Today, GLI’s Renewal Task Force met to discuss coordinating re-opening efforts among our bi-state businesses, and the continued collaboration necessary between Kentucky and Indiana community organizations and officials. GLI’s Advocacy & Education Committee has also been working diligently to find ways to communicate this need and stressing the importance of resources and information needed to support our businesses.

As you know, many businesses in Indiana have already re-opened. Manufacturers, industrial operations, & other infrastructure not previously in operation are open and following OHSA/CDC office settings. Additionally, retail and commercial businesses, including those that have been open for the necessities of life during previous executive orders, are now operating at 50% of capacity. In Kentucky, only essential services are currently open, with other manufacturing and distribution businesses expected to open on May 11^th and retail/houses of worship projected to open on May 20^th.

While we are grateful to have direction for re-opening the above mentioned industries, this list is incomplete. Many industries still do not currently have re-open dates. Of course, we acknowledge that phased timelines are necessary; however, mapping out clear expectations for all industries will help to build business confidence and afford the opportunity for better planning. Each business will have various barriers to returning or expanding their operations, ranging from workforce to childcare to supply chains. The more certainty, notice and information we can provide to the business community, the better positioned we will be for success.

Childcare
One of the most important businesses yet to have a re-open plan is childcare. At GLI, our members fear that this will hamper Governor Andy Beshear’s Healthy at Work initiative and lead to a slower economic restart for the greater Louisville region, as parents struggle to balance the needs of returning to work and caring for their children. This is a critical issue that members of GLI’s Renewal Task Force identified in our reopening proposal to Governor Beshear and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Since that time, many businesses have reached out to us on this matter. The development of strategies to quickly and safely reopen childcare centers will be vital to the success of Kentucky’s economic recovery.  Safety, of course, must be a top priority. Fortunately, we can benefit from extensive CDC guidance, and we are in a position to learn from numerous other states that have either already reopened child care centers or have kept them open throughout the pandemic. In addition, we can study best practices used by the child centers in Kentucky serving essential workers.

PPP Concerns
In these confusing times, GLI continues to help businesses mitigate the impact of COVID-19. As Congress begins developing the next phase of COVID-19 relief legislation, GLI is actively hearing from businesses on the need for increased flexibility when it comes to support programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and is working to communicate ideas and recommendations to policymakers. As re-openings occur, we are advocating for collaboration and coordination locally and within the entire region, while ensuring businesses receive and understand the latest developments and requirements to keep the economy flowing. GLI will continue to strive to be your advocate and voice in Frankfort, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.

Get PPE & Masks from GLI
GLI is working hard to support our business community. As such, we have been sourcing some of the much needed PPE for businesses as we focus on re-opening the economy. If your company is in need of disposable face masks, you can purchase them in packs of 25 for $25.00 (plus sales tax)by placing your order here. We will have the masks available for pick up at GLI offices during scheduled hours throughout the coming weeks. More information on those details coming soon. For more information, please contact Deana Epperly Karem. Additionally, you can find a directory of providers selling other PPE on GLI’s Crisis Support Hub.

• GLI is partnering with Louisville Zero to provide a free platform that allows businesses to self-rate their hygiene and safety measures that are aligned with CDC guidelines. Businesses will be given a score (red, yellow or green) in a system where “Yelp” meets public health. To get your business participating in this platform, contact Lopa Mehrotra or Amanda Bates to get started.

• Quality internships are an effective talent pipeline strategy. Universities and high schools are still in need of opportunities for their students and graduates. If your company is still searching for college or high school interns we can assist. Please complete this quick survey to be added to our opportunity database.

• If you are interested in providing an internship but you don’t know where to start, GLI can help. We have job description templates for 50+ positions in key industries. We are also happy to help you develop remote internship opportunities. Please contact Jessie Schook to schedule a complementary consult or check out our internship resource hub.

• The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE) wants to know how nonprofits are managing through COVID-19. How has the pandemic changed your organization? How do you expect it to change what you do and how you do it by the end of October? Complete this seven-minute survey and tell us how you’re doing.

• Louisville Water is asking businesses to safely resume operations as workers return to businesses that have been empty or under used. Properly flushing plumbing is an essential part of that safe, re-opening strategy. After water flows through the meter, building owners are responsible for maintaining water quality. Louisville Water has created a step-by-step guide to help business owners understand how to flush the internal plumbing. Learn how to do that here.

• Governor Beshear issued a new travel restriction order that still requires people to quarantine for 14 days when they come to Kentucky unless traveling for work, visiting a doctor, getting groceries and other exceptions. The new order adds a new exception for people traveling as part of their normal lives living in one state and working in another.

• If you’re confused as to which states are re-opening and when, this interactive map is a good guide.

• ADP recently announced more than twenty million jobs were lost in the month of April, with over four million coming from goods-producing sectors, and sixteen million coming from service-providing sectors.

• The New York Times recently reported that research suggests that a wave of COVID-19 infections swept from New York City through much of the country before social distancing limits were set, fueling outbreaks in Louisiana, Texas, Arizona and the west coast.

Stay safe & healthy,
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom