LOCAL CHATTANOOGA COMPANIES STEP IT UP DURING PANDEMIC
When there’s a need, Chattanoogans—and its companies—rise. Especially now, when so many residents are in self-isolation, and supplies and services are in demand, local businesses are pivoting to help fellow residents during this pandemic.
Shelter in the Storm
Take for example the family-owned Chattanooga Tent Company is helping hospitals and businesses fight COVID-19 by putting up large tents for Erlanger and Memorial Hospitals, which are using the makeshift areas for triage and drive-thru testing centers.
A vendor partner of LEO Events, this company has prepared tents for big events such as Bonnaroo and the Kentucky Derby, but now finds itself caring for its local community. “We hate that we have to do them for the(se) reasons, but we are glad we can help,” Mike Holland, president, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Whiskey to Wellness
Our friends at Chattanooga Whiskey and Gate 11 Distillery put their creative minds—and hands—to work in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The whiskey makers worked together to produce and bottle roughly 1,200 small bottles of FDA-approved hand sanitizer. The supply may have sold out quickly, but the proceeds from the venture will have a lasting effect. One-hundred percent of sales from every bottle went to the United Way of Greater Chattanooga “Restore Hope” Fund to support local hospitality workers and families.
Connecting When It Counts Most
Thanks to EPB, parents and kids throughout Hamilton County can hop online to do the work they need to do. The power company quickly installed Quick Connect Free WiFi in 27 locations, including schools, churches and community centers, with more locations to come. People are encouraged to use this free WiFi hotspot for online learning and other necessary business.
Dozens more companies are making a difference, from taking care of employees to ensuring strangers have what they need, in seen and unseen ways. We apologize if we haven’t mentioned you here. Just know that you warm our hearts and show us that we have the power to rally through.
