April 16, 2020
AAF Club Services Newsletter article:
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently released an Executive Order addressing the COVID-19 crisis that has a number of negative implications for the advertising industry.
The order prohibits stores with more than 50,000 square feet “from the advertising or promotion of goods that are not groceries, medical supplies, or items that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and basic operation of residences.” It also states, “No one shall advertise or rent a short-term vacation property except as necessary to assist in housing a health care professional or volunteer aiding in the response to the COVID-19 crisis.”
While well intentioned, the necessity for these advertising restrictions is questionable, but the potential for harm to local media—an important source of local news and information—is not. AAF President & CEO, Steve Pacheco has written to the Governor asking her to rescind the advertising restrictions in the order.
