Local Leaders Share PPE Manufacturing Information for COVID-19 Response

A Berrien County Call to Action

(Berrien County, Michigan)  Today, the leaders of several business and not-for-profit community and economic development organizations announced, in response to questions from area businesses and manufacturers, the tools necessary to sign up for and assist with the product needs related to the COVID-19 virus outbreak in our state and nation. 

Cornerstone Alliance, The Kinexus Group, The Strategic Leadership Council, Berrien County Community Development and The Southwest Michigan Chamber all asked that Berrien County businesses wishing to assist in the response should sign up through the Michigan Business Connect web portal.  The intent of the portal is to match suppliers and manufacturers with those in need of expected high-demand items such as personal protection equipment, face shields, masks, replacement parts for medical equipment and other items deemed necessary by those on the front lines of the fight against the virus.

“Berrien County is well-positioned, with over 280 manufacturing businesses right here in our backyard, to re-tool and assist those in need throughout the state.” Said Todd Gustafson, President and CEO of Kinexus Group. “The Michigan Business Connect portal will be the first step in preparing to supply our hospitals, human service agencies and health care systems with the equipment they need.”

Rob Cleveland, President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance stated, “The generosity and willingness of our Berrien County businesses to engage, retool and assist in helping those in need during this crisis is not surprising.  Another reason that Berrien County is such a great place to work, play, raise and family and grow a business.”

John Proos, Executive Director of the Strategic Leadership Council, a Berrien County not for profit community development organization, explained the purpose of the web site and encouraged all interested parties to participate in the MI Business Connect portal. “This website will help to bring together those that have Procurement and Donation Needs with those that have the capabilities to fulfill those needs either through their supply chains or other donation capabilities during this crisis.”

“We’ve seen the community rally behind Buy Local Berrien! to support area businesses. Now, it’s our businesses who must answer the call,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “We strongly encourage those able to utilize this portal and help produce the critical equipment needed for us to win this fight.”

Pure Michigan Business Connect is operated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation which in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners and markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.

Those interested in sharing their needs or signing up to support should visit:

https://pmbc.connect.space/covid19/forms

Examples of both supply and demand needs can be found at that site or by contacting:

Bobby Chasnis

Director, Pure Michigan Business Connect

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

517-599-4074

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.