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Motorcoach operators will soon be able to apply for the long-awaited Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act as the U.S. Treasury has finally released on May 6 its established guidelines for preparing to apply. The program will be a formula grant, not a competitive grant, and may be issued in waves. The portal is NOT yet open to applications, but is expected within the next several weeks.
The CERTS Act was signed into law by former President Trump in December 2020 as part of his administration’s last COVID relief package, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This allocated $2 billion to several industries including the motorcoach industry.
The program is open to motorcoach and school bus transportation providers who meet the criteria:
- Are a private sector company, including a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or sole proprietorship
- Established or organized in the United States or pursuant to Federal law
- Have significant operations and a majority of employees based in the United States
- Have been in operation on March 1, 2020
- Have experienced a revenue loss of 25 percent or more, on an annual, calendar year basis from 2019 to 2020, as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19
- As of March 1, 2020, either
- Have had 500 or fewer than 500 full-time, part-time, or temporary employees and not been a subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of any other entity with a combined total workforce of more than 500 full-time, part-time, or temporary employees OR
- Have had more than 500 full-time, part-time, or temporary employees and not received a loan under the Airlines Loan Program or National Security Loan Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act1 (or have been a subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of any entity with a combined workforce of more than 500 full-time, part-time, or temp
- At the time of application, have not received Federal assistance provided in response to COVID-19 under the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, or any other provision of law, that when combined exceeds the total amount of revenue earned by the entity during calendar year 2019.
According to the U.S. Treasury webpage: The progam will provide up to $2 billion in grants to eligible companies that certify they have experienced an annual revenue loss of 25 percent or more as a direct or indirect result of COVID. CERTS grant funds are primarily to cover payroll costs, but may also be used to cover the acquisition of services, equipment, including PPE and protection measures from COVID-19 for workers and customers; continued operations and maintenance of existing equipment and facilities; rent, leases, insurance, and interest on regular debt service.
Once the portal is open to receiving the first applications, it will be a four-week window to submit for the funding. Operators are encouraged to get the necessary paperwork together to make the application process quicker and smoother.
For more information, visit the Treasury’s CERTS page.
[05.07.21]
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NLA President Robert Alexander
National Limousine Association (NLA) President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide has announced the launch of a new campaign entitled On the Road Again.
Designed to allow members to promote their businesses’ high levels of quality, safety, and service provided every day, the campaign will offer a free customizable video. Accompanying the video will be supporting material and information on digital and social media marketing, media outreach, and much more.
“After over a year of challenges, I believe many of us are more optimistic than we've been in quite some time,” said Alexander in an email to NLA members. “In spite of all of these challenges being thrown at us, one thing I have been grateful for as NLA President is the opportunity to connect with and listen to so many members about their experiences. I have then in turn been able to work with so many volunteers, vendors, and others to provide guidance, materials, and support to our members and the industry.”
Alexander will appear live on the NLA Facebook page on Wednesday, May 12 at noon ET to officially launch the campaign, and to offer details on the initiative.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[05.07.21]
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- Category: Industry News
Alison Klein Sherman of Klein Transportation
The Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (GNJMA) has announced that Alison Klein Sherman, president of Klein Transportation, is joining their Board of Directors.
The GNJMA Board of Directors has six committees. Klein Sherman has elected to serve on the Membership & Bylaws Committee.
“I look forward to representing Klein Transportation on the Board of GNJMA,” says Klein Sherman. “While this is a difficult time for our industry, COVID has also provided us with the opportunity to re-evaluate our businesses, continue to develop the positives and make changes to and improvements in the areas where they are needed. The relationships built through GNJMA have always been important and are even more invaluable during this time. I am excited to work with the Membership & Bylaw committee and to see the progress of all the members and how we can help each other in the coming years.”
Klein Transportation has been family owned and operated since it started with student transportation in 1957. Klein Sherman is now the fourth generation excited to continue the family business by providing safe, quality transportation with motorcoaches and school buses. She is involved with the hiring of all employees to ensure the company focus on customer service is carried through with every employee. Previously, Klein Sherman spent many years at Klein as a tour sales representative and tour planner, then VP of Finance before being promoted to president recently.
Klein Transportation offers luxury motorcoaches and air-conditioned school buses to meet the travel needs of all groups.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is our privilege to continue to have the Klein family serve on our Board. We welcome Alison and her positive energy and commitment to the industry,” says GNJMA President Tim Stout of Stout’s Transportation.
Visit gnjma.com for more information.
[05.07.21]