NEMA has developed specific guidance on how to maintain cleanliness while preserving the functionality and integrity of electrical equipment. Common disinfecting methods like fogging can damage electrical equipment and pose a safety hazard. To clean and disinfect electrical equipment, first, follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods. If you have a specific question, contact the electrical manufacturer for guidance.

Download the free NEMA GD 4-2020 COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Electrical Equipment. NEMA's website has additional resources and updates in response to COVID-19.

BKD 2020 Federal Quick Reference Guide
The U.S. tax code continues to evolve as COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts spur revisions and clarifications. Be sure you’re ready—start by downloading BKD's Quick Reference Guide, which is up to date for 2021.

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Updated PPP Rules for Sole Proprietors, Contractors, & New Forms Released
In February 2021, the Biden administration announced several reforms to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This article provides details on an SBA interim final rule that incorporates those updates, issues several new/updated loan application forms, and updates its frequently asked questions document.

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PPP Update & Greater Access for Smallest Businesses Proposed
On February 22, 2021, the Biden administration announced several reforms to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This article provides details on how the reforms may affect small businesses.

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Expanded Employee Retention Tax Credit Opportunities for Businesses
This article will focus specifically on the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and the significant changes that were made to the credit that extend the credit period, increase the credit amount in 2021, and expand the ability for businesses to qualify. These changes may allow some taxpayers who previously weren’t eligible to claim the credit in 2020 to now qualify and retroactively apply for refunds.

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Paycheck Protection Program Round Two – What You Need to Know
This article will focus specifically on the PPP 2 Loans and the interim final rule (IFR) issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of the Treasury on January 6, 2021 (PPP 2 IFR).

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Also, see this previous BKD Thoughtware® article and webinar for guidance on other changes made for First Draw PPP loans and the PPP loan forgiveness rules. You also can listen in to this recent “Simply Tax” podcast episode to learn more about the PPP changes.

Free Downloadable Booklet
This booklet provides guidance on key areas that business leaders should focus on to not only guide their teams through times of difficulty but also prepare them to come out stronger on the other side.

• Checklist of key considerations
• Internal and external communications
• Cash flow planning
• Understanding your relief options
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • CARES Act Provisions
  • Paycheck Protection Program
  • Business Interruption Claims
  • FEMA Public Assistance
• Tax provisions
• Cybersecurity considerations
• Remote work best practices

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• New Rules & Forgiveness Form for PPP Loans of $50,000 or Less & Lender Responsibilities
• PPP Loan Guidance for Ownership Changes — Information for Buyers and Sellers in Transactions Where One or More of the Companies have a PPP Loan
• PPP application deadline now August 8, 2020 — $132 billion still available
• SBA Updates PPP Loan Foregiveness and Loan Review Procedures
• From BKD: Thoughtware Alert Regarding Changes to PPP (Posted June 18, 2020)
• Accounting for Paycheck Protection Loans
• Article outlining U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued two interim final rules (IFR)
• Congress Passes Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Fixes
• Main Street Program Live — Lender List The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston released a state-by-state list of lenders approved for issuing Main Street loans. The listing will be updated regularly as additional lenders that are accepting applications from new business customers complete the registration process. Lenders will assess borrowers for a Main Street loan based on meeting the program terms and the lenders’ own underwriting standards, as part of evaluating financial condition and creditworthiness.
• Webinar Recording (Presented May 18, 2020)
• Paycheck Protection Program — Best Practices for Documentation

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tax & Accounting Resource Center

WEBINAR RECORDING: Pandemic Response & Cybersecurity Considerations

COVID-19: Response Guidance from BKD Trusted Advisors

SBA Releases PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released a loan forgiveness application that borrowers must complete to have their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiven. The form includes detailed information about the eligible cost for forgiveness and instructions for calculating those costs, as well as a list of documents to submit and documents that must be maintained but are not required for submission. Click here for more details on the process.

Small Business Administration Resources

Industry Insights, a research company, conducted four surveys with members from several associations, including EASA, regarding the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis. The first survey took place in mid-March, the second in early April, the third in late April and the fourth in late May.  The video below showcases an overview of some answers from the May survey. Member answers are first compared to the overall responses, then to EASA member responses from the first and second surveys. The password-protected Excel workbooks allow you to dive deeper into the comprehensive data.

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June Survey

FULL RESULTS

Late-April Survey

FULL RESULTS OPEN-ENDED RESPONSES

Early-April Survey

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FULL RESULTS OPEN-ENDED RESPONSES

March Survey

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FULL RESULTS OPEN-ENDED RESPONSES

Leading Through Crisis
In this new webinar created specifically for owners, general managers and sales leaders, highly rated 2019 EASA speaker Mike Weinberg will share strong words of encouragement, practical coaching tips, and powerful best practices for leading (sales teams) through this unique time.

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Surviving Today's Financial Challenges
In this webinar, Al Bates, renowned speaker and friend of EASA, reviews the financial challenges you're facing in these complicated times. This program was presented on Tuesday, April 14.

This program provides a structure you can use to evaluate your own situation and adjust your actions accordingly. 

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Open Forum: Coping With Coronavirus

Join EASA's Management Services Committee and other EASAns as they provide insights on how they are handling their response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Video duration: 86 minutes