Thrive Outside Atlanta: Connecting With the Outdoors During COVID-19

In its first year, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative has made multi-year grants to four regions across the country (San Diego, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Grand Rapids) to build and strengthen networks focused on providing children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. Our communities are finding unique ways to positively impact their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

We’re proud to share the ways one Thrive Outside Atlanta organization, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, are continuing to connect with and serve their local youth.

 

 

“Providing accessible, sensory-based, outdoor programming through technology”

With a curriculum that typically encourages the use of our senses for learning and exploring, shifting to online curriculum initially seemed to be a daunting task for us at West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA).

At WAWA, we believe that the power of play, inquiry instruction, social constructivism and cultural relevance are foundational principles of environmental education pedagogy. We quickly identified a crossroads between our pedagogy and technology in order to offer sensory-based livestreams in lieu of O-ACADEMY, our spring break camp.

When developing content for digital audiences in response to COVID-19, there were a few important factors to consider including digital accessibility, exercises that can be completed outdoors, and sensory-based engagement with youth. Because some residents in our community struggle with access to technology to complete daily tasks such as school-based distance learning, we decided to use accessible social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram to host content, because we know many of our constituents utilize these channels. With COVID-19 anchoring us all at home, we chose programs that could be done outdoors and with little supplies. Lastly, we wanted to ensure the programs feel participatory, and so, we encourage families to grab household items and participate in programming that draws on our senses to enhance our understanding of the outside world.

One of our programs “Sensory with Soils” provides youth a learning opportunity from simply playing in the dirt. During this program, we encourage the touch and observation of soil types to understand the benefits and best uses of each soil.

We also generated a survey among our online communities to determine if the increased digital content was useful or overwhelming. The results of this survey will help us to determine how we continue developing digital content and through which platforms we deliver it. WAWA will continue to provide accessible, sensory-based outdoor programming for digital audiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we look forward to adding more digital offerings to our environmental education moving forward.

Anamarie Shreeves,
Environmental Education Programs Manager,
West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)

Trade Alert: New China Tariff Exclusions – Hydration Backpacks, Duffels, Bikes, Messenger Bags

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced that it approved another group of tariff exclusions for products hit by the List 3 China 301 tariffs, including several outdoor products. As a result, any company can gain tariff relief on items that match the product description approved by the USTR. We are writing to provide you with the details on these exclusions to ensure that OIA members are able to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their tariff costs.

To learn more about this exclusion process and how to take advantage of it to reduce your tariff costs, join us for a webinar this Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m. (ET).

The group of product exclusions is retroactive to Sept. 24, 2018, and will be valid through Aug. 7, 2020. Here are some examples of the products included:

  • Backpacks with hydration packs
  • Bikes
  • Duffel bags
  • Messenger bags

In order to claim this exclusion, your product must match the product description, and you should use Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 9903.88.45 when importing your product.

Again, any importer can benefit from a granted exclusion if the product matches both the subheading and the exact specifications of the granted product description. If your product matches the written description but is not currently classified under that provided HTS, we recommend that you check with your customs broker or counsel to review its applicable classification.

To claim duty refunds using a product exclusion, importers can either submit a post-summary correction (PSC) or file a protest. For future imports, the Chapter 99 number assigned to that product exclusion must be used on entries and entry summaries. Guidance on this process issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be found here.

We will keep you updated on any future developments on China 301 product exclusions.

Thrive Outside Grand Rapids: Connecting with the Outdoors During COVID-19

In its first year, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative has made multi-year grants to four regions across the country (San Diego, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Grand Rapids) to build and strengthen networks focused on providing children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. Our communities are finding unique ways to positively impact their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

The following work, led by our partner organization Our Community’s Children in Thrive Outside Grand Rapids, has applicability in other regions across the nation that are trying to help people experience the outdoors during coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

 

 

With governments issuing stay-at-home protocols, it became clear to one Grand Rapids-based nonprofit that parents and children didn’t realize that it was still ok to venture outside to boost mental and physical health. “We talked with after-school providers and found out that parents didn’t know what they could do outside. So, we reviewed local, state and national standards and developed a resource for parents on the subject,” said Lynn Heemstra, executive director of Grand Rapids’ Our Community’s Children program.

