CR Chamber to host disaster planning event

Recent disasters in the south have served as an all too familiar reminder for those who experienced the Cedar Rapids flood of 2008. In an effort to help businesses prepare for times of crisis, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Preparing for the Unthinkable: Disaster Planning,” on Tuesday, June 14.

The event is sponsored by Options of Linn County.

This Business Success Initiative/Chamber Academy program will be presented by Gary Ficken, owner of Bimm Ridder Sportswear; Scott Loggins, case manager with the Business Success Initiative; and Jami Haberl of Safeguard Iowa Partnership

Attendees are able to choose from two sessions from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at The Flamingo, 1211 Ellis Blvd. NW in Cedar Rapids. Flooded businesses are able to attend for free by RSPVing to Jennifer Jentz, communications specialist, at (319) 731-5843 or e-mail jjentz@cedarrapids.org. All others may register on the Chamber's Web site at www.cedarrapids.org. Meals will be provided.

During this 90-minute event, businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about preparing a business continuity plan, including what's involved, how to do it, and most importantly – keeping a business protected as much as possible in a future disaster. From strategic and broad-based thinking, to the most crucial elements of the first four hours of a disaster, businesses will feel more prepared with a good plan in place. In addition to the presentation, break-out sessions will be held so participants can share thoughts with one another

Ficken said the odds for the survival of a business increase dramatically with a plan in place. Having experienced the devastation of the Cedar Rapids flood of 2008, he knows what can happen without one

“I never thought about it before,” Ficken said. “I wish I would have had a continuity plan in place when the flood hit. It brings a calming effect to a world of chaos.

Loggins can also relate to the same experience having owned Kieck's Career Apparel at the time of the flood. Like Ficken, Loggins did not have a business continuity plan in place at the time of the flood.

Contacts: Bob Harschnek, Case Management Team Leader, (319) 731-5844

bharschnek@cedarrapids.org;  Jennifer Jentz, Communications Specialist, (319) 731-5843

jjentz@cedarrapids.org