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VCEDA Receives Homeland Security Sub-Grant To Develop Business Disaster Recovery Program
By Anonymous — Monday, June 6th, 2011
Ventura, CA - The Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) received a State Homeland Security sub-grant for $66,821 to develop a business disaster recovery program for the county. VCEDA is taking a lead role in bringing together business, government and local resources to develop a program and plan to improve businesses' ability to prepare, respond and recover from disasters. "No one likes to think about a disaster taking place in our area, but we have to," says Bill Buratto, VCEDA president and CEO. "Government can only do so much. The sooner businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, the sooner the economy and our area will recover." VCEDA's "Ventura County Ready Business Campaign" will develop programs to engage and educate the Ventura County business community about disaster preparedness. Planning includes preparation for natural disasters as well as made-made disasters including terrorist attacks. The campaign will also identify and recruit business leaders to train and serve at the Ventura County Emergency Operation Center. Another part of the campaign will be to compile a database and create a website with private sector emergency and response resources available for businesses. VCEDA has already established the Ventura County Ready Business Advisory Council, made up of local business leaders, to help execute the plan. The council will be working with the Ventura County Emergency Planning Council (EPC), an advisory body whose mission is to lead a unified effort in improving disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery countywide. "All Ventura County businesses need to be ready when disaster strikes," says Buratto. "By doing so, you're not only taking steps to help your own business recover, but the county as well." VCEDA's business sub-grant is part of a larger general grant approved for the County of Ventura. About VCEDA |
