Columbus airports impose face-mask requirement

Passengers now have to wear a mask at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport and on airport shuttle buses.

The mandate reflects the growing number of COVID-19 cases and local mask mandates that are in effect. Previously, face coverings were strongly encouraged but not required.

Face coverings are required by most airlines, and airport employees have been required to wear masks since April 30. People who aren’t wearing a face covering and do not have an exemption may be denied service or asked to leave the airport.

The airports join the growing lists of businesses and stores requiring customers to wear a mask.

Target said this week that it will require masks effective Aug. 1. Already, more than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Store employees stationed at entrances will provide masks for those who don’t have one.

Walmart, Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger also have put mandatory face-shield rules in place.

Wallick Communities promotes Albery to chief operating officer

The Columbus-based housing company Wallick Communities has named Amy Albery its chief operating officer in anticipation of Albery becoming the chief executive officer in 2021.

Wallick will replace Tom Feusse as CEO. Feusse will become Wallick’s chairman.

Since joining Wallick in 2011, Albery has led the company’s asset management division and affordable housing operations, a position she now holds.

Wallick is Ohio’s largest owneroperator of affordable housing and has more than 180 affordable and senior communities in the Midwest. It is owned by Feusse and founder Jack Wallick’s children, Howard Wallick and Julie Wallick.

Downtown’s Keep Kitchen reopens with new protocols

The Keep Kitchen & Liquor Bar in downtown Columbus reopened this week after a two-month closure.

A restaurant spokesperson said in a news release that the opening follows an intense cleaning and an update of the restaurant’s social distancing protocols.

For example, the restaurant, which is in the Leveque Tower at 50 W. Broad St., will no longer offer reusable menus. Instead, customers will order by using QR codes or reading from disposable menus. Customers also will be offered single-use condiment packets instead of condiment bottles.

The Keep is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Thirty-one Gifts founder ends chief executive role

Thirty-one Gifts says founder Cindy Monroe is stepping away from her role of chief executive of the directsales company known for purses, totes and accessories.

Monroe will focus on her role as founder and will dedicate her time to supporting the sales field, influencing products and helping to shape the direction of the business, the company said.

The New Albany-based company also announced that investment firm Kanbrick is joining the company as a partner and owner with Monroe. Kanbrick co-founders Tracy Britt Cool and Brian Humphrey will work with Monroe to help support Thirty-one and drive long-term growth.

Elizabeth Thibaudeau has been appointed as acting chief executive.

From staff and wire reports