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Call Peter Blake to confirm your spot:  617-791-0128

Or Via Email:  Peter@macassociation.org

MAC is Looking for a Few Good People Like You!!
MAC is Looking for a Few Good People Like You!!

It is no secret we are all doing more with less.  We are working harder than we have worked in recent years, and we seem to always be behind!  I know I am and I am sure you all are feeling the same pressures.

I bet the last thing on your mind is volunteering to another group or Board that will take up even more of your precious free time, but we need people like you to help steer MAC in the right direction.  

When I joined the Board, I had the same reservations you all probably do:  “I am too busy, I don’t have much to offer, I can’t help, I don’t know enough to be of service”, and the list goes on.

Sound like your first thoughts?  I am here to tell you, YOU are exactly what we need, and trust me, if you do volunteer, not only will you be a big help, but you will also benefit greatly from the experience.  I know I did.  Being on the MAC Board played a significant role in building my cleaners and making it successful.  

I have met incredible people from all areas of the MAC Region -- and throughout the country.  We have become friends, colleagues, and mentors to one another.  When I have questions or concerns, I have a whole network of people I feel comfortable reaching out to.  

Through my work with MAC I have first-hand knowledge of all the programs and services DLI and MAC offer.  Many members struggle to understand how to use the services and the ways the programs can benefit their own operations.  Through getting to know the incredible staff at MAC and DLI I have even more tools available to me.
For example, whenever I am looking for a new piece of equipment or making a new investment,  I have been able to explore all the options and have gotten close personal feedback on the pros and cons of each.  Without my Board experience, I am not sure I would have the same level of comfort in reaching out to my peers.

MAC is a strong Association and we are well positioned to help the industry and our members. We want YOU to be a part of that.  We need YOUR input into ways you need help and developing programs you feel would be beneficial. Contact Peter Blake at the MAC Office if you want to learn more.

 

Membership-At-Work
Membership-At-Work

Employee Retention Tax Credits (ERC) are Still Available!

For many small businesses, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) will provide significant financial relief.  Between the pandemic closing businesses and offices to the constant inflation forcing people to reduce discretionary spending, drycleaners have been one of the hardest hit industries in the past few years.  As an industry we need to be aware and utilize all the tools and programs available to us to continue to re-build.

The ERTC, passed under the CARES Act, is a refundable tax credit that rewards businesses who kept employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Many businesses do not think they qualify, but the rules have changed and now there are multiple ways to get the money you are owed.

The good news is many businesses have already claimed and received ERTC for both 2020 & 2021.  The bad news is the majority of small businesses have not filed for the program or have not taken full advantage of all they are able to.  The truth of the matter is the program is new and has been evolving and changing constantly.  The more you look into the program the more nuances you notice that can have a direct impact on the applicability for drycleaners.  At the outset, we were only looking at the revenue reduction criteria, but as we dive further into the program, we have found other “triggers” that can be used to enter the program.  As an industry, here are the top criteria Drycleaners can use to qualify for ERTC Relief:

  • Reduction in Revenue:  Either a 50% reduction in gross sales in Q2, Q3 and/or Q4 of 2020 as compared to the same quarter in 2019; and/or a 20% reduction in gross sales in Q1, Q2 and/or Q3 of 2021 as compared to the same quarter in 2019. In some cases, if a specific quarter qualifies, another quarter will qualify automatically 50% in 2020, 20% in 2021
  • Your business had to pivot to succeed, and that change was more than 10% of business in 2019:  Wash-Dry-Fold, Pick-up & Deliver
  • Paying employees for “non-productive” work
  • Supply chain disruptions due to COVID restrictions on suppliers led to a more than nominal effect.

What can this mean for my business?

The financial package can be significant.  If you fully qualify for each quarter, you can receive up to $26,000 FOR EACH W-2 employee.  The amount will vary depending on what time period you qualify for and how your company was affected by covid restrictions.

From everything I have seen, 80% of all small businesses probably qualify for the program but I believe for a variety of reasons they have not taken full advantage.  I think most of the larger companies have already filed for this and received the checks/refunds, but I know there are a lot of people that are not filing thinking they do not qualify.  I also firmly believe some of the early filers may not have taken full advantage of all they are entitled to.

There have been some significant changes in the program since its inception.  One of the most significant changes eliminated the PPP restriction.  Now even if you did use the PPP, you can still file and take advantage of the ERTC.  In the beginning, there was only a revenue reduction criteria, and since then there have been a number of added criteria that could help many more businesses.  If you qualify for one quarter of ERTC in 2021, it will also automatically qualify for the following quarter as well.

Why haven’t I heard this, or think it doesn’t apply to me?

CPA's do not typically deal with quarterly returns or weekly payroll.  QuickBooks, ADP and Paychex require business owners to manually apply for this credit on their own.  It is an involved process and takes time to make sure you qualify – but the return on your investment can be huge.  I strongly urge everyone take a look at their situation and thoroughly investigate applicability.  You don’t want to leave this kind of money on the table.

I have been researching companies that will do this for you on a contingency basis.  Generally, for 15% of whatever refunds and tax credits you receive the company will review your payroll records, establish applicability, and work with you to take full advantage of the program. 

If you have not filed yet, or if you filed, but think you may be entitled to even more credits based on some of the new criteria – let me know.  I can put you in touch with a company that may be able to file for significant tax relief.   If you need advice or help, contact me at 617-791-0128 or peteblke@aol.com.

Your membership at work!

For more information on any of these service or programs contact Peter Blake (603-635-0322 or peter@macassociation.org
 

Meet Your Executive Director

I am very excited to be working with the MidAtlantic Association of Cleaners!  I have been involved with the North East Fabricare Association for over 35 years, and I am excited to bring some of that experience and knowledge to other parts of the East.  We are currently reviewing our programs and services to see what we can improve, strengthen and add.  I have been a featured speaker on marketing, social media, customer service and OSHA training.   

All members are encouraged to call or contact me at anytime.  I want to hear from you!  If there are ways we can better serve you, or things you thing the association needs to be involved in, let us know: (800-235-8360) or e-mail me at peteblke@aol.com.

 

Sincerely,
Peter Blake,
Executive Director, MAC 



 

Meet Your Executive Director
About us

Regional Association for dry cleaners serving the DC, MD, VA & WV

Contact us
Peter Blake
14700 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20724
800-235-8360
240-295-4200 (fax)
peteblke@aol.com