The resource comes in the form of a brief publication titled “Yes, You Can Go Outside” and is available to families in both English and Spanish. To create the document, Our Community’s Children worked closely with local city staff and leaders from Grand Rapids Public Schools. The publication honors the importance of maintaining social distancing, and reminds families that children should not be interacting with friends other than online, and they should not use playground equipment or engage in any close-contact sports such as basketball, soccer or football.

The resource provides other suggestions to help families get a nature break, including going for walks, biking, fishing, listening to birds and exploring trails. All this is packaged with some common sense tips (such as taking your own water bottle, avoiding public restrooms and water fountains). Be sure to check local guidelines when applying this resource to your region, and good luck getting outside to enjoy some fresh air during these challenging times.

COVID-19 Webinar: Ingenuity & Rediscovery: The Consumer Response to COVID-19

Speakers: Kristin Minzenmayer, Director – Egg Strategy (Denver)
Tim Donza, Managing Director, Lifestyle – Egg Strategy (New York)
Fiona Atzler, Senior Director – Egg Strategy (New York)

From home schooling and virtual offices to social distancing and lockdowns, COVID-19 has already changed a lot about daily life in a short time. Egg Strategy, a leading insights and brand strategy consultancy, has spent the past month following consumers across the United States to see how their relationships with their spaces (indoors and out) have adapted and what new behaviors have emerged. Here they serve up some provoking ideas and thoughts for how the outdoor industry can learn and grow with consumers.

COVID-19 Webinar: Small Business Support to Boost Economic Recovery

Speakers: Burl Kelton, U.S. SBA and Frances Padilla, Colorado SBA District Director

If you are a small business owner, you know that the last few weeks (just barely a month!) have been anxious, frustrating and hopeful.

Congress has charged the U. S. Small Business Administration with the huge task of funneling sustaining funds of billions of dollars to small businesses and employees alike, in an effort to sustain them in a difficult and nearly impossible situation. Using the traditional SBA and bank partnership and the Disaster Assistance Office, the agency revamped programs in just days, and the billions of dollars of funding could move directly into the economy in a historical effort unmatched in the more than 50 years of the agency.

Learn how the agency is supporting small business.

 

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Additional Resources and FAQ

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SBA CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program

Best resource: www.sba.gov/coronavirus

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Does applying for the EIDL preclude a business from the PPProgram?

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No.

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Can businesses apply for BOTH the EIDL loan and the PPP loan?

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Yes. Apply for the short term emergency SBA Disaster Assistance EIDL (SBA.GOV), the long term SBA Disaster Assistance EIDL (updated website pending) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (local financial provider or bank).

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Can a business apply for a PPP and use that for payroll/payables/utilities and have that forgiven if it meets the criteria, then apply for an EIDL to buy components for the coming season?

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Visit sba.gov /coronavirus.

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If you take advantage of the cares act $10,000 loan can you still apply for the PPP?

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Yes.

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When will the PPP loan will be active and do you apply thru the SBA website similar to the 10K loan?

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You can apply through your local financial provider or bank after April 3, 2020.

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When will local SBA-preferred lenders be receiving guidance on PPP?

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Lenders may begin participating April 3, 2020.

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How will Shareholder Distribution be counted as income for the PPP grant/loan?

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Consult with your CPA.

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Are sole proprietor LLC’s or S-Corps with one employee(the owner) eligible for the EIDL or the PPP program?” template=”basic/accordion” attribute-data=”name:heading;type:text;label:Heading|name:template;type:text;label:Block”]
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Apply with the short term SBA Disaster COVID EIDL at, www.sba.gov using the link at top of the screen. Be sure to also consult your PPP banker and information at, www.sba.gov/coronavirus.

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Consult with Your PPP Financial Provider, Banker and/or CPA for details regarding these questions.

