EMA Member Service Benefit Reminder with Wolters Kluwer BizFilings to Help Streamline Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Filing Times
Webinar: Thursday, June 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST

In December 2020, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that created a federal framework for reporting, storing, and disclosing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) of “reporting companies.” BizFilings’ BOI reporting tool reduces filing times and errors through a streamlined, secure and automated workflow. BizFilings will offer EMA member companies a 12 percent discount off BOI report filings. Wolters Kluwer BizFilings will host a webinar to assist EMA members navigate the filing website on Thursday, June 6 at 11am EST.

EMA’s Fall Meeting at the NACS Show 2024: October 6-7: Hotel Reservations Open!

EMA will hold its Fall Meeting in conjunction with the NACS Show on October 6-7 at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

If you have already registered, please provide your full name, company, state and date you registered to Susan Isard so we can work with NACS to get you re-coded.

Using this code provides EMA with $100 for every retailer or jobber paid registration. And to assist with early registrations, this special code will extend the Early Bird rate until June 7, 2024, for anyone who uses the code as well as providing the $100 for anyone registering at any rate after the Early Bird rate expires. EMA encourages EMA state execs to promote and share with your state association’s member companies. Please see attached flyer.

**Please note that EMA State Execs are comped for NACS Show registration, and this link will be sent directly to them in the near future. Additionally, the NACS Show registration is separate from EMA’s Fall Meeting registration.

Questions registering? Contact NACS Show registration customer service at nacs@maritz.com or 469-513-9489, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, for assistance.

Biden Administration Opens Applications for $1.3 Billion in EV Charging Grants

This week, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the second funding opportunity ($1.3 billion) for electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. Eligible entities for funding include states, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, port authorities, Indian Tribes, U.S. territories, and more as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

This funding opportunity offers up to $800 million in funding for newly submitted applications and reserves an additional $521 million for previously received applications, making a total of $1.3 billion available. New Round 2 applications are due by August 28, 2024. Notice requesting reconsideration of past applications is due to FHWA by July 1, 2024. FHWA plans to conduct outreach to potential grant applicants regarding the CFI Program via webinars and will provide direct technical assistance to support states and communities as they build EV projects awarded under the CFI Program. Webinars to share information about the NOFO will be held on the following dates:

• Webinar 1 – Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant NOFO Overview: Thursday, June 6, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00pm ET – Register Here
• Webinar 2 – CFI NOFO Overview: Reconsideration of Round 1 Applications: Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 1:00- 1:30pm ET – Register Here

For more information on this opportunity, please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on grants.gov, opportunity number 693JJ324NF00017. For more information on President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and investments in electric vehicles, please visit FHWA’s BIL web site. 

Did Congress Make Hemp and CBD Products Illegal? Not yet.

On May 22, Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced an amendment that would create a federal probation on all hemp products containing any quantifiable amount of THC. If enacted into law, this provision would essentially eliminate the market to sale hemp or CBD products at retail locations. However, in the current Congress, it is important to note that there is no clear path to pass legislation – specifically for large legislative packages like the Farm Bill. The Senate must consider their version of the Farm Bill and, if passed, the two chambers will negotiate compromised legislation to send to the president’s desk. Importantly, at this time, c-stores can continue selling hemp and CBD products under current federal and state laws.

Senate Democrats recently released a full summary of the Farm Bill, which kept the current federal definition of hemp intact. The Senate’s summary followed the initial House Agriculture Committee’s draft text which created two new definitions for industrial hemp and hemp intended for human consumption, and also recommended establishing a federal testing requirement for hemp products.

It is uncertain if the House language to restrict the sale of hemp and CBD products will become law. Advanced out of the House Agriculture Committee the legislation must first pass on the House floor and avoid an amendment to remove Rep. Miller’s amendment. From there, and upon passage of the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill, any differences in the House and Senate legislative text (which will be significant) will be negotiated in conference committee with members from the House and Senate. The conference committee report must then be passed by both the House and Senate before being sent to the president’s desk for signature.

