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Welcome back to this week's edition of the Washington Weekly newsletter - bringing you the latest and greatest policy updates from Washington, D.C.
GCCA Expresses Support for PPP Application Extension
On Monday, March 15, 2021, GCCA joined 93 other organizations in sending a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Small Business Committees expressing our support for the PPP Extension Act of 2021. This legislation would extend the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program application period beyond the March 31, 2021 sunset date to June 30, 2021. The House overwhelmingly approved the legislation by a vote of 415-3 on March 16th. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
GCCA Hosts Meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Senior Officials
On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, GCCA leadership hosted a meeting with senior officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss opportunities through the American Rescue Plan to assist our industry financially. The American Rescue Plan includes provisions to support Food Supply Chain and Agriculture Pandemic Response. GCCA is advocating that the funds dedicated to support loans and grants to strengthen the food supply chain within the American Rescue Plan have the potential to provide critical support to our industry. GCCA will continue to work with USDA as they craft a program to support the resiliency of the food supply chain.
GCCA Hosts Monthly COVID-19 Webinar Series
On Thursday, March 18, 2021, GCCA hosted our monthly COVID-19 Webinar Series. This webinar focuses on the National Emphasis Program (NEP) issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Friday, March 13 and the recently passed American Rescue Plan.
Watch a recap of the Webinar HERE.
GCCA Members Invited to Participate in USDA Funded Survey on Pandemic Impacts to Food Supply Chain
A USDA funded survey is being conducted by a multi-university team asking those in the food supply chain to share their experience from this last year, to help understand food supply chain disruptions and better prepare for future pandemics or disruptions. The survey takes 20-25 minutes to complete, depending on the individual characteristics of your business operation and the accessibility of information on business operations. GCCA believes this is a good opportunity for members to highlight the impacts of the pandemic on the cold chain industry.
GCCA encourages members with operations in the United States to participate in the survey.
Find the survey HERE.
Call to Action: Nominate a Cold Chain Champion
Do you have a colleague who you believe performs exceptional work and deserves special recognition? We are highlighting our members and their achievements on social media. Nominate yourself, your company, or your colleague for a chance to be spotlighted as a #ColdChainChampion!
Submit nominations, a short explanation, and a photo to Rachael Oury at roury@gcca.org.
GCCA Launches Advocacy Center
GCCA 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 Services
GCCA 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.
