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May 11, 2020
Supporting Your Executive Workforce

Having been a student of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) Executive Management Institute (EMI) 20-plus years ago, I can attest to the value of this unique course. The binder from the course I attended in 1997 – and the insight I gained – have accompanied me throughout my

May 08, 2020
Creating a Workforce That Sticks With You

According to a 2018 Salary.com survey, the manufacturing & distribution industry has a retention rate of 80%, which puts it above industries such as hospitality and healthcare. That and similar studies find companies that retain motivated employees are able to reduce expenses and boost productivity

May 08, 2020
An Update from NAW Government Relations Team - 5.7

As of today – yet again – no MSLP launch date has been announced. We will continue to monitor the Federal Reserve for information and provide you with any relevant and timely updates.

Latest on the Paycheck Protection Program

Last week, the IRS issued guidance that prevents businesses from deduct

May 08, 2020
An Update from NAW Government Relations Team - 5.5

NAW, along with our association allies, sent a letter to Congressional leaders today urging them to pass legislation that would temporarily change tax law to allow a business to deduct “bad debts” in the current tax year, rather than when they have met a facts-and-circumstances test that can take ye

May 06, 2020
An Update from NAW Government Relations Team - 5.6

There is a growing debate in Washington about whether the SBA should release the names of the companies that received PPP loans, along with the details of each loan. The calls for “transparency” are in response to the publicity about large, publicly traded companies getting loans; those advocating

May 05, 2020
Affinity HR Q&A of the Month

Q: We have an employee whose daughter tested positive for COVID-19. Her daughter is now feeling better and my employee would like to come back to work, but I want to make sure she is not carrying the virus. What do you advise?

A: That's wonderful news that her daughter is fully recovered. That sa

May 04, 2020
An Update from NAW Government Relations Team - 5.4

Last week, the Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, released updated guidance on the MSLP program to support lending to small- and mid-sized businesses by eligible lenders. The April 30 guidance expands on and, in several areas, supersedes prior materials publish