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Dear John
Throughout the past few months, it has seemed like only negative news gets reported anymore. It's a sad reality of the 24-hour news cycle that we constantly are subjected to, and it's easy to fall into the mindset that nothing good is happening in Alabama or the rest of the country. Well, as we move into the mid-point of June, I think it would be beneficial for us all to look at the good happening right here in our backyard. There are many companies across our state who have stepped up and made significant contributions to the fight against COVID-19, with several of those being in the 4 ^th District, and I want to take a moment to highlight some of the amazing work being done by our fellow Alabamians.

HomTex

One of the most vital PPE products right now is face masks, and we are fortunate to have a company here in our community that is leading the charge on producing them. HomTex, which is based in Cullman, is on pace to become the largest producer of masks in North America. This is a great accomplishment, and it's something we can all be proud of. They answered the call for help at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and are projected to make over 400 million masks a year. This effort is critical for the short-term and the long-term health of our country, and I applaud HomTex for their commendable efforts.

Red Land Cotton

Red Land Cotton in Lawrence County is known for their sheets and other home products made from North Alabama grown cotton. However, like HomTex, the owners of Red Land stepped up and began making masks. They first started supplying them to local nursing homes that were facing shortages, but then also began shipping them to UAB Hospital in Birmimgham.

Back Forty

Another essential need that has been met during this health crisis has been the lack of hand sanitizer. Thanks to brewing and distilling companies like Back Forty, Alabamians are no longer facing the shortages and price gouging of hand sanitizer that was an initial problem back in March. There are many companies across the state that are making this product currently, but Back Forty is in Gadsden, and I am incredibly thankful for the work they are doing.

Webb Diagnostics

While WebbDX has assets in both Alabama and Tennessee, I think that the amazing work they are doing is worth mentioning. If you are not familiar with them, WebbDX is in the process of creating a rapid antibody test that detects both COVID-19 infections and past exposure - which would potentially indicate if you have immunity to the virus. This is an innovative solution that will benefit our state and our country for the foreseeable future. Helping WebbDX navigate the FDA was something I was proud to do, and I am hopeful that this test will be readily available to all Americans in the near future.

Thank you Alabama!

Although I highlighted just a few companies in our community that have made drastic changes to their business model to help with COVID-19 relief, there are many others across the district and the entire state. I want to take a moment and say thank you to every company, organization, and employee who have been involved in the fight against the Coronavirus. I have always been proud of the way the good people of Alabama have risen up to meet a challenge, but the hard work and care that has taken place in our state throughout this crisis has been unbelievable, and I am very honored to represent all of you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Aderholt