FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2020
Contact: Lyle Jepson
lyle@rutlandeconomy.com
(802) 345-3590
COUNTY BUSINESSES
Mask Distribution Effort Marks First Initiative After Merger Announcement
RUTLAND, Vt. – To help businesses enforce Vermont’s mask mandate, Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) and Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce are distributing a free box of 50 masks to customer-facing businesses across Rutland County.
The initiative was made possible by generous donations from Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC), Casella Waste Systems, and Heritage Family Credit Union, with support from Foley Distributing and Green Mountain Power. RRMC President and CEO Claudio Fort, Casella Waste Systems Director of Community Engagement Jeff Weld, and Heritage Family Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Carrie Allen and President and CEO Matt Levandowski were all present to help unload the truck carrying 50,000 masks on Monday.
“Our goal is to help businesses get masks into the hands of residents who may have forgotten theirs at home, at no cost to the business. We know this supply will only last a short time, but also know that it is a key component in the fight against COVID-19,” said Lyle Jepson, incoming executive director of the merged organization. “We anticipate this virus being with us for the foreseeable future, and we know that wearing face coverings can reduce transmission. Protecting ourselves and each other is essential to reopening and sustaining the opening of businesses, schools, and industries in the Rutland Region.”
The masks will be delivered to Rutland County businesses by REDC and Chamber staff. Included will also be information about the recently announced merger between the two organizations and signage provided by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Businesses do not need to be members of either REDC or the Chamber to receive a box of masks.
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