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A task force leading regional efforts to restart the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a comprehensive website complete with the latest information related to COVID-19. The RELAUNCH Greater Lansing: Economic Rehabilitation Task Force has developed the website to provide the most up-to-date information to assist organizations as they continue to adjust to new realities brought on due to the ever-evolving pandemic. The website can be accessed at www.relaunchgreaterlansing.com.

“The successful relaunch of our local economy remains in the early stages, and the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis is challenging for organizations to keep up with,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The RELAUNCH Greater Lansing website will be a one-stop experience for any organization looking for relevant information needed on any given day.”

The RELAUNCH Greater Lansing website includes all the information that businesses must be aware of, including protecting employees by screening, creating workplace distancing, cleaning, and sanitation, and what to do when an employee might be sick with COVID-19.  The website also features commonly asked questions and information about where people can get tested.

“There are two types of organizations right now: those that are currently trying to get back to work safely and navigate safety protocols and testing, and those that continue to work remotely and won’t be dealing with many of those protocols until after the first of the year,” said Carrie Rosingana, president & CEO, Capital Area Michigan Works! “This website provides resources for both types of organizations.”

The RELAUNCH Greater Lansing Task Force consists of trusted and prominent leaders in business, government, healthcare, and education. The group has been working diligently to develop a comprehensive strategy for industries within the Greater Lansing region to reopen business safely and successfully.

“Recovering from the pandemic continues to be a challenging process for organizations of every size and shape, and across all sectors of our regional economy,” said Robert Trezise, president & CEO, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “Businesses have their hands full conducting day-to-day business and have another layer of COVID-19-related issues to factor into their operation. We are attempting to make that process more efficient for everyone.”

Since its formation in the spring, The RELAUNCH Greater Lansing Task Force has involved a collaborative effort that has been conducted in conjunction with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan. The Safe Start Plan has focused on re-engaging Michigan’s economy by a regional, phased-in approach.

One of the defining characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the constant flow of new information and updates often occurring daily. The amount of information to track can be overwhelming, especially considering all the other day-to-day pressures. A prime example is the recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court ruling against Governor Whitmer’s executive orders issued during the pandemic.

“The RELAUNCH Greater Lansing website will continue to be a valuable resource for employers to understand all of the legalities involved,” said Daman. “We can expect more executive orders from the state and local health departments. Our team will track that information and make it available right away.”

The website also contains information about the over hundred organizations throughout the region that have also committed to the Greater Lansing Safe Pledge, an initiative launched by the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB). The Safe Pledge campaign is an initiative to demonstrate that our region is taking necessary precautions to keep everyone healthy and safe during the pandemic.

“The Greater Lansing Safe Pledge is a free and powerful way for businesses to communicate their commitment to the health and well-being of their employees, our community and visitors to the region,” said Julie Pingston, president & CEO, GLCVB. The pledge outlines specific actions, following all local, county, and state health guidelines, for your business to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Businesses who wish to make the pledge can do so online.

Members of the RELAUNCH Greater Lansing Task Force include:

Terrance Augustine, Eaton County Board of Commissioners
Farhan Bhatti, M.D., Care Free Medical
Bryan Crenshaw, Ingham County Board of Commissioners
Tim Daman, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
Tico Duckett, Duckett Brothers Distributing
Brent Forsberg, T.A. Forsberg
Peter Graham, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Physicians Health Plan
Kevin Irwin, TechSmith
Janet Lillie, Michigan State University
Jason Mellema, Ingham Intermediate School District
Bob Mooney, Meijer
Julie Pingston, Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Matt Resch, Resch Strategies
Carrie Rosingana, Capital Area Michigan Works!
Andy Schor, Mayor, City of Lansing
Patricia Scott, Foster Swift
Bob Trezise, Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Linda Vail, Ingham County Health Department
Kam Washburn, Clinton County Board of Commissioners
Mike Zamiara, Niowave