Coachella Valley Economic Partnership’s (CVEP) Regional PPE ‘Million Mask Giveaway’ Benefits Coachella Valley Small Businesses

PALM SPRINGS — The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) is providing Coachella Valley small businesses with more than $1 million in personal protective equipment (PPE). The cost-free PPE will go to small businesses in need all throughout the Coachella Valley. The program, called CVEP’s “Million Mask Giveaway,” is made possible by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).

CVEP Provides 'Million Mask Giveaway'

2) CVEP staff begin unloading CalOES PPE supply, in preparation for distribution to Coachella Valley small businesses. (Photo: Courtesy of CVEP)

CVEP is partnering with the nine cities of the Coachella Valley to assist in the distribution of 1,440,000 face masks, 96,000 16.9-ounce bottles of hand sanitizers, and 40,400 face shields to eligible Coachella Valley small businesses.

“As part of the effort to keep businesses operating – and operating safely – this will be a significant contribution to our local business base. For small businesses, the cost of masks and sanitizers adds up quickly,” Joe Wallace, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of CVEP, said in prepared statement. “This initiative means businesses do not have to worry about spending their own money on PPE. By partnering with all nine cities, it demonstrates what we can do when we work together as a region.”

Cities will each be given a supply of PPE, based on the number and type of businesses in their city.

Once each city receives its supply from CVEP, PPE distribution will be coordinated by each city, and is expected to be complete by the end of December. The Million Mask Giveaway is only available while supplies last. Business owners can find out distribution details from their city as soon as they are available by clicking here.

“Partnerships with the private sector have been invaluable as we continue to respond to the pandemic and the needs of our essential workers. Together with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development – Office of the Small Business Advocate, Cal OES is happy to support small businesses with a supply of much needed PPE, keeping these essential workers healthy ” Abby Browning, Chief, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services – Office of Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Coordination, said in a prepared statement.

According to Browning, CVEP is one of only three organizations statewide that reached out directly to OES for the PPE. CVEP is making the PPE available to local businesses operating legally, with employees unable to telecommute/work from home.

 

 

Image Sources

  • 3) CVEP’s Director of Economic Development Agustin Aragon unloads CalOES PPE supply for distribution to Coachella Valley small businesses. (Photo: Courtesy of CVEP): CVEP