Keller Administration Begins Delivery of Nearly $1 Million in PPE to Local Small Businesses
Dec. 4, 2020
In addition to millions in grants, fee waivers, and other support aimed at helping local small businesses, a key part of the city’s economy, stay afloat through the pandemic, the City of Albuquerque is also working with local partner organizations to package and distribute nearly $1 million in personal protective equipment to Albuquerque small businesses. Those deliveries began this week.
“This pandemic has been devastating to local businesses and workers—and it’s not going away,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We want to make sure our small businesses have what they need to support the health and safety of their workers and customers alike, without creating an additional cost and burden beyond what is already required.”
From contracts with eight local businesses, the administration purchased more than 70,000+ reusable masks, over 22,000 boxes of disposal masks totaling more than one million individual masks, 6,800 boxes of 100 gloves, over 2,000 cases of hand sanitizer totaling 20,982 bottles, more than 13,000 bottles of cleaner/disinfectant, and 2,000 plexiglass dividers. The products are being packaged into approximately 4,500 boxes for distribution.
Local businesses contracted to procure the PPE include Highway Supply LLC, John’s Pharmacy, Rough Love Jewelry & Accessories, Rowan Enterprises LLC, Safety Flare Inc., Southwest Creations, Sandia Paper, Sombra Professional Therapy Products, Stride, Inc. DBA Diverse Office Supply, and Synergetic Business Solutions.
“Our small business PPE project is yet one more example of the Albuquerque community banding together in a time of crisis so that no one is left out, everyone is protected, and our small business community is supported during this difficult time,” said Synthia Jaramillo, Economic Development Director.
PPE boxes are currently being distributed by local chambers, including the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the Albuquerque LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the West Central Community Development Group, the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the South Valley Economic Development Center, WESST Enterprise Center, and the Asian Business Collaborative.
"In partnership with the City of Albuquerque, the PPE project has brought the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) business community together in a way we've never imagined, and we know we're making a significant impact on the cost of supplies," said Kristelle Siarza, Volunteer Executive Director of the Asian Business Collaborative. They will be distributing PPE boxes at Talin Supermarket on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. through Dec. 22.
"Talin Supermarket and Asian businesses created a word-of-mouth network to help us launch successfully,” Siarza said. “With at least 100 boxes already received by businesses within the first three days of distribution, there's a demand for small business help for all API owned businesses—no matter what industry or language."
Businesses can contact their local chamber to inquire about PPE pickups and distribution. The City of Albuquerque will be distributing about 225 of the boxes on Friday, Dec. 4, from 1-4 p.m. at John Marshall Health and Social Services Center. This will continue on Fridays through Dec. 18.