We wanted to update everyone on the status of the Business Journal and what we’re working on to help with our community’s recovery.

We hope you made it through the storm safely. Don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help you individually or if you have ideas on how we can help the community.

Here’s what we’re working on so far:

Our newsroom (some still in Wilmington, others outside) have been working since before the storm to keep our business community, residents, community leaders and everyone else updated on storm-related and recovery news. We’ve taken down our paywall so nobody is blocked from seeing this coverage.

If you have story ideas or suggestions for the newsroom, please send them to [email protected].

This week we will start running daily “Open For Business” stories with a roundup of companies and other organizations that have reopened so we can help spread the word. To be included in these, send an email to [email protected]. Include the name of your business, address, phone number, website and a brief update (for example, if you have limited hours, a high-demand item in stock or other relevant information).

We are also building a technology platform for Recovery Resources to help business owners, homeowners and others find what they need. I’ll provide an update on this soon. Please email me at [email protected] if you have ideas on what this platform should offer.

Finally, I wanted to take an opportunity to recognize and thank our public officials, upstanding citizens and the people coming into our community to help.

I had an opportunity yesterday to walk through the New Hanover County Emergency Management Center and the 911 Center. You could not ask for calmer hands in a crisis.

Our public officials, public employees, first responders, Duke Energy crews and many others are dealing with massive challenges: hundreds of rescues, relocating shelters, trucking in food through floodwaters, coordinating with the National Guard and finding fuel for CFPUA, to just name a few.

Cots are spread out around the building by the county's emergency center, which had been relocated overnight to another part of the building due to a power outage. Signs taped to the wall request quiet voices because people are sleeping. Some custodians slept in closets so they could be there the next day to clear away trash.

Walking in amid all these issues, what struck me most was the orderliness of the operation.

This spirit matches what’s happening in communities throughout our region. Neighbors are banding together to start cleaning up. Those with chainsaws are clearing paths. Many seem to be stopping at random points in town when they see an issue that needs to be addressed.

For those of you outside of our community today, please know there's a ton of trees down, but our community spirit hasn’t buckled. It has gotten stronger.

Again, don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help you and our community.

Be safe,
Rob Kaiser
Publisher
Greater Wilmington Business Journal/WILMA Magazine
Email: [email protected]
Mobile phone: (910) 264-8955