Table 2
Importance of BR&E
Prior to the event, how important was your business visitation or BR&E
program in responding to a potential disaster?
0 Very important
2 Somewhat important
2 Of no consequence one way or another
Our familiarity with the business community pre-disaster better prepared
us in making quick contact with the business post-disaster.
4 Strongly agree or agree
0 Disagree or strongly disagree
Our familiarity with the business community pre-disaster helped us do a
better job in assisting them with their immediate needs post-disaster.
4 Strongly agree or agree
0 Disagree or strongly disagree
When asked to respond to questions designed to assess whether
respondents changed their perception about BR&E and/or a visitation program in preparing businesses and the community for
disasters, the response was very positive. All of the respondents
indicated they “strongly agree” or “agree” to the statement, “As
a result of the disaster, we now put more emphasis on regular
contact with businesses and on retention and expansion efforts in
our community.” All respondents also indicated “strongly agree”
or “agree” to the statement, “Regular contact with our business
community through a BR&E or visitation program will help us in
preparing for potential future disasters.” (See Table 3.)
Table 3
Future emphasis on BR&E
As a result of the disaster, we now put more emphasis on regular contact
with businesses and on retention and expansion efforts in our community.
4 Strongly agree or agree
0 Disagree or strongly disagree
Regular contact with our business community through a BR&E or visitation
program will help us in preparing for potential future disasters.
4 Strongly agree or agree
0 Disagree or strongly disagree
As a result of the disaster, our businesses are better prepared for any
future events.
4 Strongly agree or agree
0 Disagree or strongly disagree
Respondents had several comments and suggestions in
response to the question “How can BR&E or business visitation
programs be improved to better prepare businesses for disaster
events?” Respondent ideas are listed below in Table 4.
Table 4
Improving BR&E for Disaster Response and General Comments
How can BR&E or business visitation programs be improved to better
prepare businesses for disaster events?
1. Add thought-provoking questions to the BR&E survey along the lines of back-up
systems, off-site payroll, whether a core group has been identified to assess facilities,
and identifying a skeleton crew for restarting operations.
2. Make sure that their business plan includes a plan for continuation of business in case
of disaster.
3. Have open lines of communication and a place at the table in the community’s
emergency operations center for local officials.
4. Communicate to citizens which businesses are open and where.
What changes to your BR&E or business visitation program have you
implemented to better assist businesses in response to a disaster?
1. We worked with officials to create a badge re-entry program to allow company
assessment or clean-up teams back in case community is shut down due to
disaster. That discussion, along with the importance of planning for such an event, is
incorporated into our company visits.
Comments?
1. Communities must have something in their toolbox for companies – not only when
visiting, but also putting something in place for disaster response. Simply calling them
after a disaster is not enough. You must be able to offer ongoing help or resources.
In general, respondents all agree that communication between
economic recovery partner organizations and businesses is of
vital importance and that the BR&E program can greatly facili-
tate post-disaster recovery efforts. Results indicate that an ongo-
ing BR&E program can improve:
n Working partnerships between traditional emergency responders,
Extension, and community leadership in responding to business
needs
n Communication and trust between economic recovery partners,
businesses, and the public
n Information assembled systematically on area companies that
becomes critical during times of disaster
Respondents now view the BR&E program as an essential
component of disaster planning, with three of the four communities adding components and/or partners to the program that will
make it more effective for future potential disasters.
Conclusions and Recommendations
In the wake of a disaster, a major component to the economic
recovery of rural communities is putting people back to work as
soon as possible and restoring confidence in the local economy.
The rate of economic recovery is dependent upon the coordination and responsiveness of all entities working together to assist
affected companies in getting back on their feet. BR&E programs
are important tools in facilitating this recovery. The BR&E program was born out of need to help communities better understand
and affect their local economy.
According to the University of Northern Iowa Community
Response Manual, organizations can’t help the business community recover if they cannot communicate with each other.
According to the manual, “Effective, ongoing business retention
and expansion programs provide a solid foundation for responding to a community’s economic crisis.” Whether cyclical business downturns or responding to natural disasters, the Extension
BR&E program can be effective.
Extension has historically been most involved in preparedness,
prevention, and recovery efforts, thus serving to complement
the emphasis of traditional emergency management agencies on
response. The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) at
eden.lsu.edu “links Extension educators from across the U.S. and
various disciplines, enabling them to use and share resources to
reduce the impact of disasters.” Extension’s mission – to provide
research-based, relevant information to improve lives – works
well in times of tranquility and disaster.
v
Nancy Bowen-Ellzey is a field specialist in community economics for
the Ohio State University Extension. Her areas of program specialization include business retention and expansion (BR&E), economic impact
analysis, community and regional planning, and disaster preparation and
recovery.
