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Is your business prepared for disaster?
Chamber guest speaker Oct. 6
Smith Gary
Gary Smith will speak about business disaster planning Oct. 6 at the Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce membership meeting. Members and guests are invited to attend. Contact Linda Parrish, promotions coordinator, 822-3599 by Monday, Oct. 3 if you can attend.

DeleteLocal businesses will have the opportunity to learn about disaster planning at an upcoming Fennimore Area Chamber of Commerce noon membership meeting.


Gary Smith, the director of the Small Business Development Center of Southwest Wisconsin, will be the guest speaker at the Thursday, Oct. 6 luncheon at the Hickory Grove Golf Course. Smith is planning a 45-minute informational session focusing on the basics of disaster planning for businesses.


“I’m going to focus on what disaster planning is and why businesses should be prepared,” Smith stated. “There are natural disasters, which we often think about when it comes to disasters—things like floods and tornadoes. But what we don’t think about could also happen. It could be a HazMat spill on the main street in Fennimore, which is going to essentially shut down businesses and cut revenue for a period of time.”


Smith said since Fennimore’s main business district is located on two major highways, the example of the hazardous materials spill affecting businesses is a very real possibility.


“This is designed to help business owners know what to do in the case of a disaster,” Smith added. “It’s going to be a very local focus. I want to help people go back to their business and start to put together a disaster plan.”


Following the presentation, all those attending will be able to take home handout materials as well as information about related websites that can be helpful in the planning process.


Depending on the response and the interest about disaster planning for businesses, Smith said, the Fennimore Chamber may choose to expand on the luncheon and offer a longer workshop about the same topic in the future.


Smith will be available after the meeting for additional questions. Businesses may also schedule a more individual, and free, meeting with him through the SBDC.


The membership meeting is the Chamber’s annual meeting, so it will also include 2012 board elections. Those attending will be served a lunch of brats and burgers, cheesy hashbrowns, fruit salad, bars and a beverage for $6.50.


For more information about the meeting, contact Promotions Coordinator Linda Parrish at 822-3599. Smith may be reached at (608) 342-1038.