As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the AHVMA is closely monitoring its spread and impact on veterinarians and our families. On behalf of our members and the holistic veterinary community, we’re working to bring you the resources and answers you need during this critical time. However, as stated in our communication of March 17, there is little that we can add to what you are seeing from the AVMA and your state VMAs, and we don’t want to overload your already full in-boxes. We have included some AVMA resources at the bottom of this message.
We understand how important continuing education is to your professional development, and that’s why we are proceeding with plans to make the 2020 AHVMA Conference & Exhibition a virtual event. Your health and safety are our priority, and as new details emerge, we will continue to communicate them to you immediately.
2020 Annual Conference
We must reluctantly advise you that the 2020 AHVMA Annual Conference & Exhibition scheduled for September 24-27 in Grapevine Texas has been cancelled. This was done in consideration of the health and safety of our members, speakers, and exhibitors. Although we will miss seeing you and experiencing all of the camaraderie and friendship of an in-person event, the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic have made that impossible.
We could not take this step earlier due to AHVMA’s financial liabilities related to the event. We are notifying you now before we notify our speakers and exhibitors because the information is sure to begin to spread and we wanted you to know.
The Conference Program Committee, led by Dr. Carol Falck and Dr. Deborah Mitchell did a tremendous job to put together an excellent program for the 2020 Conference, and we are pleased to report that we are working diligently to convert this program to a Virtual Conference. The Virtual Conference will likely be held in late September 2020 (with due attention to the Jewish High Holidays), and more details will follow as we move forward. Not all original speakers will be able to be accommodated in the Virtual Conference, and we will be communicating with all speakers as quickly as possible
The Virtual Conference will also include a virtual Exhibition, and we will also be communicating with all exhibitors
We will be bringing you a full range of RACE-Approved content spread over four days.
Some initial information is presented here. More to follow. Please bear with us as we re-orient operations to support this Virtual event.
Business Resources
to help you continue to deliver care during COVID-19
(courtesy of AVMA)
The Coronavirus Response Business Toolkit
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s toolkit includes guidelines on how small business owners can ensure they are keeping their customers and employees safe. You’ll also find a business preparedness checklist to help you figure out what to prioritize and to create a plan of communication for your employees. Get the toolkit >
Disaster Assistance Loans from the SBA
The Small Business Association (SBA) announced it would offer disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million for small businesses affected by the coronavirus. These low-interest loans are available to businesses that have sustained “substantial economic injury” due to the spread of the coronavirus. The money can be used to pay outstanding debts, payroll, and any other bills. While small businesses that have access to credit are not eligible, those with no available credit qualify for an interest rate of 3.75%, and nonprofits will have an interest rate of 2.75%. Read more >
Disaster Help Desk for Small Businesses
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has a disaster help desk that acts as an information concierge to assist small businesses with disaster readiness, relief, and long-term recovery. They also have a business resiliency toolbox with resources to help companies address preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions. Read more >
