|
In This Issue...
- Letter from the President Texas Legislative Activity Updates, Forum in October
- Issue Update TRA Legislative Recap
- Marsh Update Cyber/Ransomeware Insurance
- TRA New Address New Address & W9
- TRA Forum October 26, 2021 - Registration Open
- TRAPAC - Donate to the retailers PAC
- Grocery Industry Update - WIC/SNAP
- Gensa Group New Exclusive Data Analytics Services Provider
- Media Payments New Exclusive Payment Processor Services Provider
- Marsh Wortham - New Employee Benefits Portal/ Healthcare access
- Southwest Financial - Free Employer Benefit
- Lifelock - TRA's Identity Theft Protection Discount Program
- Amerex - Business Energy Program Savings Program
Letter From the President
Greetings Texas Retailers:
Welcome to summer 2021. What a difference a year makes! Hopefully your summers are off to a great start and customer traffic is strong as we get back to the most “normal” life we have seen since early 2020. This summer will certainly represent the opening of a new chapter for all of us, on so many levels, and there is much to look forward to. However, as we look forward to a great summer, we are also celebrating a very successful Texas legislative session for TRA and our members, as well as looking a little beyond the summer to our Texas Retailers Forum, which will be back and in person on October 26th. More details and highlights in this month’s edition of the TRA newsletter.
The 87th Session of the Texas Legislature officially concluded on Monday, May 31st. As we have previously stated, this was a session like no other, given the overlay of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new House Speaker, as well as the unprecedented winter storm in February. Despite all of the associated challenges, the Texas Retailers Association (TRA) team went to work on your behalf in the halls of the Capitol building, both virtually and in person, to deliver one of the most successful outcomes for retailers from any state legislative session in recent memory. TRA fought very hard to pass good legislation, which included successful outcomes on many of our identified priority issues. On balance, TRA had a very good legislative session, getting most key TRA priorities passed into law and signed by the Governor, as well as playing effective defense on potentially harmful bills, and leaving only one major issue to continue to be worked on during the interim, most likely during a soon to be announced special session. Check out the state issues update section of the newsletter for a link to our recap document for the 87th Texas Legislature.
Another recent development has been the increasing number of cyber-attacks using ransomware, which have targeted individual companies, particularly those seen as providing essential goods and services. In light of these recent attacks, TRA consulted with its exclusive business insurance provider, Marsh, to get some insights on what steps companies large and small, should be taking to protect their systems from cyber-attacks. That helpful information is also available for you in this month’s TRA newsletter.
Lastly, to end on a very positive note, registration and hotel booking is now OPEN for the 2021 Texas Retailers Forum, which will take place on October 26th, at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, just east of Austin. We look forward to seeing everyone at the TRA Forum in October, so be sure to register and book your hotel room TODAY!
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Continue to stay healthy and safe.
George Kelemen
TRA President/CEO
Issue Update
TRA 87th Legislative Recap
The 87th Session of the Texas Legislature officially concluded and was gaveled Sine Die, on Monday, May 31st. This was a session like no other, given the overlay of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new House Speaker in Dade Phelan, as well as the unprecedented winter storm in February. Despite all of the associated challenges, the Texas Retailers Association (TRA) team went to work on your behalf in the halls of the Capitol building, both virtually and in person, to deliver one of the most successful outcomes for retailers from any state legislative session in recent memory.
TRA fought very hard to pass good legislation, which included successful outcomes on many of our identified priority issues. On balance, TRA had a very good legislative session, getting most key TRA priorities passed into law, as well as playing effective defense on potentially harmful bills, and leaving only one major issue to continue to be worked on during the interim, most likely during a soon to be announced special session. More than 6,800 bills were filed during the 87th Texas Legislature and just over 1000 were sent to the Governor’s desk. TRA actively tracked over 400 bills and hundreds more amendments directly impacting the retail industry. Click here to review the bills we tracked and the outcome of our legislative priorities.
