Stowe software company Inntopia usually designs and builds websites for lodging properties to manage reservations, activities, staff, and marketing. But during the COVID-19 outbreak, they released TestLink, a free software platform that connects patients to testing sites.
Inntopia also partnered with the owner of two Massachusetts ski areas to set up Goggles for Docs, a site connecting health care workers nationwide with ski and snowboard goggles to serve as eye protection as they care for COVID-19 patients.
Two Windham County tech manufacturers have found themselves in the thick of the fight against COVID-19. Brattleboro-based Omega Filters makes components for PCR machines, a primary diagnostic tool for the novel coronavirus. So does Chroma, based in Bellows Falls. Both are working to change their manufacturing and keep up with demand to allow for more COVID-19 testing.
Vermont snowboard manufacturer Burton is donating half a million N95 respirator masks to health care professionals, sourced from a Chinese factory located near where the majority of Burton’s bindings are made. The masks are headed for hospitals and health care facilities across the East Coast, said owner Donna Carpenter.
Other Vermont businesses are giving back to ensure Vermonters can access food and other necessities. Kaden Apparel, based in Burlington, is donating 15% of website purchases and matching it dollar-for-dollar to give to the Vermont Foodbank’s COVID-19 Hunger Relief Fund through April 25.
Winooski-based Vivid Coffee is donating $2 from every bag of coffee sold online to the baristas at partner locations who are out of work. They have started a relief fund for baristas statewide.
Vermont creperie Skinny Pancake is serving people in need of a meal through their Shift Meals program. They currently serving anyone affected by the COVID-19 crisis and struggling to afford food in the Burlington, Montpelier, Waterbury or Quechee areas.
Businesses wishing to assist the State of Vermont with donations of PPE can learn how by visiting https://vem.vermont.gov/donate. If you are a manufacturer with an ability to retool operations or production to support the COVID-19 effort, email VTPTAC.
