I want to begin by talking about National Census Day, which is today. The Census is a critical tool that shapes our community. Not only does it determine the population count and demographic breakdown for our region, but it also determines district lines and representation in government. Most importantly, an accurate Census count means that our community will receive much needed support from federal funding, which is more important now than ever before. For every person missed being counted in the Census, Kentucky loses $22,000 and Indiana loses $27,000. That means if just five people are missed, our community will lose over $100,000 in federal funding.

So, what keeps people from doing their civic duty and being counted in the Census? Misinformation. So let’s clear a few things up. First, your information is never shared with any agency outside of the Census; by law, that information is required to be kept separate and not shared. Second, there has been much information on the addition of a citizenship question, but that’s incorrect – there is no citizenship question on the Census. And finally, if you are not a U.S. citizen but you do live in our community, please complete the Census, because you need to be counted as a part of the population as well.

We implore you to not only complete the Census yourselves, but encourage your employees to complete the Census as well. For the first time ever, you can complete the Census online, making it easier than ever to be counted. Simply enter the code that was delivered to you in the mail – it’s just that easy.

We’ve asked our GLI Employees why they took the Census and why it’s important to them. Follow along on our social channels with what they had to say throughout the month with #ShowUsYourHousehold.

In other news, Mayor Greg Fischer announced the creation of the Small Business Community Loan Program. This loan program is a $900,000 fund that will provide zero-interest loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, with no payments for 12 months. The loan program was developed in partnership with Louisville Metro Government, GLI, LHOME, Render Capital, and Lenderfit. Loans will be administered by local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) LHOME, and managed through Lenderfit, in an effort to keep small businesses viable through the pandemic and to serve as a low-cost loan to bridge into the U.S. Small Business Administration loans or other relief programs.

GLI Challenge: In this time of need, we would like to show solidarity in support for our business community. As such, we are issuing a challenge to the business community for each business to give $1,000.  If we can all give a little, we can make an enormous impact. Will your company help? If you would like to donate, please click here.

• GLI supports JCPS in its effort to provide virtual learning opportunities and resources for all of its students. Specifically, JCPS is looking for the 100e Chromebook (32GB SSD) and the Chromebook 11 3100 (16GB SSD). If you are a company that has a stock of unused laptops or tablets and they can be utilized for JCPS students please contact Deana Epperly Karem. Deana is working with our businesses and JCPS on an initiative that may allow these laptops to be cleaned and reutilized for student use.

• Is your company doing something innovative to help our community during the COVID-19 crisis? We would like to hear from you so we can spread the good word and shine a light on all of the good work our region does. Click here to tell us. #BetterTogetherINKY

GLI COVID-19 Help: Communicating in a Crisis
Thursday, April 2 ● 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

In times of crisis, effective communications can help save lives, instill trust and speed recovery. Join GLI along with Chad Carlton, President of C2 Strategic Communications, for this important and appropriate presentation which will give decision makers and communicators timely advice to better navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19 and build confidence among employees, clients and others. The presentation will include a Q&A session.

GLI COVID-19 Help: Indiana’s Unemployment Insurance &Workforce Updates
Friday, April 3 ● 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join GLI and 1si for an important conversation with Executive Director Tony Waterson from WorkOne Southern Indiana of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Mr. Waterson will discuss the work the Department is doing to support Hoosiers, particularly related to Indiana’s unemployment insurance program and other updates from the Administration.

GLI COVID-19 Help: Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Virtual Roundtable
Wednesday, April 7 ● 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

GLI, in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Logistics Network (AML), will host a webinar for industry leaders. This online event is an opportunity for manufacturing and logistics-related companies to connect with one another and learn more about community resources. We’ll discuss workforce issues, policy questions, and share best practices. Please join us!

• Kentucky has issued travel restrictions for residents, instructing them not to travel across state lines except when required by employment; to obtain groceries, medicine and other necessary supplies; to seek health care; to provide care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities or other vulnerable persons, or to be in compliance with a court order. Note: essential workers do not need to provide any documentation. Learn more here.

• The CARES Act passed last week expanded eligibility for businesses to receive SBA funding through the new Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses that previously did not qualify due to size now do. Learn more about this program here.

• We’ve updated our Unemployment Insurance guide to include both Kentucky and Indiana. See it here.

• Louisville Water has created Hand Washin’ Germ Stoppin’ featuring Tapper, Louisville Water’s mascot. The 20-second song promotes the importance of soap, water, and a good scrub. Louisville pure tap® is essential for overall health and hand washing, but it’s especially critical in minimizing the spread of the Coronavirus.

• Esri developed an interactive dashboard to show you how prepared your community is for a COVID-19 influx. The dashboard mixes real-time COVID-19 case counts with health and population statistics for impact planning and insights. Check it out here.

• UPS, in coordination with the President’s COVID-19 task force, FEMA and state health agencies, is providing supply chain services for nationwide distribution of PPE, respirators, N95 masks and gloves for healthcare workers. Additionally, Worldport  will be used by FEMA to temporarily stage critical shipments from overseas.

• Team Kentucky, the Kentucky Chamber and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association have joined together to create a central repository for hand sanitizer requests. Hospitals, first responders and other critical employers are top priority, but all companies in need can request hand sanitizer and bulk alcohol.

GLI is collecting the questions we’ve been asked about how COVID-19 impacts your business. To see those responses, click here. If you have a question that you would like answered, submit that below.

Stay safe & healthy,
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom