b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORTIER 4 LETS YOU All Eyes AreAT THE HELMDO SOMETHING YOUMAY NOT DO OFTEN: ON THE HORIZONENJOY THE VIEW.JOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORIF MARINERS KNOW ANYTHING, its this: Success isnt always easy. But thanks to our EPA Tier 4/IMO III solutions, the QSK38 and QSK60, complying with emissions standardsD espite experiencing dramatic losses in business in 2020, PVAPVA member operators nationwide, a landing page describing your is. With the latest aftertreatment added to the already- membersarelookingtothefutureandarehopingforancompany and its activities and a tool kit for PVA members to use to proven QSK60, midlife overhauls become a thing of the past.opportunity to begin returning to normal operations in 2021further promote their businesses locally, regionally, and nationally. Theres no need to change out major components until a fulland beyond.The question being asked by many PVA members is what overhaul. And best of all, you can keep up with emissionswill normal actually look like for 2021?It appears that the fate ofHaveyousubmittedyourcompanysinformationsothatyou regulations without sacri\x1fcing uptime, or one ounce of power.most travel and tourism-oriented businesses will hang on the speedwillbeincludedinthisnewmarketingtoolwhenitislaunched? at which the public receives COVID vaccinations and the publicsRepresentativesfromouragency,ThompsonandCompany,will Learn more at cummins.tech/tier4willingness to begin venturing out again. Many PVA members arebe contacting you to ensure that you are included.I encourage you or call 1-800-CUMMINS . thankfullyreportingnewbookingsandbusinessfortheirspringto work with them when they contact you.Also, I would be glad to seasons and, as a result, are anticipating renewed demand for cruisinghelp you participate in this new program or answer any questions as summer approaches.Yet, PVA members are still, for the most part,that you may have.Feel free to send me an email at jgroundwater@cautiously optimistic having gone throughone of the most devastatingpassengervessel.com.economic downturns in recent history.PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM According to research conducted by theMany PVA members are(PPP) EXTENSIONU.S.TravelAssociation(USTA),thereHaveyouappliedforemergencystimulus isreasontoexpectrenewedgrowthinthankfully reporting newfunds under the second round of the Paycheck travelandtourismin2021and2022.bookings and businessProtections Program?If you have not, there While it is no surprise that travelbothisstilltime.Lastmonth,Congresspassed domesticandinternationalwasoff byfor their spring seasonslegislation, and the President signed into law, huge percentages in 2020 because of thelegislation extending the deadline for qualifi ed coronaviruspandemic,USTAresearchand, as a result, arebusinesses, and sole proprietors, to apply for forecaststhatleisuretravelintheU.S.anticipating renewedPPPtotheSmallBusinessAdministration will increase by 19% in 2020 and 19.3 %until May 31.in 2022.The association expects businessdemand for cruising as travel to increase by 23.8% in 2021 andsummer approaches. CERTSGRANT PROGRAM STALLED72.7% in 2022. As you know, PVA worked for many months lobbyingforpassageoftheCoronavirus While international travelers were, for the most part, nonexistent in theEconomic Relief for Transportation Systems (CERTS) Act, which U.S. in 2020, USTA expects international visitors to the U.S. (fromprovides $2 billion in emergency grants for passenger vessels, motor Canada, Mexico and overseas) to increase by an astounding average ofcoaches and school bus operators.While we are thrilled that Congress 73.2% in 2021 and 59.2% in 2022.Visitors from overseas are expectedapproved the measure in late 2020, we continue to be frustrated that to rebound by 83.7% in 2021 and 75% in 2022. the program, after quite a few months, has not yet been started by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, who will administer the program. USTA further reports that spending on travel by U.S. residents isLast month, Ed Welch and I met with Treasury Department officials expected to increase by 20.0% in 2021 and 23.2% in 2022. They expectto brief them on the economic plight of the passenger vessel industry leisure travel spending to increase by 20.2% in 2021 and 15.2% in 2022during the coronavirus pandemic and the dire need to quickly begin and spending by international travelers is expected to increase by 75%making these grants available to PVA members.We will let you know in 2021 and 52% in 2022. as soon as this program is rolled out.PVA DIGITAL MARKETING PROGRAMARE YOURESTAURANTS ACTPARTICIPATING? PVA member dinner cruise vessels, and similar operations, are eligible IhopethatyouhaveheardabouttheexcitingnewPVADigitalfor tax-free grants in aid under the recently approved Restaurants Act Marketing ProgramAhoy, New Adventuresin development fortotaling $28.6 million (see story on page 31).To be administered by the a spring roll out. This program, which is being created with the input ofU.S. Small Business Administration, the grants, if awarded, can be used the PVA Digital Marketing Committee, is intended to digitally marketfor a wide range of expenses, including payroll, mortgage or rent, and PVA member vessel operations to a national consumer audience. Thissupplies.Stay tuned for further information. digitalmarketingprogramincorporatesanewwebsitetoidentify Continued on page 40APRIL 2021 7 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR21-CMI-0333_media_2021 Marine Media_Foghorn_v1.indd 1 2/17/21 9:50 AM'