Re-Opening Considerations: Collaboration, PPE Purchase & New Talent Pipelines

As our conversations now turn to re-opening, it is critical that we do not undervalue the importance of bi-state coordination. With Indiana and Kentucky currently slated to reopen on different timelines, Greater Louisville, as a region, will be divided in a way that is not conducive to collaboration.

Just weeks ago, GLI applauded the newly formed cooperation between seven Midwest governors and welcomed coordinated efforts for the economic reopening. However, with the recent announcement of both states re-opening plans, it is unclear which elements or factors were considered to help reduce the barriers and challenges Greater Louisville will face with these seemingly misaligned plans.

We have many citizens who live on one side of the bridge and work on the other. How will this disjointed opening affect those who must cross the bridge into Indiana to work, while they struggle to find childcare in Kentucky? As a bi-state community our focus should be on the best ways to ensure our regional economy remains cohesive. We do not see the river as a divider of our community, and it is essential that it does not become one.

Childcare
GLI understands that re-opening the economy will be hindered if we are unable to also bring childcare centers back online. Advocating for increased access to childcare has been a long-time priority for GLI because our members recognize the barriers that lack of access to childcare create for workforce participation. At a time when we badly need to be bringing employees back to work, we fear that many will be unable to return to their places of business without wide access to childcare services. This will ultimately make it even more difficult for employers to restart operations and get our economy moving again. Recognizing that many childcare centers have remained open over the past several weeks to serve workers at essential businesses and that the CDC has provided ample guidance for these centers, we think that a wider reopening of childcare services should be able to be done safely and promptly. This will be critical to supporting both businesses and working parents in the days ahead.

Masks and Temperature Checks
In a letter to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and senior members of his administration, GLI urged a reevaluation of certain business reopening requirements. Specifically, GLI highlighted the challenges of mandated masking and temperature taking for employers and requested increased flexibility for businesses.  We were pleased to see this guidance updated just yesterday.

Get Your PPE
GLI is working hard to support our business community. As such, we have been sourcing some of the much needed PPE for businesses as we focus on re-opening the economy. If your company is in need of disposable face masks, you can purchase them in packs of 25 for $25.00 (plus sales tax) by placing your order here. We will have the masks available for pick up at GLI offices during scheduled hours throughout the coming weeks. More information on those details coming soon. For more information, please contact Deana Epperly Karem.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Quality internships are an effective talent pipeline strategy. Universities and high schools are still in need of opportunities for their students and graduates. If your company is still searching for college or high school interns we can assist. Please complete this quick survey to be added to our opportunity database. 

If you are interested in providing an internship but you don’t know where to start- GLI can help. We have job description templates for 50+ positions in key industries. We are also happy to help you develop remote internship opportunities. Please contact Jessie Schook to schedule a complementary consult or check out our internship resource hub. 

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE) wants to know how nonprofits are managing through COVID-19. How has the pandemic changed your organization? How do you expect it to change what you do and how you do it by the end of October? Complete this seven-minute survey and tell us how you’re doing.

The University of Louisville is looking for small plastic bottles to dispense hand sanitizer into. If your company manufactures or supplies these, please contact John Launius.

Louisville Water is asking businesses to safely resume operations as workers return to businesses that have been empty or under used. Properly flushing plumbing is an essential part of that safe, re-opening strategy. After water flows through the meter, building owners are responsible for maintaining water quality. Louisville Water has created a step-by-step guide to help business owners understand how to flush the internal plumbing. Learn how to do that here.

Other Updates:

The Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) has provided some $660 billion in loans to businesses to fund payroll and other expenses. GLI breaks down the forgiveness process here.

The University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences and the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness (LMPHW) have produced a study indicating that stringent social distancing measures the city put in place in March have significantly slowed the spread of COVID-19 in the city. The study also projects that Louisville may be able to gradually reopen by early June if even stronger containment measures – especially more extensive testing and consistent contact tracing and quarantine of all newly infected individuals – are implemented.

We know that this crisis is taking a toll on mental health and we recognize that returning workers and employers may face new challenges.  2-1-1 is a free and confidential information and referral service that helps people facing life challenges by connecting them to the local resources they need by organizing helplines and all available resources in one location. It’s available in over 100 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to the website, you can CALL 2-1-1 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to connect individuals and families to food, housing, education, health, including mental health and medications, as well as, other resources available in our community.