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Every Monday at 6:42 a.m. and 8:42 a.m., Rob Gilligan provides information on what's happening in the area of regional development in Southeast Missouri. Rob is the President and CEO of the Cape Chamber. Local support for "Let's Talk Business" is provided by Carved + Crafted Catering. (573) 651-2569

Let's Talk Business: COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster)

When disaster strikes, there is one little known organization that helps things run smoothly behind the scenes.

In light of recent storms, I wanted to share some information about a local group: The Community Organizations Active in Disaster or COAD. This group has representatives from community and faith based organizations such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, hospitals and more. They meet often to talk about topics most of us just ignore. The what do we do if… scenarios. And I have to tell you, as someone who has the privilege to sit in on these meetings, it is both terrifying and incredibly reassuring.

But what’s most encouraging is to see them in action. When the Perryville tornado hit, the COAD was activated, helping support the emergency manager with tasks like volunteer management, donation management, sheltering and feeding victims. In fact, our COAD was so effective in their role, the leader of the affiliated State wide organization said we should be a model for other communities throughout the state. So to all the organizations and individuals that make up the COAD, THANK YOU for your work.

On a final and sad note, Cape lost two incredible people last week: Thomas L. Meyer of Meyer Real Estate and Dr. Gerald McDougall, Dean of the Harrison College of Business at Southeast. I was fortunate enough to work with both of them and they each made an indelible mark on this community. They will certainly be missed.

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