Charlotte business group connects manufacturers with companies seeking COVID masks
As some parts of the N.C. economy are set to reopen for Phase Two on Friday, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance launched a website Thursday to help connect businesses, government and healthcare providers with manufacturers of personal protective equipment.
Manufacturing, long a major employer in North Carolina, has shifted toward the production of masks and other protective equipment amid the COVID-19 crisis.
As companies began to do so, the alliance and other economic development agencies informally began connecting manufacturers with healthcare providers, said Janet LaBar, president and CEO of the business group.
As the need grew, the alliance worked with Charlotte-based software company Skookum to produce the website, which acts as a free database where manufacturers and businesses and other organizations can search for each other.
On Friday, restaurant dining rooms and personal care businesses will be able to open again, but shortage of masks and other equipment has been a major roadblock for businesses trying to keep their employees safe.
“This is really about keeping our businesses going,” LaBar said.
LaBar also said the model could be used for other products as supply chains are disrupted due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The tool was developed in partnership with Winston-Salem’s economic development agency.
Over 20 manufacturers have signed on so far, said Joe Ryan, president of Skookum. Pricing, delivery and other details are determined by the supplier.
To register, visit https://www.carolinasalliance.org/.
