Dear Friends,
This morning we had a very informative webinar with Dr. Ruth Carrico, UofL Division of Infectious Disease. Dr. Carrico spoke about the history of COVID-19, the university’s role in combatting the pandemic, and a projection for the course of the illness. It is clear we must ramp up our efforts to increase testing as well as the manufacture or acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Healthcare Facilities Need PPE Locally & Across the Nation:
Locally, 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.
Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have launched resource pages for companies that can/will manufacture PPE so that we can protect those fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.
- FEMA has created a How to Help COVID-19 resource page specifically for the private sector. This page links interested vendors with FEMA’s standing RFQ for personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies, and also has information for those wishing to offer other products and services.
- The DoD has launched a COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) Industry Portal where interested vendors can complete a form to provide information on ways they can help support our nation’s current response and continued resiliency.
- Vendors who have not yet done business with the DoD can view a step-by-step approach to get started here.
GLI Partners with the Federal Reserve on an Economic Impact Study
In addition, 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.
GLI Partners with KentuckianaWorks on a Displaced Worker Initiative
Finally, as a reminder, GLI, in partnership with KentuckianaWorks has launched an initiative to support displaced workers and provide employers with assistance as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This two-pronged approach supports both workers and employers with a new job board highlighting current opportunities in the region, and an effort to connect HR professionals laying off workers with other HR professionals who are hiring, considering translatable skill sets, competencies and hiring requirements as we connect employers. Contact Jessie Schook if you are an employer looking for assistance. |