Conference Purpose and Scope

The DisasterRecoveryCall211.com 2008 Conference, hosted by 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc., is designed to orient and educate small business owners and managers on how to get their business back up and running quickly after a disaster event. The main focus of this conference is to share important information on a broad variety of disaster recovery topics including:

• How do I generate cash flow to expedite the reopening of my business?
• What are the logistic issues I will face following a Disaster?
• What Disaster Recovery resources are going to be available to me and how do I contact them?
• Share ideas on how to get employees –back on the job quicklyGet access to information sources that will assist recovery for employees

"Disaster Recovery planning is as important as disaster preparedness,” said Grant Petersen, Board Chairman of 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. “Networking in disaster recovery is critical, especially since it is estimated that 25 percent of businesses never recover after a disaster. We hope this conference will help companies, particularly small businesses, evaluate their processes and develop partnerships to assist each other in disaster recovery to ensure their products and services survive should disaster strike.”

( top )

Conference Details

The DisasterRecoveryCall211.com 2008 Conference

Thursday, May 15th
7:30am to 4:30pm

Largo Cultural Center
105 Central Park Dr.
Largo, FL 33771

Registration Information

Conference attendance is $65 per person and includes food and beverages.

Registration begins at 7:30am. SEATING IS LIMITED. REGISTER NOW!

To register or for more information call 813-837-0717 Ex. 1

( top )

Keynote Speakers

Sally Bishop
Director - Department of Emergency Management, Pinellas Co.

With 11 years experience at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and 23 Presidential Disaster Declarations behind her, Bishop is known for her strength and first-hand knowledge in recovery efforts.

David Schirm
Vice President - of Business Continuity & Problem Management for Raymond James Financial

A diversified financial services holding company with subsidiaries engaged primarily in investment and financial planning, in addition to investment banking and asset management. David is a certified business continuity professional (CBCP) by the Disaster Recovery Institute International, and has more than 13 years of experience within the field of business continuity/disaster recovery.

Marguerite Redwine
CEO, 2-1-1 Via Link - New Orleans

The 2-1-1 Via Link team was forced to evacuate from and then return to New Orleans due to the Hurricane Katrina event.

Bishop, Schirm and Redwine will share their company’s disaster experiences and recovery efforts.

( top )

Conference Format and Workshop Descriptions

Local businesses and organizations involved with disaster recovery will lead the workshop panels structured in 45-minute concurrent sessions throughout the day.

The four conference tracks, dealing with varying stages of disaster recovery, include:

1. Regenerating Cash Flow To Get the Doors Back
    Open to Your Business
    Recognize potential issues with property and equipment insurance
    Learn about additional insurance coverage you may need
    Small Business Administration
        – small business loan alternatives to assist in disaster recovery

2. Getting Back to Business – Disaster Recovery Logistics
    Examples of disaster recovery scenarios
    Practical tips to get up and running as quickly as possible

3. Rallying Your Staff Back To Work
    Learn about cutting edge telecommunication options
    Examine how remote access options can work for you
    Services provided for your employees and their family needs
        post disaster

4. Preferred Vendor Networking
    Speak with companies that have a broad variety of products
        and services offering creative solutions to assist your recovery
        from a disaster and solidify your business continuity plans
    Get access to a disaster recovery resource directory listing
        companies and services that can assist you

5. Closing Reception
    Meet other business owners and share ideas and questions
    Interact with conference speakers and 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares Staff

( top )