Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Northern Virginia Technology Council Applauds Inclusion of Section 3610 of the CARES Act in Continuing Resolution Bill
MCLEAN, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The Northern Virginia Technology Council issued the following news release:
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) applauds the inclusion of Section 3610 of the CARES Act in H.R. 8337, the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act.
Section 3610 allows the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies to modify contract terms to help pay for contractor workforces to remain at a "ready state." This allows contractors to file for the reimbursement of labor costs for employees who are unable to access federal facilities due to the
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MCLEAN, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The Northern Virginia Technology Council issued the following news release:
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) applauds the inclusion of Section 3610 of the CARES Act in H.R. 8337, the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act.
Section 3610 allows the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies to modify contract terms to help pay for contractor workforces to remain at a "ready state." This allows contractors to file for the reimbursement of labor costs for employees who are unable to access federal facilities due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. The provision was originally set to sunset on September 30, 2020. If H.R. 8337 is enacted, Section 3610 authority will be extended through December 11, 2020.
"NVTC is pleased that this important provision has been included in the Continuing Resolution," said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of NVTC. "The extension of Section 3610 is critical to retain and preserve the talent and employees within Northern Virginia's technology community which NVTC member companies have spent a tremendous amount of time, energy and resources to recruit and develop."
"NVTC would like to thank the numerous Senators and Members of Congress who support this important initiative," continued Taylor. "Specifically, we would like to recognize Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) for his tireless efforts working to include the extension of Section 3610 in the Continuing Resolution."
[Category: Computer Technology]
National Ocean Industries Association: Offshore North Carolina Moratorium Diminishes American Energy, Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The National Ocean Industries Association issued the following statement on Sept. 25 by President Erik Milito:
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National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after President Trump announced the expansion of the Atlantic energy moratorium to include offshore North Carolina:
"Americans are trying to climb back from a historic economic downturn, and today's announcement places additional offshore energy development out of reach and locks away much needed investment and jobs. An offshore moratorium that stretches from
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The National Ocean Industries Association issued the following statement on Sept. 25 by President Erik Milito:
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National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after President Trump announced the expansion of the Atlantic energy moratorium to include offshore North Carolina:
"Americans are trying to climb back from a historic economic downturn, and today's announcement places additional offshore energy development out of reach and locks away much needed investment and jobs. An offshore moratorium that stretches fromthe Eastern Gulf of Mexico to the top of North Carolina's offshore areas needlessly jeopardizes our nation's long-term economic and national security.
Time and time again, we have seen how domestic energy moratoriums only lead to outsourcing of energy production and economic growth as countries such as Russia happily wait in the wings to make up our domestic energy supply gap.
"The announcement also casts tremendous uncertainty on the outlook for wind offshore North Carolina. A recent Wood Mackenzie report indicates that a prospective 2020 or 2021 wind lease sale offshore the Carolinas could support 37,000 jobs and $3 billion in wages annually, more than $44.9 billion in total capital investment and 11.5 GW of electricity. Without a clear and stable regulatory horizon, interest and investment in developing offshore wind resources will be diminished."
[Category: Energy]
National Grain and Feed Association, U.S. Agriculture Groups Urge Trump to Remain in the WTO
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The National Grain and Feed Association issued the following news release:
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and 61 other U.S. agriculture stakeholders have urged the Trump administration to remain in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and for Congress to vote against any resolution that would end U.S. membership in the international trade body.
In a letter sent this week to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the groups emphasized support for efforts to reform WTO rules, noting that "improvement is needed" to hold WTO members accountable
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The National Grain and Feed Association issued the following news release:
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and 61 other U.S. agriculture stakeholders have urged the Trump administration to remain in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and for Congress to vote against any resolution that would end U.S. membership in the international trade body.
In a letter sent this week to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the groups emphasized support for efforts to reform WTO rules, noting that "improvement is needed" to hold WTO members accountableand improve the organizations' governance, including the selection of a new director-general.
"Continued U.S. membership and active participation will help ensure that necessary reforms are undertaken...," the letter states. "As long as exports are important to U.S. agriculture, WTO membership will be essential, as well."
U.S. agriculture is heavily dependent on exports, the letter stated, with more than 20 percent of total U.S. agricultural production destined for foreign markets. The WTO grants U.S. agricultural exporters most-favored nation (MFN) treatment in 163 countries, representing more than 80 percent of the global economy. The trade body also provides rules to guard against arbitrary use of technical regulations to block imports, the groups noted.
