MONROE, NC – Union County is a community that cares. That has become even more apparent during the COVID-19outbreak. The Union County Chamber is proud to highlight a few of our members who are finding creative ways to serve those in need during these challenging times.

The Monroe Grill

The Monroe Grill got their idea to serve from a customer who ordered meals to cover a shift of hospital workers in Monroe. Chef Thomas and Coliesta Vidak went beyond providing meals for one shift. They set up an option on their website where anyone can sponsor meals for a shift of hospital workers, or other essential workers like public safety and grocery workers. You have the option of covering an entire shift or purchasing as many meals as you can. The Monroe Grill delivers the meals, often with personalized notes of encouragement from the sponsors.

Goulston Technologies, Inc.

Long.time Chamber member Goulston Technologies donated 5,000 masks to local hospitals, including Atrium Health in Monroe, and Novant Health in Matthew. Goulston President & COO Fred Edwards commented, “We are very much aware of the effect CoVid-19 is having on our community. We truly appreciate our healthcare community, and we recognize the sacrifice and risks the doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers face each day. This is only a small gesture of our appreciation.”

GM Nameplate

GM Nameplate in Monroe normally produces nameplates and trim for cars. When orders slowed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, they wanted to keep their employees working and continue producing products. They were able to pivot and begin making medical supplies, plastic face shields in particular.  GM works with medical distributors to get the face shields to hospitals that need them.

Keller Cosmetics

Keller cosmetics is a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality cosmetics and personal care products. When the outbreak hit, company president Amy Kennedy saw the need for sanitizer as stores everywhere sold out. Keller Cosmetics was able to pivot manufacturing and begin producing hand sanitizer in 4 and 8-ounce containers for sale on their website.

Austin Drug

Austin Drugs Pharmacy owner Harry Patel saw the need for masks to help protect the vulnerable elderly population. He and his family began making them and invited others to help. They now have an army of workers who’ve made nearly 1,000 masks to donate to senior citizen centers and others in need.

Smith Bucy-Construction

Smith Bucy Construction is a firm located in Waxhaw. They are working to help keevulnerable community members safe by offering to pick up prescriptions, deliver food or groceries or help with yardwork for those who are elderly, disabled, US Military Veterans, and those who may otherwise be affected by COVID-19.

911 Restoration

911 Restoration has also found a way to serve the heroes that are serving us in these challenging times. They are offering free sanitizing of first responder vehicles to keep our public safety workers as healthy as possible.

The Union County Chamber is grateful to all these Chamber members for their creativity, generosity, and desire to serve in times of need. You can learn more about each of them at our COVID-19 Business Impact Information Center: https://www.unioncountycoc.com/covid-19-outbreak-business-impact-information-center/