Conference Covers Restoring Your Small Business After Storm

CAPE MAY- Your business survived the hurricane but there is more work to be done such as getting customers to return here, obtaining loans if needed and planning for the next storm.
The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May in partnership with the City of Cape May and Constant Contact are presenting an all-day conference entitled: “Restore the Shore: Getting NJ Small Business Back to Work,” Dec 3 at Convention Hall.
In the morning segment, Carol Cohen, executive director of the Southern Shores Chapter of the American Red Cross will speak about preparing your business for a disaster.
Up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen. A FEMA representative will speak about protecting business records and inventory, tips on essentials items like installing a generator for emergency power, how to create a basic disaster supplies kit and how to get flood insurance for your business.
An ask the experts panel discussion will feature Cape May City Police Chief Diane Sorantino, Cape May City Fire Chief Jerry Inderwies and FEMA and Red Cross representatives.
The afternoon session will focus on restoration and recovery. Joseph Molineaux, director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Stockton College will talk about the forms of assistance including one-on-one consulting, disaster loan assistance through the Small Business Administration, and other forms of technical help that can support businesses in re-starting their operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Dave Yunghans, Constant Contact Greater Philadelphia Metro Regional Development director and Carolinn Pocher Woody of CPW Creative Communications, will speak about getting your business back on track using social media and email marketing.
Al Balabanow of Balan Marketing, Joseph Molineaux of the Small Business Development Center, J Byrne Insurance and Michael Flores, public information officer for the United States Small Business Administration will address what you can do to get your business back on its feet after a disaster.
For more information about the event, contact the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at (609) 884-5508 ext. 102 or e-mail Doreen at doreen@capemaychamber.com.