Spring 2020 – News Beat

REPS SUPPORTING THE SUPPLY CHAIN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PARTS AND SERVICES SERVE AN ‘ESSENTIAL’ ROLE

ERA released a general counsel update by ERA experts Gerald M. Newman and Adam J. Glazer which stated that sales reps supporting the supply chain for critical infrastructure parts and services serve an “essential” role consistent with CISA guidance. The CISA guidelines are advisory only and are intended to assist state and local authorities in developing their own policies on “essential” workplace services. Many state and local authorities and agencies have issued or are in the process of issuing their own guidelines or advice, and ERA members should remain cognizant of all applicable regulations or standards addressed to their eligibility to serve as “essential” workers.

ERA INTRODUCES NEW WATER COOLER TELECONFERENCE SERIES

Join ERA every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. EDT for its free weekly ERA Water Cooler Teleconference. This new series provides an open forum to both ERA members and non-members. Participants can join in on the conversation and contribute to different topics by sharing challenges that all of us face today. For login information or to listen to past Water Cooler sessions, visit era.org/era-events/era-water-cooler-teleconference-series/.

TUNE IN TO ERA’S NEW PODCAST — ERA TALKS

ERA launched its new monthly podcast series, ERA Talks. The series features informative and educational interviews with industry leaders in a quick conversational format. Tune in to listen to the first episode, “ERA: Adapting in a Changing World,” featuring David Norris, president and owner of Norris and Associates and chairman of the ERA Board of Directors, and Chuck Tanzola, CPMR, VP of Fusion Sourcing Group and ERA president. For more details, visit era.org/era-media-center/era-talks-podcast/.

SEMI URGES ‘ESSENTIAL BUSINESS’ DESIGNATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR COMPANIES

SEMI urged government representatives around the U.S. and world to designate the semiconductor industry as an “essential business” so operations at companies across the chip supply chain can continue without interruption as the spread of COVID-19 continues. Semiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics and information technology and are critical in helping health workers effectively treat COVID-19 symptoms, according to Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO.

CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

ERA is committed to sharing important information with its members during these challenging times. The following resources offer assistance to small businesses affected by the coronavirus:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released its Coronavirus Loan Guide to help small businesses, independent contractors and gig economy workers prepare to file for a coronavirus relief loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The guide outlines the steps small businesses should take now and prepare to access much-needed funds to help keep their workers on the payroll during this disruptive period. Further guides will be developed as the CARES Act becomes implemented.

For more information, visit www.uschamber.com/coronavirus.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance (EIDL) program for small business owners in all U.S. The SBA EIDL program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. In addition to this loan, SBA is offering an immediate $10,000 advance (the Emergency Economic Injury Grant) within three days of applying for an EIDL.

For more information, visit covid19relief.sba.gov/#/.

IN MEMORIAM OF BERNARD C. NEWMAN

It is with great sadness that ERA must report the passing on Jan. 31, 2020, of Bernard C. Newman, Jr., former chairman of the ERA National Board and long-serving member of the ERA Insurance Trust Board. He was 92.

He established his rep firm, the Newman Sales Company, in 1960 and several years later was a co-founder of ERA’s Keystone Mountain Chapter (in the Pittsburgh area). After serving as the chapter’s national delegate for several terms, he was elected to the ERA National Executive Committee, eventually becoming the association chairman. He was inducted as a White Pin member in 1975 and was elected to ERA’s prestigious Hall of Fame in 1990.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, their three daughters – Gretchen Burdett (David) of Boynton Beach Fla.; Jill Giorgetti (Bobby) of Half Moon Bay, Cal.; and Ellen Newman (Justin Hill) of Irvine, Cal.- plus five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.