Critical PPE on its way to United Way, military families through EDC’s manufacturing resiliency team

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SPACE COAST, Fla. (April 23, 2020) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast’s (EDC) manufacturing resiliency team secured the donation of two thousand medical masks and two hundred KN95 masks, which were delivered today to the United Way of Brevard. The masks, donated by BCAF Trading, Inc. of Melbourne, are on their way to various non-profits throughout the Space Coast.

In addition to this donation to the United Way of Brevard, the EDC’s manufacturing resiliency team secured the donation of 100 disposable masks for military families at Patrick Air Force Base through BCAF Trading, Inc.

“The thoughtfulness and appreciation for our families from the EDC team is greatly appreciated,” stated Brigadier General Douglas A. Schiess, Commander of 45th Space Wing.

The EDC’s manufacturing resiliency team addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the Space Coast’s state-leading manufacturing sector. The team assesses the capabilities and needs of the local manufacturing industry, including capacity to produce or distribute the critical personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical devices needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This donation of masks is just one great example of how our business community is working together to navigate this global health crisis,” said EDC President and CEO Lynda L. Weatherman. “The EDC is grateful to BCAF Trading and its President Brad Meyers for this donation of much needed PPE.”

The United Way of Brevard will be coordinating with various Space Coast non-profit organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Aging Matters and the Children’s Hunger Project to distribute the donated PPE.

“United Way is grateful to the Lynda Weatherman and the EDC for coordinating with their partners on this donation of PPE. Of course, hospitals and other first responders need to be at the front of line for these supplies. However, local not-for-profits programs, like Meals on Wheels are continuing to provide services to those in need in this challenging environment. We are thrilled to be able to help keep them safe with this donation,” said United Way of Brevard President Rob Rains.

The EDC’s manufacturing resiliency team continues its outreach to local manufacturers for PPE or medical device needs. If you are a local manufacturer with the resources to produce or distribute critical PPE, please contact the EDC at (321) 638-2000.

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.

About BCAF Trading, Inc.
Since 2015, BCAF Trading has been providing consulting and project management services to the recycling and manufacturing industries and has established direct relationships with a substantial vendor base around the world. In these troubled times of COVID-19, BCAF Trading, Inc. has leveraged those relationships to bypass distribution and import desperately needed medical PPE directly from overseas factories. The company, which has a presence on the ground at or near these factories, allows it to confirm NIOSH, FDA, and ANSI certifications on the products it is importing. The hope of BCAF Trading Inc. is to be able to shortcut the supply to the people and organization that need them most. To learn more about BCAF Trading, Inc. visit www.bcafppe.com.

Image 1: United Way of Brevard president Rob Rains (left, middle) receives a donation of PPE masks from EDC President and CEO Lynda Weatherman (right, middle) and BCAF Trading, Inc. of Melbourne.

Image 2: BCAF Trading, Inc. logo.