Below is a chart illustrating both the traditional and non-traditional economic development professional role in the event of a disaster. It includes additional responsibilities in the event of a disaster as well as what they should be doing to ensure their business community is better prepared. A clear understanding of these roles & responsibilities will assist the professional in helping to spur economic recovery in their disaster-impacted community.
Economic Development Professional Role
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Pre-Disaster Role
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Post-Disaster Role
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Analyst
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- Understand how possible disasters could impact local businesses /industries
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- Understand current conditions/damage to critical industries, businesses, property and infrastructure
- Assess impacts on long-term viability of businesses/industries
- Provide cost/benefit analysis of recovery projects
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Catalyst
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- Establish Business Recovery Task Force to work on preparedness activities
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- Participate in Business Recovery Task Force to identify immediate and long-term recovery efforts
- Garner input and support for critical recovery initiatives
- Update strategic plans to match current realities
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Gap Filler
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- Outreach to public and private institutions about setting up a bridge loan program for a disaster event
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- Conduct concerted outreach to reconnect with businesses and identify at-risk companies
- Assist with bridge-loan financing until SBA loan approval
- Provide business recovery assistance and services
- Develop programs/intiatives as needed to support long-term recovery
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Advocate
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- Advocate for mitigation and preparedness efforts
- Advocate for tiered business re-entry procedures
- Address impacts/adequacy of community’s emergency management plan from businesses’ perspective
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- Seek funding opportunities for recovery initiatives
- Communicate priorities and need for policy changes to state and federal leaders
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Educator
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- Educate small businesses on business continuity planning
- Educate business community on community’s emergency management plan
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- Facilitate flow of accurate info to businesses
- Communicate “open for business” and “we need help and resources” messages
- Develop and distribute a disaster recovery guide
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Visionary
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- Engage key stakeholders in visioning process to identify scenarios for post-disaster redevelopment
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- Envision how community can build back stronger, more resilient
- Connect public/private resources for building back a more resilient community
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