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September 23, 2020
To: The Honorable Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Representative, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, 600 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20508
Dear Ambassador Lighthizer,
The undersigned organizations appreciate the value and benefits of the United States involvement in the World Trade Organization (WTO). We support effective reform in this critical international body to enhance the ability of American agriculture to access foreign markets.
There is no doubt that the Uruguay Round, along with many other rounds, provided a more stable world trading environment for U.S. agriculture.
In the WTO's first two decades overall trade in goods has nearly quadrupled, while WTO members' import tariffs have declined by an average of 15 percent. Over half of world trade is now tariff-free. The WTO affords U.S. agriculture producers and exporters most-favored nation (MFN) treatment in 163 countries, representing over 80 percent of the global economy. The WTO provides rules to guard against arbitrary use of technical regulations or standards to block imports, such as actions associated with sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures that lack a clear basis in science and are protectionist in intent.
With more than twenty percent of overall agricultural production in the United States destined for foreign markets, U.S. agriculture is heavily dependent on exports. The existing WTO rules and the day-to-day work of its committees and secretariat to provide transparency and accountability from its Members remains critical to future export growth, for America's farmers and ranchers, and the millions of American jobs - most of them off-the-farm - that are linked to and dependent upon U.S. agriculture.
While the WTO has been beneficial for U.S. agriculture, its rules have not kept pace with changes in the global economy, and improvement is needed to hold members accountable and improve the organizations' governance. We appreciate and support efforts to provide needed reforms.
The present transition in WTO leadership is strongly linked to the success of WTO reform, and the opportunity to reinvigorate its negotiating function. Choosing a Director General with the ability to facilitate these reforms should be an overriding consideration in the selection of the next WTO Director General. We note other essential traits and leadership abilities critical to the evolution and success of the WTO moving forward:
* Proactive leadership of the WTO and advocate for rules-based trading system;
* Vision for WTO reform and resiliency in the future;
* Adept at navigating across disparate member country positions and demonstrated ability to build coalitions;
* Balance of political and management experience and acumen;
* Ability to explore creative solutions and flexible thinking; and
* An appreciation of the complexities of agriculture and food trade structures and global supply chains.
Today's economic adversity in rural America underscores the importance of constructive engagement in needed WTO reform. The implementation of U.S. supported agreements through the WTO remains necessary to achieve progress on a wide variety of international agricultural trade concerns. American agriculture's future continues to lie in expanding access to foreign markets and eliminating barriers to our exports.
Continued U.S. membership and active participation will help ensure that necessary reforms are undertaken, and that the WTO will continue to play an important and effective role in economic development of the United States and our trading partners. As long as exports are important to U.S. agriculture, WTO membership will be essential as well.
Sincerely,
American Dairy Products Institute
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Feed Industry Association
American Potato Trade Alliance
American Seed Trade Association
American Soybean Association
Animal Health Institute
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
BelGioioso Cheese, Inc.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
Cargill
Commercial Creamery Co
Corn Refiners Association
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Farmers for Free Trade
FMI - the Food Industry Association
Foremost Farms USA
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Hop Growers of America
International Dairy Foods Association
International Ingredient Corporation
KCoe Isom, LLP
Leather & Hide Council of America
National Aquaculture Association
National Association of Egg Farmers
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Barley Growers Association
National Confectioners Association
National Corn Growers Association
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Grain and Feed Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pasta Association
National Potato Council
National Retail Federation
National Sunflower Association
National Turkey Federation
Nebraska Grain and Feed Association
North American Export Grain Association Inc
North American Meat Institute
North American Millers' Association
North American Renderers Association
Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance
Northwest Horticultural Council
Produce Marketing Association
Roquette
Sartori Company
Sweetener Users Association
Syngenta
The Hershey Company
U.S. Apple Association
U.S. Canola Association
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Wheat Associates
United Fresh Produce Association
US Dry Bean Council
USA Rice Federation
WineAmerica
World Perspectives, Inc.
