Outstanding disaster recovery efforts rewarded with the SBA Phoenix Award "During times of crisis these individuals displayed selflessness and courage, and made remarkable contributions to the recovery of their communities," said SBA administrator Hector V. Barreto. "The Phoenix Award is SBA's acknowledgement of their heroic efforts." James Anderson, president & CEO of Republic Storage Systems Company, received the Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery. The Republic Storage Systems plant in Canton, Ohio, was inundated by flood waters following a major storm in July, 2003. When the company, which manufactures shelving and storage lockers completed damage estimates it had losses of $11 million. After it demonstrated it was a major source of employment in Canton, the SBA approved a $5.9 million disaster loan. Republic's tenacity in overcoming financial hardship and physical losses allowed for the rehiring of 500 employees and a quick resumption of normal production. John & Rayetta Price also received a Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery. The storm surge from Hurricane Isabel in September 2003 filled Skipper's Pier Restaurant in Deale, Maryland, with three feet of water, leaving debris in the restaurant's parking lot. A few weeks later the entire foundation of the restaurant collapsed. The Prices worried about continuing to pay their employees while rebuilding the entire lower dining room and pavilion. After receiving an SBA disaster loan they were able to renovate the property, keep their 38 employees and reopen seven months later. Dan W. McGowan, the winner of the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by a Public Official, was acknowledged for his extraordinary leadership and dedication as Administrator of Montana's Disaster and Emergency Services agency. When wildfires threatened to destroy many homes and businesses in July 2003, McGowan not only secured a federal disaster declaration, but set up town hall meetings in various parts of the state to get the word out about the SBA disaster loan program. He tirelessly coordinated with local Chambers of Commerce and business owners, who provided meeting places for the SBA information sessions. McGowan's efforts made it possible for many businesses to survive the economic disaster caused by the fires. Beth Sieminski and Dawn Wyble received the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by Private Citizens. After severe flooding struck Tarentum, Pennsylvania, last September, Sieminski and Wyble started their own small-scale relief effort, collecting and distributing donated household items to flood victims. They later enlisted the aid of a trucking company, which loaned three trailers to store the donations. The local media got involved, and the pair were deluged with donations of food and cleaning supplies. In the weeks that followed, Beth and Dawn helped nearly 350 families, delivering food, clothing and toiletries to Tarentum disaster victims.
•Date: 27th April 2005 • Region: N.America •Type:
Article •Topic:
DR general |
