City officials, government representatives and local business owners at the “Can Your Business Survive Another Sandy?” seminar at the Alexander Jankowski Community Center, Perth Amboy, Thursday, August 29, 2013. *Photo by Katherine Massopust

The City of Perth Amboy, the UEZ/BID, the NJ-SBDC and, SBA and Rutgers Business School presented a seminar called, “Could Your Business Survive Another Sandy?” on Thursday, August 29, 2013.

The program was very informative for all businesses no matter what size. Although the emphasis was on those businesses that suffered damage during Superstorm Sandy, there was a lot to learn beforehand in case another superstorm hits the area. A representative from FEMA was there to hand out literature along with the others.

We asked some of our advertisers who were present how they found out about the seminar. Two of them said Roxana Troche called them and she always calls when she feels there’s a program that could be beneficial to them.

Developer Barry Rosengarten who is chair of the BID spoke from his personal experience. After the storm he assumed that his insurance policy covered flooding and was shocked to find out it didn’t. He said, “It pays to read your policy over carefully.” His main computers were located on the first floor of his office which was hit hardest by Sandy and all of his data was lost.

Another business located on the Waterfront suffered a major loss when most of his equipment was washed out to sea. He wanted to know what he could do because all of his invoices and records were in a computer that no longer exists.

By attending this seminar he found out how he can have some of his vital information recovered.

Lori Matheus, Managing Dir. of NJ EDA (NJ Economic Development Authority) gave an overview of what monies were available to businesses affected by the storm and the criteria that has to be met to qualify.

Elayne P. McClaine from the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) stated that her agency does not give out money. Her department had people that helped in the following areas: cyber security insurance consulting (CPA’s, lawyers), marketing, strategic and business consultants. Folders with vital information were handed out by all of the sponsors present.

Perth Amboy Mayor Diaz’ ears perked up when she heard about the program for neighborhood and community revitalization. Diaz told them that “You will be getting a lot of calls from my office.”

Personally, for myself I was very interested in attending several of the NJ Small Business Development workshops at Rutgers University. There is a nominal fee for most of them. Looking at the description of the courses, I feel they are well worth the cost. I urge business owners no matter how long you’ve been in business to go into the NJ Business website for more information and where classes will be held. www.business.rutgers.edu/njsbdcnb

– Carolyn M.