Small Business Expo a Success in Ike-Affected Galveston
Two weeks ago tomorrow, October 17, was a big day for the City of Galveston. The Galveston Chamber of Commerce hosted a recovery expo for local businesses to receive disaster related information from all the relevant organizations. The traditional groups were there, like FEMA, the Small Business Administration, insurance representatives, lawyers, and small business development centers; but there were also representatives from Congressman Paul’s office, companies like Best Buy to discuss how they can help affected businesses, and local chambers of commerce from around the Gulf Coast. I was also there providing information on BCLC resources, including our Help Desk, 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP, a disaster-recovery service made possible by the Office Depot Foundation.
But why was this day and this event so important?
After being severely affected by Hurricane Ike a few weeks ago, many local businesses are evaluating their options and trying to decide the best course of action. Remain in business or not? Stay in Galveston or relocate? These decisions over the next few weeks will have a huge impact on how well Galveston recovers. What is important at a time like this is information, because many businesses are unsure of what resources are available to them.
That is why it is so important that the Galveston Chamber hosted an event where businesses, and even individuals, could go and find all the answers. Questions about federal resources? Check. Help working with the insurance company? Available. Business advice from expert counselors? No problem.
After disasters like Ike, there needs to be strong leadership to facilitate the recovery of the community, and it is encouraging to see the Galveston Chamber stepping up to fill this role. The expo was an important first step to get the community back on its feet, and you can read more about it in an article from the Galveston Daily.
Last week BCLC and the International Economic Development Council took a second step by sending a team to conduct an unbiased, independent analysis of what the city needs in order to recover most effectively. For more information on this resource, please visit our website at www.uschamber.com/bclc or contact me at gmcswiggan@uschamber.com.
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