Business Disaster Assistance and Recovery Forum

The Role of the Private Sector in Gulf Coast Recovery and Reconstruction

March 23-24, 2006 |  New Orleans

Regional unity, strong central leadership, workforce housing, economic investment opportunities, and disaster mitigation plans were among the priorities recently identified as critical to Gulf Coast hurricane recovery.   

On March 23-24, BCLC hosted the forum "The Role of the Private Sector in Gulf Coast Recovery and Reconstruction" in New Orleans' French Quarter.  Maura Donahue, chair of the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors, opened the conference.  Chamber and business leaders from across the Gulf Coast joined national government, business, and nonprofit executives to share information about reconstruction needs and useful resources and discuss strategies for rebuilding the impact zone. 

Among the highlights: 

• Booz Allen Hamilton presented research (PPT) about area displacement and local analysis of key needs 
• The Department of Commerce announced plans for a Business Investment Mission to the region on May 4-5 and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) shared their support for private sector involvement in the reconstruction process
• The Small Business Administration announced that they had approved $6 billion in loans, but that only $500 million had been disbursed, and agreed to work with BCLC and local chambers to expedite the disbursement process. 
• Aidmatrix shared their plans to upgrade BCLC's online business disaster aid services in preparation of the 2006 hurricane season.  
• Federal Coordinator Don Powell, DHS Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding, spoke about the importance of consulting with the business community and encouraged participants to send recommendations and feedback to his office. 

View all the photos  |  View the agenda (Word)
Read keynote remarks by Ben Erulkar, U.S. Commerce Dept.

BCLC continues to work with chamber executives from both the Katrina and Rita impact areas, and is still encouraging donations to area small business relief funds.