Dear Booksellers,

We’re getting right to the point today...

Advocacy

There’s hope that more relief is on the way. This week, Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration began crafting their priorities for another coronavirus relief package. While the full proposal is expected to be released early next week, the package is likely to include: 

  • Additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for certain businesses with revenues down more than 50 percent;

  • Tax credits to incentivize businesses to hire workers;

  • More funding for COVID-19 testing;

  • An additional round of direct payments to individuals;

  • Funding for schools to reopen; and 

  • Flexibility for state and local governments to spend federal relief (with no new aid). 

Bipartisan negotiations are expected to begin next week once Republicans finalize their proposal.

In the meantime, bipartisan recovery fund legislation, dubbed the Small Business Comeback Act (H.R. 7671), was introduced in the House by Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX-34) and Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX-05). The Comeback Act would provide federal grants to businesses for operating expenses like rent, utilities, payroll, insurance premiums, state and local taxes, and certain debt obligations. The Act calls on the recovery fund to prioritize businesses that have experienced significant revenue loss due to COVID, businesses in a rural or low-to-moderate income community, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and small businesses. Sole proprietors and other self-employed individuals would be eligible.

We’ll need your help with our advocacy efforts. Watch next week’s updates for a call to action about lobbying your lawmakers as they begin negotiations on the latest COVID-19 relief package.

Action Items

American Express
Let your customers know about AmEx’s promotion for small businesses. From now until September 20, cardmembers are eligible to receive up to a total of $50 in statement credits when they shop with your small business. AmEx cardholders who activate this offer by July 26 will receive $5 statement credits for every $10 they spend up to $50. (Corporate cards are not eligible.)

Children’s Institute
If you missed the chance to attend Ci8 a couple of weeks ago, treat yourself! The videos (except for Rep Picks, which will be posted next week) are now posted in the Education Resources (check the box for “Children’s Institute 2020” under “Filter by conference”). All of the videos are worth watching but if you’re pressed for time and the current crisis weighs heavy on your mind, at least check out the Store Voice, Online Sales, and Profitability session for some valuable tips on amplifying your store’s voice, optimizing social media and customer communication to drive online sales, and maximizing profitability. 

Take Good Care
A reminder about self-care and mental health resources during COVID. 

Events

Technology Meetup 
On July 30 at 1:00 p.m. ET, learn about the virtual meeting platform Zoom. Last month, publisher Wiley offered to send copies of Zoom for Dummies to independent booksellers free of charge upon request. Now, Wiley has gone a step further to work with ABA and Zoom for Dummies author Phil Simon to set up this Technology Meetup, during which Phil will provide his expert advice on Zoom, including best practices, tips, and answers to some commonly asked questions. Registration is required.

Daytime Coffee Break 
The Tuesday, July 28, Coffee Break has been reprogrammed to focus on IndieCommerce and IndieLite, ABA’s e-commerce platforms for bookstores. The coffee break will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. ABA IndieCommerce Director Phil Davies and Senior Manager Geetha Nathan will be available to discuss the IndieCommerce/IndieLite services and answer questions pertaining to the two. Booksellers currently using either of the services and booksellers interested in either service are encouraged to come prepared with questions. Those interested in attending who do not already have the Coffee Break meeting credentials should email info@bookweb.org for that information.

Evening Coffee Break 
The next evening Coffee Break will take place Thursday, July 30, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Meeting credentials are the same as the weekly 3:00 p.m ET break, and all are welcome to attend. If you do not have the login credentials, please email info@bookweb.org.

And to play us into the weekend, a message from the Rock Bottom Remainders.

ABA is here for you. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Members can contact me directly or email the Membership, Advocacy, or IndieCommerce teams.

Best,
Allison

Allison Hill (she/her/hers)
Chief Executive Officer

American Booksellers Association
333 Westchester Ave., Suite S202 
White Plains, NY 10604 | 800-637-0037 
info@bookweb.org • www.BookWeb.org

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