NRF Town Hall
NRF hosted a Retail Advocates Town Hall with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on June 4 for key discussions on the unique challenges facing Black-owned businesses and priorities of the caucus. The mission of the CBC is to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
“When black-owned businesses succeed, our economy overall succeeds,” said CBC member Representative Colin Allred, D-Texas. Click here to read the full article and here to learn more about the role retail has in amplifying black-owned businesses.
Cybersecurity/ Ransomeware Issue
The issue of ransomware has been raised recently with a couple of very high profile cases. TRA wants to keep you informed of options regarding cyber and ransomware insurance coverage. One of our partners, Marsh provides coverage on a large scale. Click here for a Cybersecurity/Ransomeware issue explanation document.
For smaller retailers, there are options from Insureon, Berkshire Hathaway and others. These policies are standard issued and coverage is from $1000-$5,000, depending on the operation.
If you have questions, David Herbert with Marsh would be available to assist. [email protected]
TRA's New Address
The Texas Retailers Association office is now located in North Austin. Please be sure to share the following with your HR/Accounts Receivable Department so that we can ensure a smooth transition.
As of April 24th, 2021 - Texas Retailers Association's new address is the following:
Texas Retailers Association
13706 Research Blvd, Ste 314
Austin, TX 78750
Click here for a PDF letter and an Updated W-9 to submit to your Accounts Receivable or HR department.
Texas Retailers Forum
Registration and hotel booking is now OPEN for the 2021 Texas Retailers Forum, which will take place on October 26th, at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, just east of Austin. We look forward to seeing everyone at the TRA Forum in October, so be sure to register and book your hotel room TODAY! We look forward to seeing everyone at the TRA Forum on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
Click here to Register for Forum
Click here to Reserve your Room at Hyatt Lost Pines
TRAPAC
TRA had a very successful legislative year in 2021, and we are extremely proud of what we accomplished with your help. We were able to have a 97% success rate on our legislative priorities due to the strategic way we used our PAC dollars.
Now we ask that you assist us in replenishing the TRAPAC coffers, as we need this fund to support candidates in the upcoming election. We ask that you please consider supporting TRAPAC with a donation. Every dollar counts! We cannot support retail-friendly candidates without support for the PAC.
TRA can accept personal donations and PAC to PAC corporate donations. Please contact TRA about donating.
Email [email protected] or visit www.txretailers.org to make a donation to TRAPAC!
Grocery Industry Update
The big news has been the P-EBT funds loaded onto Lone Star Cards at the end of May. P-EBT is designed to compensate families whose children are on free or reduced lunch that have been on virtual learning during the school year. Texas Health and Human Services worked with the TEA and individual school districts to determine the number of children affected. The result has been over
$2.2 billion loaded on the Lone Star Cards of families receiving SNAP benefits. Families can use these benefits during the remainder of this year.
Now the agency is taking applications from families who are non-SNAP. The State has a website and a dedicated toll free number for help with the application. Food Banks from around the State are also helping families who are eligible apply. The State anticipates sending a “special” Lone Star card (looks just like the Lone Star Card) to families at the end of June.
Next, the State agency has been approved to increase the normal SNAP benefit again for June. This will result in an increase of 15%. These additional SNAP benefits may be issued through the summer. However, the State agency must apply each month.
Lastly, one more thing, on P-EBT: The federal agency is working on P-EBT for this summer. If approved, these additional benefits would be paid sometime in September.
WIC benefits are running at about the same level as last year. There has been some increase due to the fresh fruits and vegetable program. The WIC agency has implemented some changes to the license renew process. Here is the link for vendors.
We have all seen the media reports regarding the ransomware attach at JBS meat. Here is a link to an interesting article: Common Beef Market Myths & Facts.
Speaking of meat, during the recent legislature session, a bill was introduced to regulate plant based meat products. TRA lobbied against the bill because it would have put increased burden on grocery retailers to label plant based meat products. Here is a link to an article about both plant based meat products and plant based milk. Both of these categories have seen double digit sales increases. It is interesting to see the portrait of the plant based consumer. Click here for more on this issue.
