Montgomery, Ala. – April 14, 2020 – In Montgomery, the Chamber of Commerce is bringing together Air Force innovation specialists, the local maker community and area students to produce 3D printed personal protection equipment (PPE) for local healthcare providers. TechMGM, a tech economic and workforce development initiative of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Air University’s MGMWERX innovation center and a collaborative of local makers called Montgomery Fighting COVID have partnered to issue a STEM challenge to activate additional 3D printers and student and educator volunteers to join the effort to produce face shields that will be supplied to the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for distribution to healthcare providers.

“In Montgomery, we have often faced our greatest challenges when communities come together. We are uniquely positioned at the Chamber to bring together these groups to maximize each of their resources, talents and abilities to not only provide desperately needed PPE gear, but make connections between our military, maker and education communities. Perhaps just as importantly, we are showing students that technical and creative abilities not only make for great careers but can even save lives,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director, TechMGM.

MGMWERX is generously ordering and providing the materials for printing and assembly of the face shields. Montgomery Fighting COVID provides the printing files and list of preferred materials for the challenge and will also assemble and sanitize the shields before providing them to the Montgomery EMA. Their website collects information on makers and schools that want to participate, medical organizations requesting shields, which it automatically shares with the Montgomery EMA, and solicits for additional volunteers that want to assist. Currently ten local public and private schools have volunteered to participate including Alabama State University, Alabama Christian Academy, Brewbaker Middle School, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, Eastwood Presbyterian Church School, Elmore County Technical Center, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, Pike Road High School, Prattville High School and Trinity Presbyterian School.  Students and teachers will utilize their 3D printers often used for robotics, STEM projects and science labs, and are enthusiastic about this opportunity to take on another STEM challenge while helping Montgomery during the COVID-19 crisis.

For more information on the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s COVID-19 resources visit www.montgomerychamber.com/covid-19

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ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

With a mission to create jobs and a better quality of life in Montgomery and the River Region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full spectrum economic development corporation representing 1,700 organizations and business and more than 80,000 employees throughout Montgomery and the River Region. The Montgomery Chamber is an innovative, consolidated organization that addresses destination tourism, economic development, business development, workforce development, and community strategies under one umbrella, linking the public and private sector around a shared vision and providing tremendous value to its investors. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Meg Lewis

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

[email protected]
(334) 261-1104