LOS ANGELES (April 9, 2020) – The BizFed Institute (BFI) has formed an unprecedented partnership with all 39 State Senators and Assemblymember representing Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County, the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Los Angeles Locals, along with the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) 195 business associations representing more than 400,000 employers. This effort is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic to mass mobilize the collection and donation of much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to protect frontline workers.

“The BizFed partnership shows what we can do when we all work together for the greater good. SEIU school workers are distributing food to hungry families, and SEIU social workers are keeping track of vulnerable elders and continuing to rescue abused children. This partnership will bring much needed and welcome protection to the frontline workers serving us all” said Bob Schoonover, President of SEIU Local 721.

“The BizFed Institute, with its vast connections to business and civic leaders will facilitate this unique regional effort to turn over every stone to find safety equipment for our workers and ensure that all people who want to be involved can make a donation” said BizFed Institute Chair and National Community Renaissance CEO, Steve PonTell.

“Every part of our society must come together to protect the most vulnerable among us and the people who offer their time, their hearts, and their hard work to care for them. Nursing home workers and other long-term care workers are deeply grateful to every partner who is stepping up to fill this need.” April Verrett, President of SEIU Local 2015, representing long-term workers.

“These efforts compliment the strong leadership we have seen from Governor Gavin Newsom and our elected leaders,” said Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager, chair of the LA County Legislative Delegation. “This partnership is business and labor coming together, understanding the severity of this crisis and striving to protect the workers who protect us.”

“By leveraging these distinctive partnerships, we are reaching every corner of our County and protecting those heroes who are on the front line” stated Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“During these unprecedented times, it’s imperative that we assist our health care community in every way possible,” concluded George W. Greene, Esq., President/CEO of the Hospital Association of Southern California. “Multisector partnerships such as this one are providing our health care heroes with the essential resources to continue delivering the exceptional care that our communities deserve.”

The BizFed Institute asks all members and partners to take immediate action and make a monetary or in-kind tax-deductible contribution by visiting bizfedinstitute.org/covid-19-supplies.

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About BizFed Institute (BFI)

The BizFed Institute educates, engages, equips and measures consensus solutions from civically minded, nonprofit, academic, and regional thought leaders for the purpose of building strong communities throughout California.