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Note 9 - COVID-19
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
Notes to Financial Statements  
Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic [Text Block]

Note 9. COVID-19

 

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on general economic conditions including, but not limited to, the temporary closures of many businesses, “shelter in place” and other governmental regulations, reduced consumer spending due to both job losses and other effects attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. There remain many uncertainties as a result of the pandemic. As a result of the spread of COVID-19, economic uncertainties could continue to impact our operations. Any potential incremental financial impact is unknown at this time.

 

During 2020 and 2021, the government issued several rounds of COVID-19 relief and stimulus payments and other programs to stimulate economic activity and facilitate an economic recovery.

 

In  April and  May of 2020, the Company's business was adversely affected as doctor's offices, dental offices, veterinarian offices and non-bank consumer lending accounts were ordered closed in connection with curbing the spread of the pandemic. As these doctors, dental and veterinarian offices re-opened, these businesses quickly recovered and returned to levels higher than pre-COVID. Consumer lending merchants were adversely affected by COVID relief payments made during the pandemic and a pause placed on past due amounts owed. The level of activity for consumer lending merchants continues to recover to pre-COVID levels. The Company recorded an increase in revenues in its prepaid business line, as it was able to work in conjunction with major cities across the U.S. to use its prepaid debit cards to facilitate the transfer of money via its debit cards from city foundations to the local residents in need of financial assistance. The efforts have included the disbursement of funds to encourage vaccinations. 

 

Since 2020, the Company has experienced some difficulty in recruiting and retaining certain categories of employees due to limited labor availability. The Company continues to monitor labor availability and is taking necessary steps to retain employees and recruit employees to fill open positions.

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic challenges, supply chain issues have resulted in a reduced supply, and growing demand of paper and paper products utilized in our Output Solutions line of business. Sourcing inventory remains a key challenge to execute jobs and projects with existing and new customers. While these efforts have been successful thus far, if the Company cannot continue to acquire sufficient inventory stock, the successful completion, margins, and growth of Output Solutions  may be impacted.

 

The impacts and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic are still a work in process. To date, we do not believe that the Company has been adversely impacted to the same magnitude that other payment processors were, as our customer base had limited exposure to retail facing businesses. Within that framework, the Company will continue to monitor the overall impact on its operations and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of its employees and the well-being of its customers.