Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the statewide business association, will close its offices on Inauguration Day, January 20, to honor the peaceful transition of power that is a hallmark of the American system of government.

The closing will allow the employees of AIM to witness the swearing in of Joseph Biden as the 46th President of the United States and to participate in inaugural-related activities in Massachusetts.

The AIM Employer Hotline, which answers employer questions on management and human resources issues, will remain open.

“The unsettling events of January 6 in Washington, DC, remind us of the precious gift left to us by the founders of the republic,” said John Regan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIM.

“The 3,500 members of AIM depend upon the stable conduct of government and the smooth transition from one administration to the next. We deeply respect that process because it symbolizes the fact that voters, not a particular government or person, hold the power to direct our nation.”

The 20th amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of each elected president of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election. Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the position.

President-Elect Biden’s inauguration, and the traditional events surrounding it, will be scaled down because of the health risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tickets to the swearing-in ceremony are limited; parade viewing stands have been dismantled near the White House to discourage crowds; inaugural balls have been canceled; and health officials are urging people not to travel and attend.

Instead of thousands of people gathering on the National Mall for the festivities, the traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue will be replaced by a virtual parade that will be televised, the Presidential Inaugural Committee has announced.