No images? Click here Welcome to the inaugural Washington Weekly newsletter! GCCA is excited to add this new member benefit as a part of our expanded government affairs activities. In addition to the newsletter, GCCA is also offering a new monthly Advocacy Webinar Series that is free to members. With a new Administration and Congress, it is increasingly important to understand the latest policy developments and potential impacts to our industry. We hope you will enjoy the Washington Weekly and we look forward to engaging with you more through these new resources to promote and protect the cold chain.GCCA Announces Partnership with InHouse Physicians to Vaccinate Critical Food Supply Chain WorkersOn February 23, 2021, The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and InHouse Physicians (IHP) announced a formal partnership to help essential employees in the food and agriculture industry receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Through the program, GCCA members can work with IHP to submit applications to conduct worksite vaccinations for these critical workers. This process will help members in navigating the varying state approaches to vaccinations and enable their essential employees to get vaccinated at a designated worksite. U.S. Government Responds to Unsubstantiated Claim that COVID-19 May Be Transmitted Through Food or Food PackagingGCCA applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) response to China’s unsubstantiated claim that COVID-19 may have been contracted through the cold chain. Biden Administration Announces Several Reforms to PPPOn Monday, February 22, 2021 the Biden Administration announced several reforms to PPP with the intent to focus on the smallest businesses. One new provision for members to be aware of is starting last Wednesday, February 24, a 14-day period was instituted, during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for relief through the Program. Click HERE to review these new PPP reforms. GCCA Submits Comments on FDA Food Traceability Proposed RuleOn February 22nd, GCCA submitted comments to FDA on its Proposed Rule on Food Traceability GCCA’s comments call on the agency to further recognize the unique role of third-party providers in the food supply chain and consider modifications to the proposed provisions. President Biden Executive Order on Supply ChainOn February 24, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains, which highlighted that the United States needs resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains to ensure our economic prosperity and national security. Read more HERE. GCCA Launches Advocacy CenterGCCA has launched a new Advocacy Center as part of the association’s expanded advocacy efforts. This new platform will enable GCCA members to engage with their elected officials to promote and protect the industry. All GCCA members are encouraged to SUBSCRIBE to the new Advocacy Center program to receive the latest on policy developments and grassroots campaigns. Advocacy Fund Established to Support Enhanced ServicesGCCA has established a new strategic initiative, the Advocacy Fund, to expand our advocacy efforts on behalf of our industry. This Advocacy Fund will support our increased efforts to promote and protect the cold chain. Members are urged to consider making financial contributions to support these expanded advocacy efforts. To learn more about the Fund or about how you can contribute click here or please contact Lowell Randel. Stay tuned this week for the announcement of GCCA's first advocacy grassroots campaign and tune in to Thursday's inaugural Advocacy Webinar to learn more. |