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  • The PPP states from Feb 15 to June 15 – and that it’s a grant if I keep all employees. What if the number of employees decreases due to not having the income to support this. Will the grant turn into a loan? Example – I had 5 employees on payroll in March but I will most likely have 3 by June – If I take the PPP loan and pay for payroll April, May and June will I be accountable to pay this back in a loan or will it be under the grant?
  • Regarding PPP, if we already had layoffs, and don’t intend to replace those employee’s for reasons not linked to Covid-19, how does the forgiveness work?
  • If rent is paid using a company’s credit card, what type of documentation is necessary to satisfy forgiveness under PPP?
  • Should I apply for the PPP for employees and the CARES act SBA loan for rent etc? Or just CARES loan?
  • PPP is intended to support cash flow in order to maintain payroll. But is it applicable to support just a portion of my employees who are still on the payroll?
  • If you take a loan out that is only enough to cover the 8 week period of payroll, rent and utilities, will that loan in its entirety be forgiven?
  • How do we access the paycheck protection program?
  • Should I keep employees on payroll, even though we’ve let them all go from the Ski shop?
  • If hours for employees are reducedcould we still be eligible for the payroll loan?

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Visit sba.gov /coronavirus for answers to these questions and more.

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  • For the PPP loan program, how should seasonal businesses (like ski resorts) address the payrolls and loan forgiveness impact of seasonal employees.
  • Our company is owned by a company in Europe. We are incorporated in the US and employ 20 full time US staff. Are we eligible for PPP and EIDL?
  • For PPP loans, are independent reps considered employees (1099), or temps hired through an agency?
  • When do we expect more detail on the payroll protection plan?
  • Is a private organization registered as a nonprofit (non-charity) eligible for PPP?
  • Where can I find the most updated information on Paycheck Protection Loan vs Standard 7(a) SBA Loan?

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CARES Act SBA Disaster Emergency EIDL

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How does the loan become a grant?

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If you demonstrate the business meets the requirements and make request.

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Would we be *required* to bring everyone back?

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See www.sba.gov/coronavirus and consult with your PPP banker or CPA.

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If you apply for PPP and still have to furlough SOME employees, is the forgiveness just proportional to who you were able to keep employed?

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Visit sba.gov/coronavirus for more details.

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Are 1099 employees eligible for the payroll grant?

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Independent contractors are eligible to apply for the short term SBA Disaster Assistance emergency EIDL loan/grant. Apply at, sba.gov and click on the yellow banner link at the top of the website.

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Should we reduce our payroll totals from 2019 by employee contributions to health care premiums?

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Consult with your CPA after reviewing the program at sba.gov/coronavirus.

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If I am the only full-time employee of my business and all of my employees are part-time, how does this affect the loan amount or loan forgiveness?

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Please visit sba.gov/coronavirus for more details about employee break downs.

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As a ski shop, my staffing needs cyclically decline at this time every year. How is that factored into the loan forgiveness?

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Visit sba.gov/coronavirus about the EIDL and for more information on the PPP consult your banker or CPA.

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Are both the Economic Injury Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program dually available or is it only one per business?

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Businesses may apply for one, two, or all three programs: PPP, short term emergency disaster assistance EIDL and long term disaster assistance EIDL.

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If my Sales Agencies has 1099 contractor what can I do for them? Can the Payroll Program work?

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Independent contractors may apply individually.

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The summary of the program that was communicated to me was that we can borrow up to 2.5x our average monthly payroll. If we maintain our payroll until June 30th the principal will be forgiven. I know there are specific requirements, but is that a general summary of the program?

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That is one aspect of the PPP. Visit sba.gov/coronavirus for more details.

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SBA Disaster short-term emergency EIDL

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Why does it say that the $ 10,000 loan from EIDL does not need to be repaid?

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The loan can be converted to a grant if all fund usage requirements are met.

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Can you clarify the $10,000 program under CARES?

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It is a short term SBA administered emergency economic injury loan up to $10,000 based on the number of employees in the business. It is intended to be used for payroll and operating expenses. It may be converted to a grant if all requirements are met.

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For EIDLs, is early payback an option? Is there a penalty for early payback?

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There is no prepayment or early repayment penalty.

