1. NECA Helps Secure Construction Industry Exemption in Final IRAP Rule

On March 10, 2020, the Department of Labor released the final rule of the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAP) regulation. The final rule contains a permanent construction industry exemption, thereby protecting our industry from participation in IRAPs. NECA released a statement thanking the Administration for recognizing that the construction industry has longstanding expertise in the creation and execution of apprenticeships.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA strongly advocated for the construction industry’s exemption, with thousands of NECA contractors sending comments to the Department of Labor. By securing this exemption, the long-established, gold standard apprenticeship model that NECA Contractors utilize will remain intact and not be subjected to these parallel programs which will operate with less scrutiny and limited educational requirements.

2. The House Introduces Legislation to Address COVID-19 Outbreak

Washington D.C., like the rest of the nation and world, is responding to the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). On the evening of March 11, President Trump addressed the nation live from the  Oval Office. On Capitol Hill, negotiators continue to work to find a compromise between competing coronavirus response bills.

NECA’s Look Ahead: In response to the crisis, the Senate plans to cancel a previously scheduled recess week. The House will gavel out today and will return to Washington D.C. on March 23, 2020 to finish the negotiations on a final response package. NECA CEO, David Long, released the following statement in response to the legislative and regulatory negotiations: “ NECA government affairs remains fully engaged with Members of Congress, the Department of Labor, and OSHA on how to best handle the COVID-19 outbreak with safety being a top concern for our contractors and their employees. We continue to monitor legislation coming out of Congress to address the economic impact of this outbreak and will inform our contractors on how to best work with the new regulations when they are finalized.”

3. NLRB Chairman Testifies Regarding Funding      

On March 11, 2020, the House Committee on Appropriations held a hearing on the National Labor Relations Board Budget Request for FY 2021. Testifying on behalf of the NLRB was the Honorable John Ring, Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB budget request and justification documents can be found here.

NECA’s Look Ahead: The NLRB’s FY 2021 budget request funds their mission to protect the rights of employees, unions, and employers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). NECA believes that lawmakers should continue to fully fund the NLRB and encourage their leadership to expedite the hiring of their regional offices.

1. Administration Calls for Additional Funding for PPP

One of the most popular programs created in the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), has released over $70 billion to small businesses to help them remain viable during this pandemic. Due to the large demand, the Administration has requested additional funding for that program in a letter to Congressional leaders.

NECA’s look Ahead: Senate Democrats requested an additional $250 billion for hospitals and local governments in addition to funding for the PPP while Republican leaders argued that funding for the PPP is the only account that requires additional immediate funding at this time. The Senate adjourned on April 9, 2020 unable to pass additional funding for the PPP under unanimous consent.

2. Treasury Guidance Clarifies Qualifications for PPP Borrowers

With the passage of the CARES Act, many agencies have been scrambling to enact the reforms and programs developed in rapid time. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which allows substantial loans to be granted under favorable terms by the Small Business Administration, came under scrutiny for potentially requiring businesses to meet both size and revenue requirements instead of just the size requirements (under 500 employees) originally required. While this scrutiny came from an over-cautious interpretation of an earlier guidance, the Treasury Department offered additional guidance to make it clear to borrowers that they may meet either the revenue standards listed under a given NAICS code or qualify by having less than 500 employees. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA worked with key leaders once the CARES Act was signed into law to attain greater clarity on this issue for our contractors. This new change will give NECA contractors the predictability they need to move forward with the new SBA loan program. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the CARES Act and continue to maintain in constant conversation with Congressional staff and agency officials to communicate the needs of our members. 

3. DOD Releases Rule on Payment to Small Business Contractors

Earlier this week the Department of Defense (DOD) released a final rule on the defining and implementation of accelerated payments to classified small businesses under DOD contracts. The rule (DFARS Case 2018–D068) which finalizes the implementation of a section from 2019’s National Defense Authorization Act urges the federal government to pay small business contractors within 15 days of the receipt of a proper invoice. While this is only a goal for the federal government and not a direct mandate, which NECA advocated for in the past, we view this final rule and its upcoming full implementation as a positive step forward.

NECA’s Look Ahead: We encourage NECA contractors to read the final rule and monitor its implementation on DOD contracts. With your feedback and on-the-ground experiences, we will be better able to make lawmakers and agency officials aware of its progress.

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The Team Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang deliver original, acquired and classic animated and live action entertainment. With digital and gaming businesses, in-house animation production facilities, and studios on both coasts, the division is both grassroots and cutting edge. The combination draws talented people to our doors and audiences to our channels. Check it.   The Job Adult Swim Games is looking for an experienced Senior Brand Manager to join our game publishing team. As a Senior Brand Manager, you will be in charge of leading all marketing initiatives for an exciting upcoming video game. The unannounced game will be a close extension of one of the best-known television shows in the universe. This is an incredible opportunity to become immersed in the creation of innovative and fun PC, Console and Mobile games, as a key member of one of the greatest entertainment companies in the world.   Perhaps you're also a marketing pro by day, and a gamer at night? Awesome! We'd love to hear about your gaming experience and familiarity with Adult Swim.   The Daily Serve as brand lead across global markets, working closely with key stakeholders within WarnerMedia to drive awareness and conversions for current and upcoming games. Lead the full marketing life cycle for games, including market analysis, acquisition campaigns, and retention programs. Manage the marketing KPI's for our games to identify and react to opportunities and challenges. Collaborate across multiple disciplines and departments, including external studios, to inform and coordinate integrated marketing campaigns. Represent marketing initiatives with senior leadership, to help guide long-term corporate strategies. Work closely with production teams to help define and refine features to improve marketability of games. Partner with business development to identify and grow co-marketing and partnership opportunities. Work with internal and external creative, media and digital agencies to produce key art, screenshots, trailers, websites and other creative work. Travel approximately 30% of the time in conjunction with promotion of games   Who You Are You have 5+ years of experience in consumer and product marketing, preferably in either entertainment or technology. You have a track record in launching and sustaining digital products or services. You're results oriented and understand how to apply demonstrable ROI and KPI's for marketing campaigns. You're skilled in data analysis and reporting, particularly for launch marketing campaigns. You have strong product management experience, with a solid understanding of live services product life cycle. You have proven experience in strategic marketing and creative production, leading cross-functional teams to successful execution. It's a plus if you have video game industry experience! You have excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments at once. You're a polished professional who is comfortable serving as the main contact for executives, internal stakeholders, partners, and third-party agencies You are a self-starter and strong team player who can work independently and responsibly. You are a strong spoken/written communicator with the ability to develop creative, clear, and concise storytelling for a variety of audiences You're just as nutty and passionate about gaming and our beloved Adult Swim brand as we are!     The Perks! Full-time position (40+ hours/week) Eligible for full benefits package (medical, vision, dental) + retirement benefits (401k matching!) Fantastic paid time off package (includes vacation, sick and personal days, plus holidays) Competitive compensation package Paid time off every year to volunteer 2018 Best Company for Working Mothers AND Dads An industry leading in-house learning and development team to help shape and grow your career Working for incredible WarnerMedia brands like HBO, CNN, WB, TBS, TNT, Turner Sports, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and more!   The WarnerMedia Story  WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including: HBO,  Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, Turner Sports, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others.     Warner Media, LLC and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.   

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