Cc: Honorable Chuck Grassley, Chairman, Senate Finance Committee
Honorable Ron Wyden, Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee
Honorable Richard Neal, Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee
Honorable Kevin Brady, Ranking Member, House Ways and Means Committee
Honorable Pat Roberts, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
Honorable Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
Honorable Collin Peterson, Chairman, House Agriculture Committee
Honorable K. Michael Conaway, Ranking Member, House Agriculture Committee
[Category: Agriculture]
[Category: CaptureV]
NAWBO Statement on Wells Fargo CEO Comments
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The National Association of Women Business Owners issued the following statement by CEO Jen Earle:
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Wells Fargo has been a steadfast supporter of women business owners for the past twenty-one years. Our partnership helps to elevate women into spheres of power, and we value their contribution.
"The recent comments from Wells Fargo CEO Charles Scharf misrepresent black communities and go against everything we believe in and stand for.
"However, NAWBO does not believe these comments reflect the values of the employees, the boots on the ground, and executives that
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The National Association of Women Business Owners issued the following statement by CEO Jen Earle:
* * *
Wells Fargo has been a steadfast supporter of women business owners for the past twenty-one years. Our partnership helps to elevate women into spheres of power, and we value their contribution.
"The recent comments from Wells Fargo CEO Charles Scharf misrepresent black communities and go against everything we believe in and stand for.
"However, NAWBO does not believe these comments reflect the values of the employees, the boots on the ground, and executives thathelp continue our NAWBO mission.
"We hope to help Wells Fargo leadership now and in the future, as they work toward their goals of improving diversity and inclusion both within the company and across the industry, including reinforcing how NAWBO values and seeks a diverse and inclusive membership," said Jen Earle, NAWBO CEO.
[Category: Business]
Direct Sellers Meet Virtually With Members of Congress to Demonstrate the Importance of Independent Work in Today's Economy
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The Direct Selling Association issued the following news release on Sept. 25:
On September 23, The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for direct selling companies, hosted its annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill for independent direct sellers throughout the United States. The event took place across the country this year and participants spoke with elected representatives virtually at their homes.
More than 125 direct selling distributors and executives representing 33 states met with Members of Congress during Direct Selling Day on Capitol
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The Direct Selling Association issued the following news release on Sept. 25:
On September 23, The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for direct selling companies, hosted its annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill for independent direct sellers throughout the United States. The event took place across the country this year and participants spoke with elected representatives virtually at their homes.
More than 125 direct selling distributors and executives representing 33 states met with Members of Congress during Direct Selling Day on CapitolHill. The independent direct sellers from across the U.S. met virtually through video calls this year to emphasize the importance of protecting independent workers. They also discuss how direct selling offers a flexible, and low-risk pathway to entrepreneurship for millions of Americans.
"It's always a pleasure to meet with direct sellers who contribute so much to Florida's 9th District and the greater Orlando community. I've seen the presence from a corporate and philanthropic perspective, but it was nice meeting individual direct sellers. I enjoyed hearing about the freedom and flexibility they have to operate their businesses and be competitive with the modern economy." said Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL).
"We are pleased to continue our annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill with direct sellers and executives participating virtually from around the country," said Joseph N. Mariano, president and chief executive officer for the Direct Selling Association. "During the ongoing pandemic, its direct sellers who are able to maintain personal contact with their customers while providing products and services that are backed by a connection. As the retail economy continues to evolve in the United States, it's crucial that our elected officials understand the value of the direct selling industry and the differences between direct selling and other independent contractor work."
These direct sellers are only a small representation of the more than 6.8 million entrepreneurs engaging in the business across the United States.
While meeting with Members of Congress and their staffs, they urged them to consider the implications and importance of maintaining the independent contractor status for all direct sellers, emphasizing that direct selling offers individuals a low-risk way for them to participate in today's fast-growing economy.
DSA continues to work with Members of Congress to ensure direct sellers are fully understood at all levels of government.
[Category: Media]
DOE CESER Commits $12M to Grid Security Solutions With $6M for APPA to Aid Public Power
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The American Public Power Association issued the following news release:
The Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) has announced cooperative agreements totaling $12 million over a three-year period to develop and deploy cyber and cyber-physical solutions for distribution and municipal utilities.
CESER will partner with the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as part of the congressionally directed initiative, with the funding being split equally
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The American Public Power Association issued the following news release:
The Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) has announced cooperative agreements totaling $12 million over a three-year period to develop and deploy cyber and cyber-physical solutions for distribution and municipal utilities.
