New Business Recovery Task Force collaborates to support flood affected businesses in the Calgary region

CALGARY, July 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Today Calgary introduces the Calgary Business Recovery Task Force, an initiative led by the Calgary Chamber and Calgary Economic Development, that aims to get businesses up and running as quickly as possible, encourages community members to support their local economy and ensures the world knows that the city is open for business after June's devastating floods. In addition to the hundreds of homes affected by the floods, many of Calgary's businesses were closed, damaged or without power for several days.

"Many smaller companies that experience a disaster without preparedness plans may never re-open," said Adam Legge, President and CEO, Calgary Chamber. "We are doing everything we can to help businesses in the Calgary region open and get back to business as quickly as possible."

The task force has two specific objectives. First, to ensure that businesses are cleaned up and repaired as quickly as possible, and to help business owners prepare to re-open. The second objective is to ensure business and investment is coming back to the flood affected areas, which will be done through a comprehensive local, national and international marketing and communications campaign.

"Building on Tourism Calgary's national marketing campaign launched in early July, our task force will do its part by embarking on a complementary communications and marketing campaign to ensure Calgarians and the world know that companies in Calgary are ready for their business," said Bruce Graham, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. "Calgarians and Southern Albertans can do their part by shopping at local businesses and taking advantage of the restaurants, hotels, parks and attractions right here at home."

Calgarians can spot help kiosks set up by the Calgary Chamber in affected areas where business owners can ask questions and discuss risk assessments and other issues currently impacting their livelihood. These kiosks, and a future business recovery expo, will be attended by City of Calgary staff, Alberta Health Services, banks, insurance companies and the Government of Alberta. The task force will also work with industries who will face increased labour force challenges as we rebuild the Calgary region.

"At times like this collaboration is key to getting communities rebuilt and businesses up and operating as quickly as possible," said Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk. "I am delighted to see the co-operation of the Calgary Business Recovery Task Force and know that, collectively, they will have a significant impact helping companies and our economy".

The task force is comprised of 12 local and national organizations: The Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Economic Development, Government of Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Hotel Association, City of Calgary, C-Biz and Calgary's Business Revitalization Zones (Bowness, Montgomery, Calgary Downtown Association, Uptown 17^th, Fourth Street, Inglewood, Kensington, and Victoria Park), Calgary Chinese Merchants Association, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Haskayne School of Business, Bissett School of Business, and Calgary Counselling Centre.

For more information about the Calgary Business Recovery Task Force, visit calgarychamber.com or calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

SOURCE: Calgary Business Recovery Task Force

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