We all share one common business challenge – how to grow in this time of uncertainty. How do you move forward when the road ahead looks different? What if you can’t see a way forward at all? Forget fortune tellers. Look to entrepreneurs. Research shows us they are masters of uncertainty. While their stories are all different, they use a common method to successfully navigate uncertainty. We are pleased to bring you an unprecedented virtual experience featuring Daymond John, star of ABC's “Shark Tank” and CEO of The Shark Group.

Register now for the 2020 AACS Annual Convention & Expo. For the first time, the conference will be 100% virtual. Join us October 27-29, 2020.

Check out the schedule for this year’s conference here, including Financial Literacy Made Easy with Sally Samuels of FAME.

Only at 2020 AACS Annual Convention & Expo: Title IX changed dramatically in 2020 – for the first time ever, the US Department of Education enacted regulations governing sex discrimination and harassment. The compliance deadline was August 14, 2020. Join AACS General Counsel Ed Cramp and Jessica High of Duane Morris to learn what's new and what needs to be done to get into compliance now. Registration available through conference registration (additional fee required).

Serving as a Director is one of the most important ways to support and sustain AACS. Our Directors have the responsibility to provide foresight, oversight, and insight for the Association. They serve as our primary ambassadors, advocates and the conscious voice of our Members. Our Board of Directors reflect the highest aspirations of our business, our students and our industry.

Elections will take place at the 2020 Virtual Annual Convention on October 27-29th. There will be three (3) School Member seats and one (1) Partner Member seat open for this election.

Learn more about the AACS Board candidates here.

When Jennifer Kimball’s husband died, she needed to find a flexible career that would still allow her to support her four young daughters. She found Cortiva Institute in Maitland, Fla.

She wants U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, U.S. Representative Val Demings, and Senators Rick Scott  and Marco Rubio to know she is not only a graduate but today she helps other students find their path to a meaningful career.

You can watch her story here.

Encourage your students to record a short 30–60 second video that explains what their education means to them. Learn more about the #DontCutUsOut campaign here.

Reopening Guide

States are adjusting their phased openings based on new information daily. Stay updated with AACS’ Reopening Guide to help your schools and organization proceed with protocols to ensure the safety and health of your staff, instructors, students, and community. In addition to resources, it also includes a state-by-state list of reopening policies. Click on this link to find out more. 

Coronavirus Resource Center

AACS is here for you with a comprehensive coronavirus resource page that will be updated as new information comes in. Click here for updates from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Education, accreditors, distance learning educators and more.

Assessments are a vital part of the learning process. They allow students and teachers to see how well they are doing and what needs to be improved upon. When offering online assessments, it is sometimes difficult to develop effective methods due to the new digital learning landscape, experience level with online teaching, or with tweaking on-ground assessments to create an effective online form.

Access the training now

AACS has chosen FlexCare, a leading provider of digital health solutions, as a telemedicine partner offering unmatched service, pricing and plan flexibility to our members. FlexCare telemedicine provides members 24/7/365 telephonic or live video access to U.S. board- certified physicians in all 50 states who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication, when appropriate, for many acute medical conditions.  

To find out more, visit the FlexCare website. To sign up, contact: Jennifer@FlexCare.com.

As a member benefit of The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) you are eligible to receive our exclusive discounts at Office Depot® and OfficeMax® in-store and on-line.  
 

Access your Store Purchasing Card (SPC) and show the card to the cashier in-store at checkout and see your savings!  You can access the card in several ways:

1.       Download the Office Depot Business App (after online account is setup),

2.       Text AACSSPC to 833-602-8404 or,

3.       Visit this link

Recordings of webinars to help you operate your school in light of the pandemic and changing regulations are available to members only. 

Webinars to date are:

• Navigating Distance Education
• Understanding the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grant
• CARES Act Relief for Schools
• Best Practices for Re-Opening Your School
• Coronavirus Legal Update
• Moving Beyond Awareness: Diversity & Inclusion in Cosmetology Schools
• Safety, Health, And PPE Virtual Training & Resources
• Optimizing Cash Flow: Ways to Increase On-time Payments & Decrease Delinquent Payments Part 1
• Marketing During the Pandemic: What Schools Got Right, Wrong and What to do for 2021

If you would like the recording, email info@beautyschools.org. More will be available soon. Monitor your inbox for the latest information.

Additional FAQs are available regarding:

Navigating Distance Education

Prescription RX Card Benefit

With heightened concerns about our health, you and your staff, faculty and students may need some additional assistance with your prescriptions. Ask the AACS national office how you can download your prescription card, and potentially save up to 80% on your medications. There are no health restrictions, and may be used on drugs not covered in health plans. It may even be used on many pet prescriptions. The card is pre-activated and ready for use! For your copy, contact Cristina@beautyschools.org. This benefit is for members only, and is accepted at more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Federal Updates

No update this week.

The AACS Government Relations Committee and its federal advocacy team at Duane Morris LLP represents the interests of AACS members in Congress. The GRC, through the Duane Morris team, provides a bi-weekly Washington Update to AACS membership that provides the most relevant information about what is happening in Congress and at the Department that may impact your school. We encourage all AACS members to read the Washington Update to keep up to date on developments and calls to action. We urge each and every AACS member school to set up a call with the Senators and House members who represent your school locations, and consider hosting a fundraiser. We will make it easy for you. Just call our lead advocate, Katherine Brodie at Duane Morris LLP in Washington, D.C. to learn how you can get more involved and help make a difference to your school, employees and students. Katherine can be reached at: kdbrodie@duanemorris.com or (202) 776-5241.

State Update

No update this week.

Contact Brian Newman at bnewman@abingdonstrategies.com or by phone at 202-491-5254 with comments or questions.