Task force to help GE families

In response to the potential shutdown of the Bloomington General Electric refrigeration factory, Mayor Mark Kruzan assembled a task force to support affected families.\nKruzan’s announcement in a press release Thursday included a list of 18 Bloomington residents who will accompany the mayor in coordinating relief efforts following the closure.\n“The 18 individuals represent a vast network of resources and connections locally, regionally and nationally,” Kruzan said in the press release. “They understand their charge is to mobilize that network toward a widely integrated approach in assisting GE employees and the community.”\nBarry Lessow, executive director of United Way of Bloomington, was appointed leader for the employee assistance team. His group will focus on financial, educational and emotional support for the affected employees and their families.\nGreater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce CEO Christy Gillenwater will lead the community financial impact team, assessing the closure’s impact on the Bloomington community.\nA third group, the site reutilization team, is led by Ron Walker, president of Bloomington Economic Development Corporation.Walker’s group will study the future use of the former GE plant.\nKruzan stated that GE officials cannot participate in the response team process for 60 days, which will expire on March 17.