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Can you access the emergency economic injury grant funds even if you aren’t eligible for an EIDL loan?

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There are two SBA Disaster Assistance EIDL loans. They may be applied for separately, but you do need to be qualified and not an ineligible applicant. The long-term Disaster Assistance EIDL online portal is still being updated and will be available soon. The short-term Disaster Assistance emergency EIDL can be reached at: www.sba.gov with the link at the top of the screen.

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SBA Disaster long term COVID EIDL

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How does the SBA determine the amount of an EIDL loan, and how do they determine the length of the term?

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The long-term SBA Disaster EIDL loan amount and term is set by SBA based on all available financial information from the business and in discussion with the owner.

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Does current Tax status affect eligibility?

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Discuss this with your Loan Officer in processing.

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Do you consider charitable organizations the same as non-profit organizations? Are non-profits of any kind eligible for EIDL?

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Charitable organizations and public non-profits (government or government services) are not eligible.

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Do 501(c)3 organizations qualify?

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Private non-profits are eligible. Church non-profits can only be of secular non-religious activity. Discuss with a Loan Officer if you have questions.

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We applied last week but did not receive an application number because of the SBA web portal issues. Should we re-apply?

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For the long term SBA Disaster EIDL loan status, call: 800-659-2955, or email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, until the website is available. You do not need to re-apply if your application is in the processing system.

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Would the long-term loan be forgivable? Such as a grant?

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At this time, the long-term SBA Disaster Assistance EIDL loan does not have a forgiveness component.

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Are assets pledged to secure the long-term loan?

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Collateral is not required in Phase I.

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Does a savings account that we have built up over time as a business exclude us from receiving approval?

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Generally, no. The Loan Officer can discuss any concerns you have about current savings.

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What are the rates and terms of EIDL loans?

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The short-term SBA Disaster emergency loan, if not converted to a grant, and the long-term SBA Disaster loans have interest rates of 3.75% for business and 2.75% for private non-profits. Both are simple, annual rates.

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What Financials are required for SBA disaster assistance?

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The short-term SBA Disaster emergency loan asks for previous year’s revenue total and previous year’s cost of goods. Also, additional income from other sources. No documentation is required with the application. The long-term requirements are being updated and will be available soon.

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What is the time limit on the application process?

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Deadline to apply is Dec. 31, 2020.

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If the same officer runs an S-Corp and a Non-Profit, can they each apply?

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Yes. They must be separate business entities.

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Can a foreign entity apply for the long-term loan? Would the size of the foreign HQ entity be added to the U.S. entities?

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The applying entity must be a U. S. company. You will need to discuss size limits and ownership issues with the Loan Officer.

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How quickly will funds disperse after application is approved?

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The short-term SBA Disaster emergency EIDL has a target turnaround of a few days for eligible funds. We will be working to disburse as soon as possible for the long-term SBA Disaster EIDL loans, once the site is operating with new CARES Act features.

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Seasonal Employers

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In a seasonal business, employees have been on unemployment. When I ask them to return, some are choosing to stay home. They are looking for unemployment and the $600 weekly. At that point, no unemployment, correct?

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We don’t have any information about state unemployment programs. Contact your state agency.

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What if you are a seasonal business that will open May 15 but it appears that may not happen due to business closures for social distancing reasons?

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If you have employees and operating expenses to remain viable as a business, apply to all three programs, after consulting with your banker and/or CPA for the PPP.

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We employ 1099 contractors, are we allowed to pay them for lost work using an EIDL loan?

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Independent contractors may apply to both the short term and long term SBA Disaster EIDL.

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What if you employ both seasonal and non-seasonal employees?

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Visit sba.gov/coronavirus for more details about employee classifications.

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Other FAQs

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Can a recently started business (less than one year old) qualify for any of this?

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Yes, if in business on Jan. 31, 2020.

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Is there a way to apply other than online? We have a member of our LLC with a more than 20% interest that is a non US national so they have an ITIN rather than a SSN for taxes. The SBA site keeps registering the ITIN as an error and I cannot proceed with the application.

