This afternoon Governor Walz announced plans for a temporary Stay at Home Executive Order: The Minnesota Model to take effect on Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. to Friday, April 10 as a next step and action to address the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans.  This order will also extend the closure of restaurants, bars, hospitality and recreational facilities from last week’s order until May 1, 2020.  Additionally, schools will be closed and learning will be online until May 4, 2020. In anticipation of an executive order of this nature, GMG has been working with the Minnesota Chamber to help provide information to the Governor’s Office as well as be an advocate for ensuring thorough consideration of the definition of essential businesses. Businesses can get more information on business exemptions from the executive order by consulting the DEED website.

A copy of the full Executive Order issued on March 25, 2020 is available here as well as on the Greater Mankato Growth COVID-19 Resources Page along with additional key information and resources to help businesses and organizations navigate this unprecedented situation. GMG is also closely monitoring the federal coronavirus bill currently under consideration by Congress and will be providing information on key business provisions.

Please know that GMG is here for you as the voice representing our business community during this challenging time and we are also working on efforts to help sustain business and to plan for recovery efforts as we come out of this situation.

I’m incredibly proud of the resiliency of our community/region and we will get through this together.  Please remember that while we are taking necessary health and safety measures, we are a strong community that is finding innovative ways to do our work and support one another.

GMG will continue to monitor this evolving situation on all fronts and work diligently to put forth timely information and resources to you.  As always, please reach out to our team with questions, considerations or thoughts on how we can be of assistance.

Thank you,

Jessica Beyer / President & CEO