Staying Open – MN Executive Order

A message from Steve Bonoff President of Printing Industry Midwest (PIM)

March 27, 2020 – Regardless of what state you reside, I wanted to update you on the status of the MN Executive Order 20-20. Today, I requested our members share images from their production floor, in ways they are supporting their community and clients in this strange time we find ourselves in. It was an incredible display of our merit as an industry. These images were shared widely to state officials, though we cannot share with you now as some are proprietary.

At the present moment, there has been no change to the non-critical classification of Print and Related Support Activities. That is not without effort by board members, our lobbyist, numerous business leaders, MN Chambers of Commerce, Senate and House members and numerous other officials. I write this before the Governor’s 2PM media conference and we remain extremely hopeful that a revised classification is forthcoming before the day is out. But in the event that doesn’t occur, below are our recommendations.

What to do now?

It is the belief of Printing Industry Midwest that the majority of our members are essential service providers and will rightfully remain open through the Stay-at-Home Executive Order. The Order states that those not deemed Critical may be exempt under the CISA Guidelines as established by Department of Homeland Security. In essence, if your company serves companies deemed essential under the guidelines, that supports your business as being part of an essential supply chain.

Our recommendations are no different today than they were earlier in the week;

1. Review the “CISA guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce.” In the Guidelines, I believe we’ll find a vast number of companies covered under the following sectors;
    
   • Transportation and Logistics – “manufacturers of packaging materials needed to support manufacturing” covers a broad segment of the printing industry.
      
   • Food and Agriculture – the production of food packaging is specifically listed as an essential service.
      
   • Critical Manufacturing – Workers necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed for medical supply chains, and for supply chains associated with transportation, energy, communications, food and agriculture, chemical manufacturing, nuclear facilities, the operation of dams, water and wastewater treatment, emergency services, and the defense industrial base. Additionally, workers needed to maintain the continuity of these manufacturing functions and associated supply chains.
      
   • USPS – In addition, the United States Postal Service has clearly defined printing and mailing industries are essential to the USPS and seeks your support in continuing to serve this critical supply chain.
      
2. Document the essential services and supply chains your company serves.
    
3. Ensure your company is meeting the CDC guidelines for protecting your employees and workplace. (Assure your staff that the Gov. has made clear “papers” are not required to move about the state.)
    
4. Communicate to your clients and employees that you are an essential part of a supply chain as defined under CISA Guidelines.
    
5. Find communication templates and COVID-19 related resources at the PIM website: www.pimw.org/covid-19-and-the-print-industry/

Unable to meet the above criteria may cause hardships for some in our community. Please reach out to us at PIM to be sure you are getting all the support available to you at this time. More to come as the situation changes.

Please direct your questions to Steve Bonoff:
T: 612.400.6203 (direct)  O: 612.400.6200  E: sbonoff@pimw.org
A: 1300 Godward St. NE, Suite 2650, Minneapolis, MN 55413. View Map.