Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has tasked the County’s General Services Department to assist the Orange County Chamber of Commerce in securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for its members and other small businesses to use during the re-opening process.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Orange County’s economy and we are here to do everything that we can to assist them,” Neuhaus said. “This vital equipment will help businesses re-open safely and keep their patrons at ease. It’s imperative that we assist and support our local small businesses and I look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber on programs and initiatives that will benefit the business community.”

At the direction of Neuhaus, Jim Burpoe, the Commissioner of Orange County’s General Services/Information Technology Department will work with Orange County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lynn Allen Cione to secure PPE, including surgical masks, latex gloves, hand sanitizer and other equipment.

Orange County businesses can reach out to the Chamber to place an order. Orders will be assessed with taxes and handling fees. The County has provided the Chamber with its most current price sheets and when Cione and her team have compiled orders, Burpoe will negotiate the best prices for the items.

The Chamber will pay the County when the PPE supplies are inventoried and vetted. Businesses will then pick up their supplies from the County. The ordering and delivery process should take approximately 20 days, subject to availability.

“We are all grateful for County Executive Neuhaus’ commitment to the Orange County Chamber and the business community,” Cione said. “That has always been the case and is exhibited once again during this COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate that the County is facilitating the procurement of PPE for the small business community, which result in a cost savings for the businesses. The health and safety of business owners, their families and their patrons is a top priority for us.”

The Orange County Chamber consists of approximately 1,200 members and is the leading supporter of business in the Hudson Valley region. Services offered by the Chamber include advocacy, networking and referrals, professional education/growth seminars and trainings and discounts. Seventy percent of the Orange County Chamber’s members are small businesses.

For more information about the PPE program, please contact the Orange County Chamber of Commerce at 294-1700 or info@orangeny.com.

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