EXPLORING THE RENEWAL TASK FORCE, MORE EVENTS AND OTHER UPDATES

Recently, GLI announced the formation of a Renewal Task Force. This group, chaired by Kerry Stemler, has been brought together to discuss the latest information on aspects of the COVID-19 response, including testing, PPE, funding for small business, and re-opening strategies for the economy. Based on the information shared, the group determined it most helpful to focus the task force efforts in two areas:

• Advocacy and Education – This group will focus on working with GLI to connect with elected officials on stabilization packages at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as helping to educate businesses on what resources are available to them and how to use those resources.
• Re-entry Technical Expertise – This group will examine existing “re-entry” materials from federal and state governments and work collaboratively to identify specific points for each industry that require consideration to begin re-opening businesses safely.

We look forward to working with the community leaders and volunteers to support our economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Updates:

• Flavorman is currently manufacturing one-gallon bottles of hand sanitizer that comply with FDA and WHO guidelines. The bottles come with a screw top and are available for local no-touch pickup at their downtown Louisville location. Bottles are $35 and can be ordered here.
• Available funds for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans 9EIDL) have reportedly been exhausted. See updates on federal loans for small business here. If your company wasn’t successful in applying for PPP in the first round, here are some recommendations from Stoll Keenon Ogden for how to try again.
• The governors of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois have joined governors Andy Beshear and Eric Holcomb in a bipartisan effort to coordinate the reopening of the Midwestern regional economy.
• According to the latest research, COVID-19 may be stable on hard surfaces for up to 2-3 days. Find out the best ways to ensure that your car surfaces, seats and carpets are disinfected here.
• If you miss being out and seeing the city, Business First sent their photographer out to capture some images around Louisville during our mandated social distancing.
• Spring in Louisville might look different this year, but spring still brings hope. The Louisville Downtown Partnership has developed a new video showcasing Louisville during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Applications are now open for the 20th anniversary of the Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Awards. Early-stage businesses that are developing an innovative, technology-enabled product (need not be tangible product) could win free cash, education and mentorship. To learn more or apply, click here.
• The CDC is sending teams to eight states to help bolster contact tracing efforts and contain the virus. In addition to Kentucky, these teams will also go to New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska, North Dakota and West Virginia.