Loyalty360 Reads: March 23 | NASCAR Goes Virtual to Keep Fans Engaged, Qantas Airways Extends Frequent Flyer Elite Status for Program Members, and More

Innovation

NASCAR and iRacing Team Up to Bring Fans and Racers Together Digitally
With professional sports on “pause” for the time being, NASCAR has found an innovative way to connect with racing fans. Thanks to a partnership with iRacing, some of the familiar names fans see on the racetrack each weekend, including NASCAR Cup Series drivers Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Clint Bowyer, are participating in the Pro Invitation Series - a virtual racing league with the drivers competing against one another.  The races will be broadcast so that fans can still watch some of their favorite drivers, and while NASCAR does not expect to make any revenue at least early on, its priority is finding a way to entertain fans who now find themselves without the sport. The partnership is set to go on for multiple weeks and will reflect the racetracks that were on NASCAR’s live racing schedule until the season resumes, which is now scheduled for early May.
 
Loyalty Programs

Qantas Airways Extends Frequent Flyer Elite Status For 12 Months
Qantas Airlines is extending a much-needed lifeline to its community by announcing the extension of loyalty benefits that its frequent flyers earn for twelve months. The airline announced that Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One members of its frequent flyer programs would automatically get their elite status extended for a full year considering the current travel constraints. According to a website launched by Qantas, the airline shared, “The impacts of Coronavirus are unprecedented and continue to evolve on a daily basis. Among the many impacts, we know your travel plans have been affected. We appreciate the need for flexibility during this time and the importance of preserving the travel benefits that you’ve earned through your loyalty to us.”
 
Restaurants

Restaurants Ask Americans to Join in #TheGreatAmericanTakeout
A coalition of restaurants including Panera Bread, Noodles & Company, Veggie Grill, El Torito, Jason’s Deli, The Habit Burger Grill, Lemonade, Modern Market, and Chevys Fresh Mex is asking Americans to participate in The Great American Takeout on Tuesday, March 24. The initiative encourages people to order at least one delivery or pick-up meal to show support for the struggling restaurant community. “This is no longer about the survival of individual restaurants,” said Russ Bendel, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill. “It’s about the future of our industry. And time has run out. Together, we must act to support each other and our communities in unprecedented ways.”
 
Papa John’s to Hire 20,000 New Team Members Immediately
Papa John’s announced today the company is hiring up to 20,000 new restaurant team members, and in most cases, applicants can expect to have an interview and potentially start the same day. The pizza company is committed to the communities it serves by delivering meals and offering carryout, meeting a valuable need during these challenging times. Papa John’s Chief People and Diversity Officer Marvin Boakye shared, “We want to add talented team members to our Papa John’s family across the country to deliver food safely to our customers’ doorsteps. We are in the unique position – as a restaurant that specializes in delivery and carryout – to help our communities through this crisis.”
 
Retail

CVS to Hire 50,000 Workers, Gives Bonuses to Employees
CVS Health is hiring 50,000 workers and delivering $500 bonuses to employees, including pharmacists, store employees, and managers, who are required to work on-site during the coronavirus pandemic. "Our colleagues have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing essential goods and services at a time when they're needed most," CVS CEO Larry Merlo said in a statement. "As they continue to be there for the individuals and families we serve, we're taking extra steps to provide some peace of mind and help them navigate these uncertain times." CVS plans to immediately hire 50,000 people for full-time, part-time, and temporary jobs, including store positions, home delivery drivers, distribution workers, and customer service representatives.
 

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