Inside PPAI | Community PPAI Pushes Back On Federal Independent Contractor Proposal In November, PPAI joined a roundtable discussion hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration to discuss the Department of Labor’s proposed rule on independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act and share how it would affect the promo industry. PPAI has been tracking changes to independent contractor classification for some time and advocating on behalf of the promotional products industry at both the state and federal levels. Working with industry representatives through its Government Relations Advisory Council, the Association believes that should the proposed rule be implemented, it would become extremely difficult for thousands of entrepreneurs in the promo industry to maintain their status. The SBA’s Office of Advocacy held the roundtable to receive feedback on the numbers of small businesses affected and the compliance costs of the rule, and potential regulatory alternatives that would minimize its impact. PPAI Board Chair Dawn Olds, MAS, and PPAI Public Affairs Manager Maurice Norris joined the discussion to educate the SBA on the promotional merchandise market and this rule’s effects on the industry. “Our industry is made up of thousands of small, proudly entrepreneurial businesses, many owned by historically disadvantaged groups,” Olds says, sharing her remarks from the roundtable. “The proposed Department of Labor changes ignore independent contractor precedence in place for well over 50 years in our industry. This precedence has PPAI Board Chair Dawn Olds, MAS continued on page 83 Large Door Hanger Horizontal Card Holder Oversized so you can tell your story in full color on the front and back! Pre-punched die-cut hole fits standard door knob. Over 100 sq. inches of low cost versatile advertising with so many uses. Your full color ad on all exterior sides & inside pocket. Perfect for gift cards, key cards or any standard credit card size. 2009 - 4”w x 13”h See all styles at WarwickPublishing.com SAGE/57590 PPAI/114154 New for 2002H 4 3/4”w x 3 1/8”h Visit Booth 3450 PPAI • JANUARY 2023 • 81
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