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Consult the Loan Officer if you are applying for the long-term SBA EIDL. Information may be added during loan processing.

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What are the declared disaster areas? Isn’t the entire country in the disaster area based on the President’s National Emergency decree?

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A separate disaster declaration is required for each state individually, requested by the Governor.

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What if this goes longer than June?

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The long-term SBA Disaster EIDL is designed for long term recovery. The deadline for application for the long-term EIDL is December 31, 2020.

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Should employees/owners be filing for state unemployment, and how would that effect any assistance going forward? Assuming all/most employees would be retained.

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Consult with your state agency regarding unemployment programs and visit sba.gov/coronavirus.

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Can you use disaster assistance loan for a termination of lease/eviction negotiation?

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That would be the business owner’s decision.

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Thrive Outside OKC: Connecting with the Outdoors During COVID-19

In its first year, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative has made multi-year grants to four regions across the country (San Diego, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Grand Rapids) to build and strengthen networks focused on providing children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. Our communities are finding unique ways to positively impact their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

We’re proud to share the innovative work from our Thrive Outside Oklahoma City Community through one of their leading organizations RIVERSPORT.

 

 

Staying connected to the outdoors right now is challenging. We want to offer families a fun, easy activity that uses everyday items, and we want to tie it into getting more kids and families involved in kayaking and canoeing.

We launched the RIVERSPORT Cardboard Canoe Challenge inviting Thrive Outside partners and families across the community to “think outside the box” and transform household cardboard into canoes of their own design. While some people are building boats large enough get on the water, others are building mini versions to float in their backyard ponds, pools or even bathtubs. The creativity has been impressive!

This can also be a STEM activity for kids. RIVERSPORT is providing online worksheets exploring the concepts of buoyancy, boat design, engineering basics, Newton’s Laws of Motion and boat vocabulary to help parents who are suddenly teaching science and math at home.

This curriculum is part of RIVERSPORT’s SOAR initiative – Success through Outdoor Adventure and Recreation – a collaborative learning adventure that brings together Thrive Outside and STEM education in a teamwork experience. It begins in the classroom where kids divide into teams to build cardboard canoes, then culminates in a field trip to RIVERSPORT where they race and every student has the opportunity to go paddling. Our goal is to offer the experience to every seventh-grader in Oklahoma City metro area Title 1 schools.

Once shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, RIVERSPORT is planning a community-wide Cardboard Canoe Challenge day as way to celebrate being back on the water. RIVERSPORT is also encouraging other communities to join the Cardboard Canoe Challenge by either launching their own promotion or sharing RIVERSPORT’s. Everyone can use #cardboardcanoe as a way to connect on social media.

For now, the focus is on the fun of spending time with family and staying connected to the outdoors. RIVERSPORT hopes that time spent thinking about and building canoes will encourage families take the next the step and try kayaking or canoeing this summer.

To learn more or download the STEM worksheets, visit riversportokc.org/cardboardcanoe or email info@riversportokc.org.

Elizabeth Laurent
RIVERSPORT

Thrive Outside San Diego: Connecting with the outdoors during COVID-19

In its first year, The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative has made multi-year grants to four regions across the country (San Diego, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Grand Rapids) to build and strengthen networks focused on providing children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors.  Our communities are finding unique ways to positively impact their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

We’re proud to share the innovative work from our Thrive Outside San Diego Community through one of their leading organizations Outdoor Outreach.

“Our youth need connection now more than ever. In this unprecedented time, young people are especially impacted by a lack of resources, feelings of uncertainty and fear, and separation from supportive role models and peers. This is even more true for the teens we serve, many of whom are affected by poverty, abuse, family dysfunction, and chronic health conditions.

Outdoor Outreach is committed to helping our participants thrive through the COVID-19 crisis. Our programs look different right now, but the focus of our work hasn’t changed: building support systems that help youth face adversity in their lives with strength and courage. Instructors can’t lead group outings in the outdoors, so they’re innovating ways to maintain critical connection with youth including virtual meetings and leadership trainings, live-streamed mindfulness and physical wellness activities, and youth-led community outreach promoting responsible outdoor activities.

