We all want to get back to work, and we know, when the time comes (or even if we're already back at our jobs) we're going to need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to comply with COVID-19 workplace safety practices and protect employees and customers. 

The good news is that Pierce County is offering FREE PPE to businesses located in Pierce County exactly for this reason.

This program is funded through $158 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal dollars. A total of $30 million will be focused on economic stabilization and recovery projects in Pierce County.

To receive PPE for your business you must fill out a PPE Request Form indicating the type of PPE needed.

Once you submit the form, you will receive an email certificate that you will need to have with you when picking up your PPE. 

PPE will be ready for distribution June 1-3, 2020 while supplies last. Available PPE includes disposable, non-surgical masks and no-touch infrared forehead thermometers. PPE will be distributed June 1 - June 3, and businesses that request PPE will receive additional details regarding pick-up locations in Pierce County. Businesses must be located in Pierce County to be eligible. 

+ PPE Request Form

Contact Information:
Pierce County Economic Development
950 Pacific Ave. Suite 720, Tacoma WA 98402
Email: PCBizPPE@piercecountywa.gov
Phone: 253-798-6150

This pandemic is hanging on longer than any of us could imagine, and, although we’re finding some ways to open up a little, things aren’t going to bet back to any sense of normality for some time. With all the other disruptions this is causing, legal issues are also arising. Thankfully, there are lawyers out there who are trying to help. 

For instance…

Meaghan Driscoll at Connelly Law Offices has worked to set up a pro bono legal program with the TACOMA Pierce County Bar Association for people with questions about Coronavirus and it’s legal impacts. Legal aid programs are now ready to help low-income people and displaced workers affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency and there are free resources to address legal issues. You can find a list of assistance options here.

In addition, Jerimy Kirschner & Associates is offering free 30 minute consultations with Pierce County business owners to review their legal options as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown. This includes helping with questions on how to resolve potential problems with landlord and/or lenders.  You can find out more about Jerimy Kirschner & associates here. 

Thank you to all our professionals who are helping create community and offer assistance to those in need. I’m sure there are others doing wonderful work. If you are one of them, or know any, please let us know, either in the comments below, or email us at communications@tacomachamber.org

Stay safe and healthy.

Here's some good news! As we begin to open our businesses, we're going to have to figure out how to keep our employees and customers safe. That will probably involve supplying personal protective equipment ​such as masks, which is going to be another expense. And who can afford another expense at the moment? The good news is that Business Health Trust is working to get masks in the hands of local small businesses at nearly no cost!

Business Health Trust has taken on an initiative to help small employers return to work and equip them with face covering and mask options at nearly no cost to employers.
 
We have partnered with a member company, GOUSA (Wenatchee) to help provide employers with no-cost face coverings, disposable masks, and KN95 masks to our small businesses. Businesses will be able to conveniently order online and simply pay for shipping (around $10 per order). 
“It is important for small businesses to be equipped to re-open and for them to be able to provide adequate protective supplies for their employees and customers.  We are able to provide 20,000 face coverings and masks for Washington State’s small businesses without burdening businesses with the cost.” said Executive Director, Sarai Childs.
 
Sarai Childs speaks with business owners and operators daily and indicated that this initiative not only will help support a tangible business need but also give businesses choices. “We know that every business and industry has different needs. This program will help provide several options so that employers can make the decision that is best for their work force.”

Thank you BHT and GOUSA!

You can find out more about their program on their info PDF flyer