Every month the Lubbock Chamber staff gets together to award a deserving member business. This month we felt that multiple businesses deserved the recognition of Business of the Month for the extraordinary dedication of their workers during this pandemic.

Throughout this COVID-19 crisis, the Lubbock Chamber has been forced to serve the business community in unique ways. While our staff works from home and schedules meetings through online platforms, we felt it was appropriate to put a unique twist on our normal business of the month award. Instead of choosing a member business as usual, this month we are choosing to honor the unsung heroes of the Coronavirus pandemic. Those who continue to work so that we are able to stay home in self-isolation and stay safe. The essential workers who might not wear capes, because they have to wear masks.

Healthcare professionals are on the front-line and working diligently to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19. By continuing to go to work most doctors, nurses and other health technicians have an opportunity to be directly exposed to the virus. The risk of getting sick or potentially bringing home the virus to their families does not stop these workers from continuing to help keep our community safe.

Besides the first responders and healthcare workers are not the only ones experiencing a direct COVID risk. Many grocery stores are busier than ever with people trying to stock up on their necessary items for self-isolation. Clerks and cashiers still have to come to work and interact with the general public despite the opportunity for contamination. Grocery stores in the area have taken extra precautions to clean, sanitize and provide protective equipment for their employees but for many it is still a scary reality to have to work during this crisis.

Finally, during a time when a majority of us have been instructed to not leave the house, many skilled workers are still needed to complete the everyday tasks many of us don’t think about in the middle of the pandemic. Construction managers, electricians and air conditioning technicians do not have the luxury of staying home until the Coronavirus blows over. Unfortunately, a global pandemic does not stop unexpected issues like a broken water heater or even an issue with your vehicle from arising, making it essential that workers like plumbers and mechanics stay on the job.

The Lubbock Chamber encourages you to take some time today, from the safety of your own home, to find a way to thank some of the essential workers who continue to support us all during this crisis.