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Druid City Living | September 2020
COMMUNITY
Industry Leaders Launch “Keep West Alabama Working” Campaign Promoting COVID-19 Safety BY DCL STAFF
West Alabamians who are fortunate to have their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic also want to keep working. How they can do so safely and help support their various employers and businesses is behind a new grassroots initiative called “KeepWestAlabama Working.”The idea is simple, according to Kelsey Rush with Bryant Bank.“We’re encouraging all workers to practice COVID-19 safety beyond their workplace, so that ourbusinesses can stay open,” Rush said.West Alabama industry leaders, in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,are behind the campaign. As part of this campaign, the leaders are working to encourage West Alabama residents to wear face masks in public, to practice social distancing, and to wash hands not only at work, but athome and when in the community to prevent thespread of COVID “As business leaders in our community, we must strive to make West Alabama a place for economic prosperity for all,” said Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber. “ We must work together to protect community health, to support our economic base, and to keep our local businesses open and employees working. This is a great reminder to our community that COVID safety goes beyond the workplace.”PhilTucker,PlantManagerofBFGoodrich Tuscaloosa Manufacturing,agrees. “The simple act of wearing a mask can save lves, Tucker said. “By following protocols issued by public health experts, we can help prevent the further spread of COVID and ensure the safe, responsible continuation of our operations and that of other employers in our community, from industry to small businesses.” Scientific evidence suggests that if everyone in the West Alabama community wears masks, practices social distancing, and washes their hands regularly, they’ ll be less likely to contract COVID-19 and then bring it to their workplaces. The campaign compliments Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s latest order asking Alabamians to wear face coverings to help protect public health.The Keep West Alabama Working campaign compliments Governor Kay Ivey’s July 29 state order asking Alabamians to wear a mask to protect public health. Ivey’s order is in effect throughAug. 31, but it could be extended. Top Left: A masked Mercedes-Benz employee works on a vehicle at the MBUSI plant in Vance. Bottom Right: Jim Page and Phil Tucker appear in a public service announcement to take protective measures at and away from work, by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing their hands. It’s the cornerstone of the Keep West Alabama Working campaign. Photos: Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
