There has been much discussion nationally and regionally about what a re-opening of the economy will look like. Businesses everywhere are reviewing protocols and best practices for how they can safely resume operations. Federal and state governments are setting guidelines, and some communities have already initiated strategies to re-open their businesses.

In a series of focus groups held yesterday, GLI listened to the protocols and best practices employers that remain open have put into place. In addition to providing face masks, gloves, face shields and hand sanitizer, some employers are instituting temperature scans while others are increasing the frequency with which they clean common areas, removing unnecessary doors, and implementing strict social distancing recommendations.

Our goal is to collect this information and develop recommendations for Governor Andy Beshear and Governor Eric Holcomb as they issue the technical guidelines to re-start operations and ease the concerns that our business community has.  We know that businesses in our region are focused on resuming operations as quickly as possible while ensuring that we do so with the utmost safety. If you have thoughts or input you would like to include, please email Miriam Nally and we’ll do our best to incorporate your recommendations.

More Federal Assistance Available
In other news, last week more than $320 billion was appropriated for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Of this, a minimum of $30 billion will be set aside for community development financial institutions, banks and credit unions with less than $10 billion in assets. At least another $30 billion will go to banks and credit unions with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion for PPP loan origination above these levels. This is an important step to continue to support the business community through this pandemic. On Friday, we will host an event with MCM CPAs & Advisors to break down the confusing aspects of the PPP application process. You can register for that event here or by clicking the link below.

• Advocacy is an important part of COVID relief. Please take FOUR MINUTES to complete GLI’s Federal Policy Survey. Your responses to this survey will be critical to shaping GLI’s 2020-2021 federal policy priorities. The survey is intended for GLI investors only.

• As we look to re-open the economy, we know more PPE will be needed. If your company is looking to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workforce visit our Crisis Support Hub for a list of companies producing and selling it. If you have difficulty acquiring PPE from this site, please contact Deana Epperly Karem.

• In this time of crisis, tuition assistance matters. The Adult Education Attainment Steering Committee is working with employers to find innovative ways to support adult students who want to continue their education. The Steering Committee is encouraging employers who provide tuition assistance to still support students who get a Pass/Fail grade. Many times, the condition for tuition assistance is based on grades but many of our colleges have implemented a Pass/Fail format.  Please continue to support your student employees by accepting this format.

• AT&T is extending a special wireless offer to those working on the front lines during the COVID pandemic. Qualifying doctors and nurses are eligible for up to three months free service with their FirstNet Mobile-Responder plan.

• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a new process to help guide business reopening efforts in the Commonwealth. Under the “Healthy at Work” initiative, industry groups, trade associations, and individuals businesses “that are closed due to COVID-19” may submit reopening proposals and strategies, although businesses are not required to submit them.

• The Louisville Future of Work initiative is launching a 30-day upskilling challenge to incentivize learning new skills in technology. As part of the upskilling challenge, they are raffling off one laptop per day for the next 30 days. To be entered in the raffle, participants must earn at least one badge or certification in a technology field through free programming provided by Microsoft, General Assembly, IBM, and others. Winners will be announced daily at 5pm on Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more here.

• Mayor Greg Fischer presents “Lift Up Louisville” a new city song that he commissioned through Lift Up Lou. The song is designed to keep residents’ spirits up during the fight against COVID-19 and maintain a sense of connectedness, even at a time of necessary social distancing. The song represents a collaborative effort by Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams, Jim James and Patrick Hallahan of My Morning Jacket, singer/songwriter Will Oldham, cellist/composer Ben Sollee, Scott Carney of Wax Fang, percussionist Dani Markham, hip hop star Jecorey Arthur, gospel singer Jason Clayborn, singer Carly Johnson and several others from Louisville’s diverse and celebrated music scene.

Stay safe & healthy,
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom