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The National Sporting Goods Association advocates on behalf of retailers and team dealers on issues affecting small businesses and the sporting goods industry.
The National Sporting Goods Association advocates on behalf of retailers and team dealers on issues affecting small businesses and the sporting goods industry.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on all items for a new six-year Master Contract. The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract. Read More.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order late on December 26th halting enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act which requires small businesses owners to register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The court will rule on the constitutionality of the Corporate Transparency Act and the previous reporting deadline of January 13, 2025 is now on hold. Read More.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has invalidated the entirety of Department of Labor’s overtime final rule. The federal minimum salary threshold is once again set to $35,568, however, employers must comply with state exemption laws which may be materially higher than the minimum salary under federal law. If an employer is considering rolling back changes that were already made or announced, it may be beneficial to consult with legal counsel to confirm changes are compliant and how best to communicate forward plans with employees. Read More
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a rule to ban “non-compete agreements” or agreements commonly signed by workers not to join employers’ rivals or launch competing businesses. A Texas judge on August 20 ruled against the FTC’s nationwide ban of non-compete agreements. Read more for the latest updates and an overview of the issue.
PFAS (known as forever chemicals) are a group of synthetic chemicals used to provide stain resistance and water repellency, among other things, to extend the life of a product. Due to their lingering presence in the environment and potential health risks, many states have begun taking action to prohibit the use and/or sale of apparel that contains PFAS, including winter sports gear. Beginning January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to sell or offer for sale any new, not previously used apparel containing PFAS in New York and California.
Retailers must educate themselves on state PFAS regulations and respond accordingly.
NSGA wants to remind you to make sure your website complies with American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. There has been an increase in web accessibility lawsuits targeted at small businesses, according to The Wall Street Journal. Read More
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a final rule that will combat fake reviews and testimonials by prohibiting their sale or purchase. It will allow the FTC to seek civil penalties against knowing violators. Read More.
NSGA tracks a wide variety of issues impacting small business owners in the sporting goods industry. This list will be updated as new issues arise.