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Chamber focuses on business disaster preparedness

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Andrea Galabinski Kimberly H. Smith, marketing and public relations manager for Cape Coral Eye Centers, accepted the JetBlue membership drawing prize from Chamber President John Gardner.
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Andrea Galabinski John Benson, left, of the American Red Cross discusses disaster preparedness with North Fort Myers Chamber members at recent luncheon.

With hurricane season 2009 starting June 1, the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce focused on business disaster preparedness at its recent monthly luncheon.

“Forty percent of all businesses that close during an emergency never reopen,” said John Benson of the American Red Cross. He was the guest speaker at the May North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held May 20 at Ichiban II restaurant.

“What it boils down to is having a plan,” he said.

And it is not just hurricanes to worry about. Some area businesses are in flood prone areas, so having a disaster preparedness plan is crucial.

“You can protect the employer, customers and your business,” he said, offering tips as simple as having a plan to forward phones to having materials to hand out to customers.

Lee County Sheriff’s Cpt. Brad Gossman was also on hand, and reminded business owners and employees to keep some form of identification handy in case of disaster.

“You need something to prove you are part of the business,” he said, in the case that emergency personnel are present in an area.

Benson is actually the Volunteer Services chairman for the local American Red Cross of Lee County.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” he said.

For disaster preparedness information, view arccc.org. You can also e-mail Benson directly concerning volunteer opportunities at johnb@arclee.org.

At the luncheon, a drawing was held for the chamber’s membership drive. The prize was a JetBlue Airlines trip for two.

One of the chamber’s newest members, a very excited Kimberly H. Smith from Cape Coral Eye Centers, was thrilled to accept the wonderful prize.

“We have six locations in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers,” she said.

“With three locations in North Fort Myers, we appreciate our relationship and support of the North Fort Myers Chamber and it’s membership.”

Chamber President John Gardner also reported about the Weight Wars contest currently being conducted by the chamber, after a challenge by North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor Dpt. Jarrod Cantrell to Gardner.

Members of the chamber and the public were invited to join either the Mayor’s Team or the Chamber Team.

“We had 28 people signed up for weigh-ins, which is fabulous,” said Mary Havener, chamber Foundation Chair. “All donations go to the foundation which supports annual scholarships. Participants have already reported weight loss between five and 10 pounds in just under a week.”

She noted that scholarships are a priority for the foundation now.

“At the next luncheon, we will be awarding our scholarships, and we have three recipients this year,” she said.

The June Business Leaders Luncheon will be held Wednesday, June 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Bianca’s Ristorante, which is located at 16251 N Cleveland Ave. The cost is $15/non-Members $20. Call the chamber at 997-9111 for reservations.

The guest speaker will be Trish Blissler of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, on the subject of “Learn how to protect your business.”

The Deputy of the month sponsor will be No Place Like Home/Senior Life owner and chamber board member Wendy Murray.

The next After Hours Networking Event will be held Tuesday, June 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at US-41 Self Storage located at 14150 N. Cleveland Ave.

The cost is $5 per person and the event is open to public. RSVP to the chamber offices at 997-9111.