Today, GLI joined business organizations in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in voicing support for efforts to coordinate economic reopening efforts among these seven states. We want Governor Beshear, Governor Holcomb, and other governors throughout the Midwest to know that the business community stands ready to collaborate with them as we undertake the vital work of reopening our economies. Proactive coordination not only across state lines but between the public and private sectors will be crucial to ensuring success.

GLI would like to hear your plans for re-opening. We think it is critical to talk with businesses across all sectors to learn best practices, concerns and the unique challenges you may face. We are hosting virtual focus groups on Monday, April 27^th to gather your input. Here are the times by industry:

• 8:00-9:00 am: Education & Training (Register Here)
• 9:00-10:00 am: Hospitality & Civic Assets (Register Here)
• 2:00-3:00 pm: Manufacturing & Logistics, with Support from the Advanced Manufacturing/Logistics Network (Register Here)
• 3:00-4:00 pm: Health, with support from the Health Enterprises Network (HEN) (Register Here)
• 4:00-5:00pm: Retail & Business Solutions Providers (Register Here)

If you cannot join any of these focus groups and want to submit comments or best practices you are aware of for your industry, please contact Miriam Nally.

As we watch some states proceed with re-opening their economies, establish a framework for our own re-opening, and continue to fight the virus in our hospitals and homes, it is critical that we have access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Many local businesses have modified their normal operations to produce PPE that is for sale to the general public. GLI has collected a list of companies selling PPE to businesses or the public. If you are producing or distributing PPE that is available for sale to businesses or the public, contact Deana Epperly Karem.

• If you have questions about the impact on your business from COVID-19 (from testing to PPE to financing to legislation to re-entry and everything in between) call GLI’s COVID-19 hotline at 502-625-0000 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

• The Kentucky Education and Workforce Cabinet has released an unemployment insurance employer handbook for COVID-19.

• To ensure that businesses throughout greater Louisville are able to cope with the broad and often unpredictable demands of the COVID-19 crisis and protect public health, GLI is advocating for regulatory flexibility for businesses when it comes to environmental compliance.

• The fourth COVID-19 economic relief package is expected to pass the U.S. House today. The bill is intended to support small businesses, national testing and hospitals.

• Kentucky has delayed the 2020 real property tax appeal period for all counties.

• The University of Louisville is offering a program to decontaminate used N95 respirators, boosting the supply of masks for local health care providers, first responders and community organizations such as nursing homes at no charge.

• The Louisville Small Business Center is warning of potential scams related to economic stimulus programs offered through the CARES Act.

• Another 4.4 million people filed jobless claims in the U.S. last week, bringing the five-week total to more than 26 million claims.

• The University of Louisville is asking employers to help place their student-athletes in internships this summer. If you have an opening and would like to learn more, contact Alyssa Murphy.

• Developing nations are more at risk from both COVID-19 and its impact on their local economies. One expert calls for a Global Marshall Plan, where debt will be erased and additional contributions will be made by the richest countries to help overcome the destruction.

• Looking for a way to spruce up your Zoom background? Try these Kentucky backgrounds and show your Bluegrass pride.

Stay safe & healthy,
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom