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I've missed you guys! Looking forward to today's chat! #USAMfgHour

Hey Everyone, just popping in and popping out between meetings. Sorry I'm missing NACL's chat - Feedback is so critical, yet so often not given. Hope everyone has a wonderful week! #USAMfgHour

Hey everyone - sorry I've been absent and even late today! can I blame the Canadian wild fires? #USAMfgHour

Hey everyone, thanks Kirsten for inviting me back...I'm in a zoom waiting room right now, but wanted to pop on and wish you all a wonderful and prosperous 2024! #USAMfgHour

is it almost 3 PM AST? That's 1PM for your CST folks....looking forward to hosting #USAMfgHour today!

Welcome to #USAMfgHour! I’m Adam Baker, owner of Schooley Mitchell of Erie. My team helps manufacturers reduce their indirect spend, manage their vendors, and improve their bottom line – you could say we’re a manufacturer’s BFF. Please introduce yourself!

Q1.) Let’s get the tough ones out of the way first - What is Kari’s Law? Here is a hint…it has to do with phone systems. #USAMfgHour

A1.) In the office or at a hotel, check the phone. Can you dial 911 directly, or is a '9' needed first? The latter is illegal due to Kari's Law, mandating direct access to emergency services. It's vital for businesses to comply to avoid fines and legal issues. #USAMfgHour

Q2.) What could happen to manufacturers if they don’t comply with the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act? #USAMfgHour

A2.) They could receive fines of $50,000 daily. To be compliant, manufacturers may need to change to recyclable packing or ensure a % of the plastic they produce/consume is recyclable. Interesting Fact: This act bans plastic sauce packets at Chinese restaurants. #USAMfgHour

Q3.) Recently you’ve noticed your credit card processing fees are taking a lot out of your profit. You’ve decided to have your customers pay the fee. How much can you charge them when you accept their credit card as payment? #USAMfgHour

A3.) Known as “surcharging”, rules differ state to state. Some forbid it, while others cap how much you can charge. If you surcharge, the customer must be aware before they make a purchase. Also, credit cards companies have surcharging rules you must abide by. #USAMfgHour

Q4.) Why is it cheaper for your business to accept debit card purchases versus credit card? #USAMfgHour

A4.) The Durbin Amendment was passed to protect merchants & consumers from large banks charging excessive fees. Max fee for debit card transaction is 0.05% + $0.22. Compare to lowest VISA rate of 1.51% + $0.10 or highest AMEX rate of 3.0% +$0.10 It's impactful! #USAMfgHour

A4. Bonus!) To illustrate Durbin Amendment, compare VISA, (one of the least expensive for a business to accept), versus a debit card. The business saves about 66% of the cost when customers use debit cards. In either case, who do you think really pays those fees? #USAMfgHour

Adam Baker It helps to have built a company from the ground up, where you had to do most of the jobs in the company (from fulfillment to payroll) for a long time! Experience is a great teacher. #USAMfgHour

Q5.) Why might a business be sued for failing to comply with the “Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services” (RAY BAUM’S Act)? Let’s add some legal levity - Funny answers only! #USAMfgHour

A5.) No joke, RAY BAUM’S Act mandates businesses w/ multi-line systems to provide exact 911 location info for each phone (i.e. 2nd floor, rm 212). It ensures quick emergency aid. Legal risks and lawsuits can arise if non-compliance leads to delayed response by EMS. #USAMfgHour

Thanks to everyone who joined #USAMfgHour today! A reminder: 'Ignorantia juris non excusat' - ignorance of the law excuses not. To prevent your business from being subject to lawsuits & fines, use vendors willing to educate when making business changes.

At Schooley Mitchell, we don't just negotiate lower rates; we're our client's guide to compliance and savings. For more insights, connect with me on LinkedIn and follow our blogs. Let's ensure your business thrives! #USAMfgHour