Our Leadership Program is a great example. When social distancing measures were implemented just one week into the 12-week program, participants insisted that we shouldn’t cancel or reschedule. They wanted to meet on the phone or through video conferencing to stay connected, share challenges and resources, and provide much needed support for their peers.

For most participants, the Leadership Program is their only extracurricular activity still meeting during the crisis. The teens are combating feelings of social isolation through twice-weekly virtual meetings and learning to safely enjoy outdoor spaces by practicing OO’s 10 Principles of Getting Outside Responsibly During COVID-19. Reporting a new appreciation for little things that nearby nature has to offer–like a cool breeze on their face and time watching the clouds with family–participants have taken leadership in their communities by encouraging friends and family to adopt the same principles and to meet-up virtually instead of in-person. 

I’m proud of our team for helping youth gain a sense of agency over their circumstances and maintain resilience through the COVID-19 crisis. I encourage you to visit our website, follow us on social media, and, if you can, make a gift to support connection for youth who desperately need it.”

Ben McCue
Executive Director
Outdoor Outreach

COVID-19 Webinar: Thriving in Chaotic Times – The Neuroscience Behind Our Distress

Speaker: Julie Auger, MOD

How is our brain perceiving and responding to the current threats? As leaders, what may we do to alleviate these threat responses for our employees and ourselves? This webinar provides a look into how our brain is reacting, how we may find our focus and how we may manage our emotions best to adapt to our new reality. There will be time for questions, discussion and connection. Together we can thrive.

 

About the Speaker
Julie holds a master’s in organizational development and leadership from Saybrook University and a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in environmental science and biology. After working 13 years as a fisheries and wildlife biologist, Julie decided to integrate her knowledge of complex ecological systems into human system dynamics. For 14 years, she has facilitated both large- and small-scale change initiatives for a variety of organizations and communities. Julie is currently a trainer and consultant in the Employers Council Organizational Development and Learning Department, specializing in helping leaders and organizations thrive in today’s rapidly shifting landscape.

OIA CALLS FOR 90-DAY DEFERRAL ON TARIFF PAYMENTS: TAKE ACTION TODAY TO HELP

Last week, OIA continued its efforts to secure relief for small outdoor businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, including an urgent call to the Trump administration to lift all punitive tariffs on outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment sourced from China. We greatly appreciate those who have joined us by sending letters to their congressional representatives in support of this effort.

Now, we are calling on the administration to support a deferral of duty payments on imports for at least 90 days to provide much-needed liquidity to outdoor companies and help them preserve jobs and stay in business. Such action is consistent with the three-month delay on filing of personal and corporate income tax returns which has already been instituted.
TAKE ACTION

Outdoor companies already face import tariffs of about 14 percent, on average, and as high as 37.5 percent. Many outdoor companies are paying punitive tariffs of 10 or 25 percent on top of those on affected products sourced from China. A deferral of tariff payments on imports would help outdoor companies, particularly small businesses, address serious cash-flow issues during this challenging time when retail outlets have closed and manufacturers have shut down due to COVID-19.

Once again, we need your help. Please reach out to your representatives and senators and urge them to Take Action to join OIA and support a deferral on tariff payments for at least 90 days. You action will help outdoor companies get back to what they do best: developing new, innovative outdoor gear to enhance the outdoor experience and get more Americans outdoors.

You can also still contact your congressional representatives and urge them to support lifting punitive tariffs on outdoor products sourced from China.

OIA has taken a series of actions to help outdoor companies manage the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • OIA signed letters organized by the Americans for Free Trade coalition to the president and the House Ways and Means Committee urging the administration to lift all punitive China 301 tariffs.
  • OIA submitted comments to the House Ways and Means Committee outlining the negative impact of the China 301 punitive tariffs on outdoor companies and calling for them to be removed.

We will continue to keep you updated on our advocacy work. In the meantime, join us, Thursday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m. (MT) for an informative webinar presented by Monument Advocacy on how the latest COVID-19 stimulus package will impact outdoor businesses.