"No one likes to think about a disaster taking place in our area, but we have to," says Bill Buratto, VCEDA president and CEO. "Government can only do so much. The sooner businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, the sooner the economy and our area will recover."
VCEDA's "Ventura County Ready Business Campaign" will develop programs to engage and educate the Ventura County business community about disaster preparedness. Planning includes preparation for natural disasters as well as made-made disasters including terrorist attacks. The campaign will also identify and recruit business leaders to train and serve at the Ventura County Emergency Operation Center. Another part of the campaign will be to compile a database and create a website with private sector emergency and response resources available for businesses.
VCEDA has already established the Ventura County Ready Business Advisory Council, made up of local business leaders, to help execute the plan. The council will be working with the Ventura County Emergency Planning Council (EPC), an advisory body whose mission is to lead a unified effort in improving disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery countywide.
"All Ventura County businesses need to be ready when disaster strikes,"
VCEDA's business sub-grant is part of a larger general grant approved for the County of Ventura.
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Established in 1949 and recognized as a credible political force, VCEDA gives members an opportunity to interact with Ventura County’s civic, corporate, small business and government leaders for a voice in planned, quality growth. www.vceda.org.
