Safety prioritized in “Stay at Home, Safe at Work” recommendations
Baton Rouge, LA. (April 17, 2020) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released an executive summary for restarting the Louisiana economy in a responsible and safety-oriented manner. The considerations were developed in partnership with executives from the health care, manufacturing, automotive, banking, small business, and engineering industries, among others, and with peer business organizations and associations from around the state.
The executive summary precedes the release of a fuller commentary that is still under review, and is intended to catalyze discussion. Included within are health and safety considerations, critical considerations for officials and employers prior to reopening, and three components to a gradual process for reopening the economy. The executive summary is attached and is available at brac.org/recovery.
“It is vitally important that we as a state and as a business community have a clear road map on how to gradually reopen the economy,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “This document is in no way final, but is intended to start and focus the conversations that need to happen. There is widespread business support and understanding for the stay-at-home practices that ensure the safety and health of the community, but also the recognition that those practices may not be in conflict with the responsible, gradual reopening of more segments of the economy. We need to help the business community get back to work.”
Thirty-six organizations from around the state have endorsed the framework, including:
- Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce
- Ascension Chamber of Commerce
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana
- Baton Rouge Area Chamber
- Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce
- City of Central Chamber of Commerce
- Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc.
- Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance
- Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce
- Greater New Orleans, Inc.
- Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
- Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development/Tourism Commission and Chamber of Commerce
- Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
- Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce
- Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
- Louisiana Chemical Association
- Louisiana Forestry Association
- Louisiana Home Builders Association
- Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association
- Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association
- Louisiana Motor Trucking Association
- Louisiana Oil and Gas Association
- Louisiana Pulp and Paper Association
- Louisiana Restaurant Association
- One Acadiana
- Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
- New Orleans Chamber
- North Louisiana Economic Partnership
- Northshore Business Council
- Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
- South Louisiana Economic Council
- St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce
- The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
- West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce
- Youngsville Chamber of Commerce
Both the executive summary and full commentary will be shared with Governor Edwards’ administration with the commitment of continued collaboration and support of the Resilient Louisiana Commission as it begins its work to strengthen sectors of the economy and recommend resilient return-to-work practices.
BRAC is regularly updating brac.org/recovery with business resources and guidance related to COVID-19.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
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Morgan is the Marketing Manager for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she manages writing organizational publications and materials, oversees BRAC’s social media and blog, and coordinates timelines for all internal marketing projects.