CESER will partner with the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as part of the congressionally directed initiative, with the funding being split equallybetween the two organizations.
"Grid security is a journey, not a destination," said APPA President and CEO Joy Ditto. "This funding from DOE-CESER will provide us with critical resources to continue to navigate this journey. Developing and enhancing tools to assist public power and co-ops in protecting critical infrastructure will ultimately benefit the entire industry."
The end goal is to provide utilities with emerging innovations at the hardware, firmware and/or software levels to protect the key operational technology components that enable the safe control of the physical systems that deliver electric power.
[Category: Energy]
COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbating 'Pre-Existing' Conditions of Financially Struggling Skilled-Nursing Facilities, According to ABI Journal Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
Those practicing in and for skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) reasonably expected failure and death at rates greater than other health care settings because of what an article in the September ABI Journal deemed the "pre-existing conditions" of the industry. "The skilled nursing industry's pre-existing conditions have multiple causes, the most impactful being the unique financial model found in the SNF industry," Jerry Seelig of Seelig+Cussigh HCO LLC (Los Angeles), David Hoffman of David Hoffman
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
Those practicing in and for skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) reasonably expected failure and death at rates greater than other health care settings because of what an article in the September ABI Journal deemed the "pre-existing conditions" of the industry. "The skilled nursing industry's pre-existing conditions have multiple causes, the most impactful being the unique financial model found in the SNF industry," Jerry Seelig of Seelig+Cussigh HCO LLC (Los Angeles), David Hoffman of David Hoffman& Associates (Philadelphia) and Louis J. Cisz III of Nixon Peabody LLP (San Francisco) write in their article, "Painful Impact of COVID-19 on the Troubled Skilled-Nursing Industry."
An SNF is a nursing home that a friend or family member moved to when that individual's care and safety demanded supervision, and nursing care was not available at home or in the current assisted living facility, according to the authors. This nursing home is also a skilled-nursing provider in that it provides post-acute and/or surgery care that is far more cost- and clinically effective in an SNF setting.
The authors identified three pre-existing conditions of the skilled nursing industry that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic:
* An SNF can (and often does) have one party that owns the building, another that owns the license to operate and yet another that is hired to be the operator.
* SNFs are now more than 50 percent for-profit and are heavily dependent on REITs, equity investors and lenders of all sorts.
* The industry has failed to adequately prepare for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
"These factors have set the stage for both industry-wide restructurings and bankruptcy filings for many facilities and management companies," Seelig, Hoffman and Cisz write.
The authors highlighted that the debtors and/or restructuring clients in question are health care providers, meaning that they must yield to (1) lives that are in danger; (2) the conflicts among Bankruptcy Rules, regulations and practices, and health care rules, regulations, reimbursements and even culture; (3) the profound lack of understanding of health care settings, in particular skilled nursing; and (4) a limited tool set to assess, manage and improve health care providers. "Many facilities and multi-facility owners entered the pandemic without cash reserves and with cash flow burdened by large payments to REITs, equity funds and lenders," Seelig, Hoffman and Cisz write. "Therefore, the for-profit SNFs will face the greater challenges of having enough money to pay the bills and to support their investors and landlords."
The authors said that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act saved many from immediate collapse, yet it did not slow the financially and quality-challenged facilities' rapid descent toward restructuring. "Going forward, there will be a large number of new and potential skilled-nursing debtors and restructuring clients with extraordinary financial and operating challenges," they write.
Seelig, Hoffman and Cisz fear that these challenges cannot be met if those tasked with restructuring can only monitor without enforcement, enforce without mandated quality improvement, and, if the interim manager lacks the resources to rebuild, then maintain quality care and safety. "It is imperative that additional interventions such as the Temporary Management program bring public funding to the restructuring effort and concurrently create hybrids of the TM [temporary managers] and other interim-management programs to ensure resident safety, reduced likelihood of harm and set the foundation for needed facilities' long-term financial viability," they concluded.
To obtain your copy of "Painful Impact of COVID-19 on the Troubled Skilled-Nursing Industry," please contact ABI Public Affairs Officer John Hartgen at 703-894-5935 or jhartgen@abiworld.org.
To stay up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to bookmark ABI's Coronavirus Resources for Bankruptcy Professionals website (abi.org/covid19).
[Category: Financial Services]
