Indiana business associations are voicing their support for Governor Holcomb’s restrictions on social gatherings, while also touting their track record of keeping Hoosiers safe.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar and Indiana Manufacturers Association President and CEO Brian Burton spoke in support of Holcomb’s actions, during the governor’s COVID-19 press conference Wednesday.
Brinegar said that while some employers are still struggling, the economy won’t be able to get back to full strength until the coronavirus is knocked down. “We very much appreciate the leadership and the courage that you’ve shown through this very difficult pandemic,” he told the governor and state health officials, “and we support this very necessary and temporary set of orders that you’re issuing today.”
Meanwhile, Burton praised Holcomb’s efforts to try to balance public health and economic activity. “If we can work together to get through the next few months, our industry is confident in renewed economic growth in Indiana,” Burton added.
Both argued that their member businesses have been taking steps to keep their employees safe and that the bigger threat of COVID-19 is outside of the workplace. Burton called on lawmakers to take action to protect businesses from COVID-19 liability, especially those that make personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, and other pandemic-related products.