At the moment, many believe Congress could delay passing the Farm Bill until after the November elections and pursue passage during a “lame duck session” or kick the can down the road to the 119th Congress in 2025. If either of these timelines hold, the Farm Bill would likely take effect later in 2025 or even 2026.

FDA Expands Import Alert on Illegal Disposables

Recently, FDA updated its Import Alert 98-06, which includes a “Red List” of manufacturers, distributors, and brands of vapor products that may be detained at the border without physical examination. The list now includes Chinese manufacturers/distributors as well as United States importers and distributors. The products on the Red List are identified in the full National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) report by clicking here. Furthermore, NATO has been tracking FDA’s recent administrative and enforcement actions and the report includes the disposable vapor brands cited as unauthorized or illegally sold in FDA civil money penalty complaints, import alerts, and warning letters.

Weekend Reads

Toyota Bets on Alternate-Fuel Engines in an Electric Future | Bloomberg

ConocoPhillips to Acquire Marathon Oil in $17.1 Billion All-Stock Deal | Wall Street Journal

Biden accused by top Republicans of ‘abusing’ SPR to lower gas prices and help him in November | Washington Examiner

Alabama Sues to Stop California’s Climate-Change Power Grab | Wall Street Journal

Preparing for an active hurricane season | AFPM

Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy Webinar
Mental Health and Workplace Stress: Thursday, June 18, 2024, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Stress and mental health challenges are common in the workplace and can lead to negative impacts for employees in their day-to-day jobs. Understanding and managing mental health and workplace stress is important to help employees be the best they can be while maintaining a productive and safe work environment. Learn how your businesses can equip your employees with strategies and solutions to help reduce workplace stressors and promote mental health and well-being. 

What you will learn:

• Which factors can contribute to mental health challenges
• How poor mental health and workplace stress can contribute to an unsafe work environment
• How employers can help their employees manage their mental health

Advanced registration is required for this 30-minute webinar.

For additional information or to discuss this in further detail, please feel free to contact your Federated regional representative or EMA’s new National Account Executive Patrick Cunningham at 507.455.8935. Federated is a Partner in EMA’s Board of Directors Council.

EMA Platinum Partner Spotlight Featuring: Meridian Associates, Inc.
How to Dominate Your Market by Betsi Bixby

One of my greatest joys is when clients discover strategies and develop game plans that result in market domination. What does it take to dominate? And how are even relatively small volume marketers without big volume buying advantages getting that done? Here are five secrets to success no matter what your company’s current size or sectors.

To learn more about EMA’s Corporate Platinum Partner, Meridian Associates, please visit or contact them at 817-594-0546.

Check Out EMA Journal Anytime Online
EMA Spring Journal is the current issue online. You can take the digital edition with you wherever you go. Scroll to select the articles that catch your eye, then share the content with the icons at the top of your screen. Archived covers are handy on the left side of your browser or use our convenient search feature to find a specific topic. If you prefer to read with pages that flip, select "page view" from the menu bar for a classic page-turner.

In 2023, the Journal adjusted to three issues per year, making it even easier and more affordable for our members and industry supporters to find and connect with each other. For information on marketing to our members, please call 844.423.7272 or email them at advertise@innovativepublishing.com. EMA Summer Journal is expected to be mailed in early July.

EMA Member Services Spotlight Featuring: Cintas
Save Up to 65 Percent off Cintas Uniforms, Safety and Facility Services

Keep your team and workspace looking their best. New Cintas contracts enjoy special discounts and a free one-time UltraClean service and free installation of hygiene dispensers. Enroll with NPP today and save on Cintas!

Enroll your business for FREE with NPP to learn more about Cintas discounts. Enroll with NPP here.

NPP is a member benefit provider of Energy Marketers of America.

Restrictions may apply.