In these unprecedented times, we continue to strive to bring you the most important news related to COVID-19. Recently, we have discussed the need for widespread testing as a necessary step to help flatten the curve and reduce the overall spread of the virus. Yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear announced a partnership with Kroger & UPS to launch drive-thru testing across the state of Kentucky. This important partnership will allow healthcare workers, first responders, people age 65 and over, and individuals with chronic heath conditions like heart disease, lung disease and other immune-system lowering diseases to be tested. Individuals in these groups can apply through a digital registration portal, which also includes a virtual assessment tool to help you know if you need to be tested. This is a critical resource to help us curb the spread of COVID-19, and we salute Kroger and Governor Beshear in their effort.

As we look at how we as a community move forward from the economic impact of COVID-19, data skills connected to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the internet of things are going to form the backbone of the new economy. As we learned in the strategic planning process, these skill sets will be particularly needed in Louisville’s strong healthcare and manufacturing clusters. GLI is partnering with Louisville Forward and the Microsoft Future of Work Initiative to survey which specific skills employers think will be most important to their businesses going forward. Please complete this quick survey to help us understand the gaps that exist as we prepare for Louisville’s workforce of the future.

• If your company has or can manufacture face masks, face shields, swab kits, ventilators, hand sanitizer, gloves, or other equipment that could be useful to healthcare personnel in this time of need, please contact Deana Epperly Karem and she will coordinate an introduction to the supply chain leaders.

• The Unbridled Charitable Foundation has launched a campaign to support workers in the food and beverage industry. They are asking for gift card donations from local bars and restaurants for an online auction that will begin on May 1^st. Local bars and restaurants will benefit now from the purchase of the gift cards, and 100% of the proceeds generated from the online auction will be donated to Apron, Inc., which provides temporary financial relief to food and beverage workers in the region. Anyone donating $100 or more will be entered into a drawing for two dance only tickets to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala on September 4, 2020.

• GLI is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to conduct a confidential survey of business leaders in the seven-state region of the Eighth Federal Reserve District. The survey will directly assist monetary policymakers and regional leaders in making decisions that impact the employment and financial situations of businesses in our region. The survey does not require a firm name, and individual responses will be accessible only by a few economists at the Federal Reserve. The aggregate results will be analyzed and complied into a report for the public. If you have questions regarding this survey, please contact Charles Gascon, Regional Economist at the St. Louis Fed or Deana Epperly Karem at GLI.

• Congressman John Yarmuth briefed GLI investors on the efforts of Congress and the federal government to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The University of Louisville’s College of Business is offering its expertise to help the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Friday afternoon, any entrepreneur or small business owner in the Louisville area can schedule a free online meeting with Suzanne Bergmeister, assistant director of the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship. Appointments are available from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.

• On April 9, 2020, the Federal Reserve announced a new lending facility for main street businesses, the Main Street New Loan Facility (“MSNLF”). Learn more here.

• Louisville native Wicked Sheets has developed a washable protective, multi-layer face mask that’s moisture wicking.

• As each of us faces the reality of uncertain times, and as COVID-19 continues to affect the economy and workforce, the Harvard Business Review offers tips on how to manage layoffs with compassion.

• On Friday, Apple and Google announced a plan to track COVID-19 through your phone through the release of software tools allowing developers to create contract-tracing apps using Bluetooth technology.

• The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was illuminated to look like a healthcare worker on Sunday, in a tribute to those fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.

• If you’re looking for an escape from the latest COVID-19 news, check out Andrea Bocelli’s Music for Hope concert. The opera singer gave a solo performance at the Duomo Cathedral of Milan with a message of love, healing and hope.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news, resources and frequently asked questions with GLI’s new COVID-19 Crisis Support Hub.

Stay safe & healthy,
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom