Schellinger: Businesses Have ‘Stepped Up’
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger (IIB file photo)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana’s Secretary of Commerce says businesses throughout the state are stepping up in the state’s fight against COVID-19. During a news conference Wednesday with Governor Eric Holcomb, Jim Schellinger said more than 135 companies have been vetted as being able to help, particularly when it comes to making and providing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
Schellinger cites companies such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which he says has committed to making 1,000 masks per month in Indiana, as well as Subaru, The Heritage Group and Summit MMI, which are donating thousands of PPE.
Holcomb’s office says recreational vehicle manufacturers are also stepping up to help. Middlebury-based Jayco Inc. says it is donating several units to the South Bend Clinic, as well as area first responders.
The clinic has received two of Jayco’s Seismic 4125 toy haulers that will serve as additional space for pediatric immunizations outside of the facility in an effort to keep kids safe. South Bend Clinic Chief Executive Officer Kelly Macken-Marble called the donation “a game-changer for us.”
Jayco has also donated one unit to the Middlebury Fire Department for use as a quarantine space if a firefighter becomes infected.
“These are unprecedented times but we’re all in this together,” said Derald Bontrager, CEO for Jayco. “We value and appreciate what our health care workers and first responders are going to be doing for our community over the coming weeks and want to help them during this time of great need.”
Schellinger says the Indiana Economic Development Corp. has spoken with more than 1,000 Hoosier businesses and economic development organizations over the last week to discuss ways to support the fight against COVID-19.
Schellinger will talk more about the effort on this weekend’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick.
Additionally, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has announced Community Development Block Grant funds may be redirected to assist with COVID-19 needs. The governor’s office says the effort could help fund projects including mobile testing areas or economic assistance packages for small businesses.
You can view Wednesday’s full news conference below, courtesy of our partners at WISH-TV.