For questions on Grocery Industry Issues, please contact Gary Huddleston
Member Showcase
Are you feeling overwhelmed with your data? Are you questioning the reliability of your data? Excel and google sheets just aren’t enough for your needs? Have an abundance of reports or systems that don’t communicate?
We know these pains. And there’s nothing worse than having bad data, systems or programs as roadblocks, and having to wrangle your data. We rely on data to make smarter decisions.
We have decades of experience in resolving data issues and data analysis. We offer services in:
• data preparation, cleansing and matching
• data analytics using machine learning and artificial intelligence
• data warehouse consulting
• Training in business intelligence
• Data dashboards
• Data storytelling
• Software licensing
Unsure if we can help you? We offer free initial consultations. Reach out to us at www.gensagroup.com or via email at [email protected].
Media Payments Group provides safe, secure, and dependable payment processing, as well as cost-effective point of sale (POS) solutions that help you run and manage your everyday business functions efficiently. The increased popularity of the virtual world has caused a greater need for credit card payment processing services and point of sale solutions . But when it comes to choosing the right provider, here’s what sets us apart from the rest:
- Transparent pricing custom designed to save you money
- 24-7 customer service and technical support
- True partnership that promotes and supports your businesses growth
- Online portal to track transaction history, batch totals, etc.
- Next-day funding available if batch closed by 10pm CST
Max Linden | VP of Business Development
O: 844-MPGTALK | C: 713-855-9336
[email protected]
Texas Retailers Association Benefits Program
The Texas Retailers Association (TRA) has been working to help solve a problem affecting our members and every business in the US—access to affordable healthcare. COVID-19 has made that need more apparent than ever.
We are proud to bring you TRA Healthcare Solutions, available at the TRA Benefits Center website. With this solution, we can finally provide our members with access to high-quality, cost-effective health solutions that are flexible enough to meet your specific needs.
We fought to make sure that you would have access to medical, dental and vision plans from national carriers, but we didn’t stop there. This program will also provide access to cloud-based HR services, comprehensive business insurance, and new features to respond to COVID-19 like affordable telemedicine and virtual doctor visits.
Be on the lookout for more information from the TRA Benefits Center highlighting the benefits exclusive to TRA members. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to support your employees.
Contact
David J. Hebert, Vice President - Client Executive
Office 713.276.8012
Cell: 281.606.2247
[email protected]
Christina Scott, Vice President - Client Executive
Office 572.379.2698
Cell: 512.497.4626
[email protected]
Is Your Productivity Lagging?
As more and more people are getting vaccinated, your employees may be thinking about taking advantage of the warmer weather this summer. Maybe that’s taking a family vacation or enjoying a staycation at home. No matter how it’s enjoyed, your employees come back energized and more productive.
What if you had a financial partner that can assist your employees with their financial needs, while helping your company increase production? When you partner with Southwest Financial, not only are we here to assist your employees with their financial needs, here’s what you get out of the partnership:
- Enhance your benefits package at no cost to you (and no extra work!)
- Increase direct deposit penetration
- Lower overall payroll costs
- Improve employee engagement and productivity
- Increase employee morale
- Reduce employee absences
- Reduce the stress in your employees’ personal lives
- Create more financially secure employees
For almost 60 years, we have helped employees of partner companies like yours get their finances back on track by offering affordable loan options, financial education tools, and sensible products and services. This is a free benefit….and we do all the work! As a result, that’s less turnover and increased revenue for your company.
Contact Venoka Daniels at [email protected] or 214.580.9930 to begin your financial partnership.
As a member, you receive 10% off LifeLock services and you can live freely knowing that LifeLock is searching over a trillion data points every minute of every day looking for potential threats to your identity. When LifeLock finds your personal information being used, they will alert you through their patented Identity Alert System. Click here to sign up today!
A TRA-endorsed service provider since 2002, Amerex is the largest OTC (wholesale) natural gas, electricity and emissions trader in North America. Their real-time involvement in the wholesale energy market and their customized service has consistently yielded significant cost savings to TRA members. Save on your gas, or electricity! Click Here to Learn More
Email: [email protected]
www.amerexenergyservices.com
|
