Resilience In Crisis
Protecting the frontline-
Unshattered- Social, nonprofit enterprise, Unshattered is no stranger to supporting those in need. The company, which employs women in recovery, manufactures custom handbags and accessories out of its Hopewell Junction location. In response to the Governor's call for support, the women at Unshattered are keeping their jobs and giving back to the healthcare community after shifting production to masks for the medical profession. The company activated a virtual sewing circle for the #millionmaskchallenge, and organized a community collection point to assist in production of cloth masks that extend the life of scarce N95 masks that hospitals need.
Unlimited Tomorrow- In partnership with Nuvance Health, Rhinebeck-based 3-D printed prosthetics company, Unlimited Tomorrow, is producing 1,000 face shields for area hospitals. While the company is happy to offer community support, they are also excited to be able to keep the workforce operating. Founder and CEO, Easton LaChapelle hopes to be able to offer additional support and work for people being laid-off.
Sanitizer Support -
Hudson Valley Skin Care- Pleasant Valley-based, Hudson Valley Skin Care produces farm-to-face skincare and body products distributed throughout the Hudson Valley. The company recently chose to suspend production in order to produce hand sanitizer. Local restaurant, Publick House 23 – which was distributing free lunches for children in need – served as Hudson Valley Skin Care's distribution point. The company plans to add more distribution locations.
Dennings Point Distillery- Craft spirits producer, Denning's Point Distillery, is committed to creating the smallest environmental footprint possible. In line with its mission of helping the environment, the company has shifted to helping the community offering free hand sanitizer when you bring your own bottle on select days. Denning's hopes that bottle sales from its outpost will support the cause and keep employees working safely.
The Vale Fox- Another craft distiller in Lagrange, The Vale Fox, has completely shifted to producing sanitizer. Already producing more than 9,000 bottles of hand and surface sanitizer, the company's generosity goes beyond donations to essential businesses. To support workers impacted by this epidemic, a portion of eventual online sales will be made available to employees who have been impacted during this crisis.
Small Business Heroes -
Sloop Brewing- Sloop Brewing truly understood what it means to support your local businesses. Embracing community over competition, Sloop opened up a canning line for new Poughkeepsie craft brewer, Zeus Brewing. The move will provide the restaurant and brewery, currently open for takeout, an additional revenue capability
Mama Musetti's and Publick House 23- Food service providers like Publick House 23, Mamma Musettis and many others have stepped up to provide lunches for children of families impacted by school closures. While some restaurants have unfortunately needed to reduce their offerings, residents can support the continuity of these efforts by purchasing gift cards to provide operating funds for restaurants.
Fit Social- From food to fitness many of our small businesses proved they can think big. Adapting swiftly to change and leveraging social media, many small businesses are using social media to provide virtual spaces and continue providing services. Businesses like Fit Social offering online classes as a means to keep the community healthy and staff employed.
Do you know of a local Dutchess County business doing innovative things to help our community in this crisis? Let us know on Instagram by tagging #ThinkDutchess.