k e e p i n g
BUSINESS JOURNAL
b u s i n e s s e s
c o n n e c t e d ™
AUGUST 2020
VOLUME 5 ■ ISSUE 8
IN PROFILE
Mobile business bringing sweet treats to 209 residents. PAGE 2
IN PROFILE
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The Protecting Fairs During Coronavirus Act would establish a $5 billion federal grant program available for both 2020 as well as 2021. States would be able to apply for aid from the United States Department of Agriculture and then distribute the funds to fairs in their state. Sports cards are proving to be a booming business during troubled times. PAGE 3
As fair funding dwindles, Congressman introduces helpful bill ANGELINA MARTIN
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ollowing the cancellation of fairs throughout the state this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Josh Harder is hoping a new bill he introduced this week will help alleviate some of their economic strain and keep them afloat until next year. During a virtual round table discussion held via Zoom on July 23, Harder announced the Protecting Fairs During Coronavirus Act — a legislative effort that would create an emergency grant program to help offset the massive revenue losses experienced by fairs this year. According to the California Fairs Alliance, fairs across California preserve 30,000 jobs, generate $3.5 billion in local revenue, and contribute $200 million in local tax revenue for local and state governments – all of which could be in jeopardy if individual county sites are forced to sell off either part or all of their properties in order to offset the losses incurred by not holding events this year. “The Western Fairs Association, the California Fairs Alliance, and our Service Member partners are in strong support of Representative Josh Harder’s efforts to include the fair industry in Congressional legislation to assist during this time of National Emergency,” said Sarah Cummings, the
There’s nothing more American than apple pies and county fairs. —Congressman Josh Harder President and CEO of the Western Fairs Association. “Fairgrounds are an essential part of the infrastructure necessary for state and local communities to effectively respond in natural disasters and emergencies. More importantly, fairgrounds are often the heartbeat of their communities, generating multi-millions of dollars in non-profit and community benefits, promoting agriculture and a quality of life serving as gathering spots, recreation facilities, and learning centers. Now is the time to provide emergency funding and preserve the legacy of the state’s Fairgrounds for future generations to come.” Locally, the Stanislaus County Fair boasted an attendance of over 260,000 in 2019. After announcing in April that the annual event in Turlock would be canceled, however, the fair has laid off a majority of its employees and is in danger of
operating at a deficit by October if no action is taken. The Protecting Fairs During Coronavirus Act would establish a $5 billion federal grant program available for both 2020 as well as 2021. States would be able to apply for aid from the United States Department of Agriculture and then distribute the funds to fairs in their state. “We’re doing this because fairs are really important. They’re really important to me; they’re really important to our economy and to our entire community. It’s one of
the best things we do in the Central Valley,” Harder said. “…Fairs can really have a lifelong impact on kids and families.” Turlock and other communities throughout the state rely on their annual fairs as economic drivers which provide jobs, create fundraising opportunities and attract tourism. The Stanislaus County Fairgrounds serve as the heartbeat of the region, enabling emergency services and hosting community events all while promoting agriSEE FAIR, PAGE 10
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The opportunities county fairs provide for students through 4-H and FFA, like raising and selling livestock, would be lost if fairs are forced to close because of lack of funding.