organizations and must be avoided at all costs.
The GCLA hand delivered a letter to Congressman Kevin McCarthy early this month to ask that the federal government place a moratorium on for-hire transportation vehicles repos (much like the Covid-19 Eviction Defense Project) backed by evidence that anything short of doing so is prolonging the recovery of not just luxury, but all transportation vertical markets AND gravely impacting new vehicle sales and the health of major corporations for years to come. We also asked every operator in the state of California to share a version of the letter with their local legislators. But this is just not enough. You need to do your part. You must meet under friendly terms and then re-negotiate your loans with your financial institute from a point of logic, not emotion. If this industry can revise loans to add to the backend with a longer frontend reprieve – and base that on history and a “case-for” (that means you have to have a plan of action for your business) we could avoid a lengthy recovery.
We have the historical data. We all can agree that a speedy recovery is in EVERYONE’S BEST INTEREST, with the financial institutions at the top of the list. A massive siege of equipment will force us into a very dark hole that will add many more years to restoring our livelihoods.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
-George Santayana, philosopher,1863 –1952
Stay Safe and Stay Strong,
Sara Eastwood-Richardson