APRIL 2020
Special Edition In This Issue
from the President's desk - Kevin Theos During the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak with many USPTA pros about the challenges and uncertainty we are all facing. One lesson I have
What we are doing during the Shut Down
learned from these conversations is that pros care deeply about how other pros are doing. Most USPTA pros realize that we are all in this together, and my hope is once we move past this terrible virus, we will work more closely than ever for the benefit of each other and for tennis. In the meantime, here are a few resources: 1. The US Small Business Administration has low interest loans for businesses and
USPTA creates Covid 19 Task Force. Keep up with the latest
independent contractors. To learn more, visit https://www.sba.gov/fundingprograms/loans/coronavirus-relief-options 2. USTA National and Southern are looking at grant opportunities for facilities and pros. When there is more information, it will be available at www.southern.usta.com. 3. Some USTA state offices will be contributing to the National and Southern grant,
YouTube Web Meetings Links Alternative Revenue Streams
while others have started their own funding for pros and facilities. If something is available for your state currently, it is on your state USTA website. 4. Many pros are getting their continuing education credit during this downtime. One way is through additional FREE content through the USPTA at www.TennisResources.com. Another option is to attend our FREE USPTA Southern webinars, which are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and have recently featured interviews with pros concerning niche/alternative revenue streams. We email registration
Some fun stuff and a chance to win
info to all members beforehand, and to get credit you must attend. If you want to listen to these webinars after the fact (no credit), please visit our YouTube “Playlist” at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-t4Q0AgvqHuXlGrxlBdIrDH8qrFiUQcp I sincerely hope you explore these avenues and find some of them to be of benefit. One silver lining to consider as we look forward to reengaging with our players is that tennis ball sales are currently skyrocketing, particularly sales of low-
USPTA Southern 800-438-7782 pat.whitworth@uspta.org
compression balls. Also, families are finding available courts and playing together perhaps more than we have seen in decades, and we will have a unique opportunity to capture many of these new and returning players once we are back to work. I have experience with family tennis, and if you would like to discuss and share what you have done or might do to connect with families, please send me an email at theos@sta.usta.com.