The document discusses effective strategies for natural disaster mitigation and management in economic development, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, a networked approach, and communication. It highlights the need for economic development organizations to track, monitor, and innovate in response to crises like COVID-19. Key recommendations include establishing communication channels, conducting SWOT analyses, and creating a supportive ecosystem for local businesses.

1. Lessons from
Natural Disaster
Mitigation &
Management
 Preparedness facilitates
resiliency and recovery
 A networked approach is more
effective for resiliency and
recovery
 “The poor get screwed.”
- Burrell Montz, PhD

2. What’s being asked of the economic
development community in
response to COVID-19?
• Grants & Loans
• Tracking & Monitoring
• Economic Reopening & Recovery Plans
• Communicate. Connect. Collaborate.
• Facilitate Business Innovation
• And more…

3. Economic Development Organizations that are most
effective during crisis response and recovery have:
• Inclusive economic development and business ecosystem, built on trust
• Established communication channels to share and collect information and resources
• Business Retention and Expansion Program
• Thorough understanding of local economy and role in regional economy
• Economic development strategy
• Ability to make decisions and act

4. Networks are Critical
When disasters strike, economic developers are the first-line response for the
business community. A steady flow of information and resources is critical for
supporting emergency response and recovery.

5. Albany County, NY
• No County Economic Development Organization, in
the process of creating one
• New Strategic Plan for EconDev
• New Economic Development Director
• Strong personal connections to local executive
businesses
• Needed to build relationships with small business
community and economic development partners
Greene County, NY
• Established EDO
• Updated Economic Development Strategy,
75% Complete
• Seasonal Tourism Economy
• Strong relationships with small businesses
and entrepreneurs
• Needed to build stronger connections to
regional partners and large employers
Know the Strengths
& Weaknesses of the
Network

6. Elements of
a Crisis
Response &
Recovery
Plan
l Crisis management team roles and responsibilities
l List actions that have been, and will be taken
l Connect actions with strategic planning initiatives and EDA priorities
l Identify online hub for current information and updates
l Clear health and safety guidelines for reopening by sector
l Profile of pre-crisis economy to set baseline
l Metrics and Milestones
Start with a SWOT
or Issues &
Opportunities Analysis

7. Critical
Communication
Channels
• Online Hub for Information,
Resources and Updates
• Segmented Current Contact Lists
(CRM or Email Marketing, updated via BR&E)
• Businesses by size, sector, ownership,
location
• Partners by role and responsibility
• Diverse Social Media
• Relationships with Traditional Media
• Physical Signage
Establishing communication channels is
much easier pre-disaster, but CAN be
created during response and recovery.

8. Supporting a health and safety culture

9. Disruption =
Opportunities
to Help
Businesses
Innovate
Disruption in
Food Supply
Chains
Forcing
Innovation &
Creating New
Market
Opportunities

10. Takeaways
l Conduct a “Recovery SWOT”
l Pivot existing projects and initiatives to part
of the response and recovery
l Step-up BR&E

11. Christa O. Franzi, CEcD
Director of Marketing & Communications
Sr. Project Manager
Successful economic development
initiatives require an interdisciplinary
perspective...
Contact:
(518) 899-2608
christa@camoinassociates.com
“ “

12. • Founded in 1999 as a full-service
economic development consulting
firm
• Completed work in 40 states
• Employ 24 full-time staff
• Only firm in the country to offer
this wide spectrum of services
About
Camoin
Services & Expertise
 Industry & Workforce Analytics
 Real Estate Development Services
 Economic & Fiscal Impact
 Strategic Planning
 Lead Generation & Business Connections
 Organizational Planning