News roundup: Businesses continue working through COVID-19 in Maryland

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact everyone’s daily lives, many local businesses in Maryland are continuing to come up with new and innovative ways to align with the ever-changing landscape of life during a pandemic.

Check out what Maryland businesses are doing to stay involved. 

Amazon is putting the community back to work through hiring many temporary workers in Maryland. The company is offering 3,000 of those temporary workers full-time permanent positions as of June 2020. Read more on Amazon’s hiring efforts.

BGE has been very involved in helping Maryland’s communities. The company has made multiple donations to charitable pandemic relief efforts and nonprofit organizations throughout the state, including to the Central Maryland United Way and the Baltimore Community Foundation. The company is also installing equipment and power connections at drive-through COVID-19 testing sites, and has created training opportunities/job placement programs for the public.

BJ’s Custom Creations, located in Hagerstown, has produced and distributed 500 masks for Hospice of Washington County. The two-ply, washable polyester masks are helping to create extra protective measures for those in need. The company has also started producing masks for community orders. To learn more about the company’s face mask production or to place an order, follow this link.

Clark Construction, a Bethesda based company, has assisted UnityHealthCare in building and installing temporary COVID-19 screening facilities at five locations across the DC Metro area. The company is helping to assist healthcare providers by safely delivering the new facilities.

Eastern Shore based restaurants and chefs at Barbara’s on the Bay, The Kitchen at The Imperial, Germaine’s and the Fish Whistle at the Granary have come together to use their skills to aid the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice in food distribution efforts. The committee has created a delivery service of pre-made meals that are being safely distributed to seniors and the Eastern Shore community.

Members of the Maryland Distillers Guild have produced more than 50,000 gallons of sanitizer to help combat the COVID-19 virus. At least 17 Maryland distillers, along with several Maryland breweries and wineries, have sprung into action to transition into manufacturing hand sanitizer, while continuing production of craft spirits.

McCormick & Co., based in Hunt Valley, is continuing to offer premium pay for all essential employees running food supply operations. The company said it has maintained hiring operations during the pandemic and continues to provide ingredients to food and restaurant industries.

Spunkwear, a clothing company based out of Stevensville, began the production and distribution of cloth face masks to the public. The company has come up with several colorful designs and has produced thousands of masks since mid-April. A portion of sales is being donated to Haven Ministries, a local organization that feeds, clothes and provides shelter for those in need. Read more about Spunkwear and their face mask production efforts.

Southern Maryland businesses are also lending a helping hand to first responders and healthcare workers who are on the front lines of fighting the pandemic. Various McDonalds locations of Southern Maryland offered free meals to all First Responders and Healthcare Workers during the week of April 22- May 5. Two businesses from St. Mary’s County, County Liquors and Pawnit have also both made donations to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department. Find out more on these supportive efforts by following this link.

Under Armour pivoted production by manufacturing ‘no-sew’ face masks for Maryland hospitals. The company created and is distributing an average of 100,000 face masks per week. Read more on the company’s ongoing efforts.

Baltimore-based Whiting Turner has constructed emergency critical care projects at Mercy, UMMS Laurel and at Holy Cross hospitals. The company has been able to get thousands of N95 masks to hospitals while supporting local food banks and pantries.

Maryland businesses are continuing to step up, pivot operations, and provide community support in order to keep up with unprecedented times. Learn more about Maryland’s innovative efforts.