On Sunday evening, Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order for the closure of all non-essential retail businesses in the state of Kentucky. Life-sustaining retail businesses (like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores and businesses that provide staple goods) will remain open, as well as auto parts and auto repair shops. Retail businesses that are not life-sustaining may provide local delivery and curbside service from telephone or online orders, however, businesses that stay open must, to the fullest extent possible, maintain recommended CDC guidelines for safety during this pandemic.

While we recognize the tremendous immediate impact this order will have on our local businesses, we support Governor Beshear’s decisive action to stop the spread of this virus. To date, there have been more than  330,000 confirmed cases and 15,000 deaths from this virus worldwide. Recommendations of social distancing, temporarily suspending houses of worship and now this order closing non-essential retail businesses, while difficult for many Kentuckians, will be the reason we will weather this storm.

We will weather this storm. As the COVID-19 curve begins to flatten and the virus spread reduces, we will again be able to focus on each of us doing our part to make our region the best place to live, work and play. As the voice of your business community, GLI will continue to diligently work to ensure that we do everything to help your business sustain through this pandemic, and grow once again after it passes.

• The Kentucky General Assembly is considering legislation that would provide relief for businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 150 includes provisions that would waive various licensing and administrative fees for businesses and would give many employers increased flexibility to adapt their business models to current restrictions being imposed in response to the pandemic. GLI is urging all members of the greater Louisville community to contact their senators and encourage them to VOTE YES on Senate Bill 150.

• Congress must pass legislation to provide businesses and workers with relief from the COVID-19 pandemic and to help mitigate economic damage. This is no time for politics. Every minute that Congress delays action on this legislation, our economy grows weaker and our community suffers. Join GLI and urge Congress to work in a bipartisan manner and to settle their differences around this legislation immediately.

• If your company is having to lay off people and you think it may be temporary, KentuckianaWorks and GLI are collaborating on an initiative that may be helpful to your employees in finding temporary and/or permanent work. In addition, if you are a company that needs people fast and think you may need skillsets from employees working in the hospitality or related industries, please take this quick survey. It will help us identify ways to connect employers who need people with employers who are laying off people. This is one of the best ways you can support your workforce right now.

• If you are a manufacturing or construction company that has access to N 95 Respirators, we want to hear from you. Hospitals across the region are in need of these to ramp up COVID-19 testing. If you do have access to the respirators, please click here so we can connect you with the appropriate contacts.

• Join GLI and Louisville Tourism tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24^th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to discuss the local impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry. We will cover opportunities for businesses still conducting business, as well as conducting an open dialogue with hospitality peers. Click here to join the forum.
• Today, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued an order for Hoosiers to remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety. The order is in effect from March 25 to April 7. Read more about it here.
• Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) announced that public schools announced they will remain closed at least through April 20, 2020. Beginning on April 7^th, JCPS will use Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days, which uses a mixture of online activities as well as hands-on earning, and will count as school days, requiring in-home course work. Teachers will also be available to answer student questions. JCPS is also working on a plan to get Chromebooks to every student who needs one, as well as developing a plan to ensure all students have access to the internet.
• Join GLI, Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) and NOIR Black Chamber of Commerce (NOIRBCC) for a virtual town hall meeting on supporting your small business during COVID-19 on Thursday, March 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. In addition to myself, you will hear from Jennifer Rubenstein, Director of LIBA, and John Shaw-Woo, Founding CEO of NOIRBCC. Register here.
• On Sunday, the New York Times issued a free e-book to answer all of your questions about COVID-19.
• The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has developed crisis management tools to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
• The Fund for the Arts, in partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance, has created a website to offer virtual arts experiences to be enjoyed from home.
• The Salvation Army has significantly increased preparation for COVID-19 pandemic, ramping up efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, especially among the homeless and other vulnerable populations.
• Learn how to live as best as you can in quarantine with an in-depth guide from Morning Brew.
• The Center for Nonprofit Excellence has collected a running list of COVID-19 nonprofit resources that to help nonprofits get through these unprecedented times. You can access that list here.
• Check out this resource to learn what nonprofit board members should be doing right now to address COVID-19.
• Unpack guidance news on the Coronavirus Families First Response Act here. Thank you to Integrity HR for this resource.

Investor Question of the Day: Can you please explain the best way to file for unemployment related to COVID-19?

Last week, the Kentucky Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development announced new procedures for filing for unemployment claims, in an effort to accommodate any influx of new claims. Kentuckians filing for UI benefits should follow a schedule that pertains to the first initial in their last name as to what day they can file their claim. Although Kentucky Career Centers (KCC) across the state have been closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19, KCC workers are still providing services by telephone and videoconference. More information on scheduling and how to reach KCC can be found here. Charles Aull, Director of Public Policy Development, GLI

The Covid-19 global health crisis has hit businesses of every size and shape hard. It’s possible that the virus could produce more bankruptcies than deaths. Great business leaders can make a difference. Are you the business leader who will enable your company to survive and thrive now?

Leaders face increased stress, uncertainty, and rapid rate of change. Great leaders will succeed because they are exemplary in three critical leadership abilities – they are great communicators, know when to seek help and act decisively.

In a crisis, great leaders build confidence and results through communications. They are well informed before they speak.  Their words are positive and purposeful, they are compassionate, they listen, they know that fear is real. In a crisis, great leaders know their weaknesses. They seek those with the experience they lack. Many engage consultants, mentors, and coaches. Excellent leaders know the differences – consultants deliver reports, mentors advise, but coaches deliver results.

Your business can survive this global crisis and may even thrive. How much could you improve when you commit to the understanding of seeking help from experienced advisors, and acting decisively?

If you’re a GLI Investor and would like to submit helpful content to be considered for dissemination, please click here.

Stay safe & healthy,
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom