LAFAYETTE, La. – As Governor Edwards prepares to announce what to expect once the state’s current stay-at-home order expires on April 30, One Acadiana (1A) released a user-friendly guide to the Louisiana business community’s “Safe at Work” framework – a starting point for businesses and elected officials to consider in developing reopening plans.

The full “Safe at Work” framework was released by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) and other economic development organizations and chambers of commerce like One Acadiana. Overall, nearly 50 business organizations endorsed the framework.

“While public health and safety must remain the highest priority, at the same time, businesses and workers need a clear path forward,” 1A President & CEO Troy Wayman said. “We look forward to Governor Edwards’ press conference later today, when he is expected to lay out more guidance on what this path forward might look like.”

“We also commend Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory for his proactive approach to getting businesses reopened, and in particular his ‘Safe Shop Policy’ announced earlier this month,” Wayman continued. “Mayor Guillory and his Administration have provided an exemplary model of local government response to COVID-19, with much of his leadership right in line with the business community’s ‘Safe at Work’ framework.”

One section of the “Safe at Work” framework covers recommendations on PPE supplies for reopening business. Mayor Guillory’s “Safe Shop Policy” for retail shops to reopen requires the use of protective masks. To that end, 1A has been partnering with Mask on Every Face, LLC, to distribute masks to its investor and member companies.

“We have been proud to partner with One Acadiana to provide over 150,000 non-surgical masks to companies across One Acadiana’s network. I am also proud of the work the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation has done in an effort to further stop the spread of this virus. Our foundation has donated over 1 million masks across Louisiana to healthcare workers and to Love Our Community, who distributes masks to individuals presenting symptoms of the disease. We look forward to continuing to provide service to our healthcare providers, patients, businesses, and the whole community in this time of need,” said Dr. Kip Schumacher.

Going forward, 1A will be meeting with the organization’s leadership and business leaders across the region to discuss next steps for returning to work and adapting to a new normal.

1A’s guide to the “Safe at Work” framework can be found at OneAcadiana.org/SafeAtWork.

About One Acadiana

One Acadiana is the leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. With more than 800 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of nearly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at OneAcadiana.org.