WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

ASHLAND, Ky. -- Businesses in the Tri-State area have a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders about how to prepare their organization for natural, manmade, or economic disasters in a free seminar titled "Business Continuity Planning: Preparing Your Business to Survive the Worst."

Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to attend the seminar on Tuesday, April 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be held at the Citizen's National Bank, 855 Central Ave., Ashland. The event is free and will include a continental breakfast and lunch. Seating is limited.

Guests may register at www.huddlestonbolen.com/events or by calling 304-691-8474 by Friday, April 6. The seminar is sponsored by Huddleston Bolen LLP, the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department, Kentucky Small Business Development Centers, Ashland Alliance, and Citizen's National Bank.

Attendees can expect to learn about importance of business continuity planning and how to prepare their organization for an emergency by hearing first-hand from industry professionals on how they prepare their businesses for emergencies. The seminar is ideal for industry leaders, business representatives, school emergency planners, higher education personnel, and health care facility operators.

Speakers will include Kevin Norvell, Project Director, Kentucky Small Business Development Center; Al Flath, Division Manager, Veolia ES Industrial Services; Scott Hill, Director of Safety and Security, King's Daughters Medical Center; and Sandy Pelphrey, AVP/Assistant MGR Systems/Ops, Citizens National Bank.

According to national research, 15 to 40 percent of businesses fail following a natural or man-made disaster. These disasters could include floods, earthquakes or even terrorist attacks. Some businesses stand to lose thousands of dollars per day while shut down and it often costs less than $500 for a small business to properly prepare for an emergency.

"Huddleston Bolen has been a member of and an advocate for the business community for nearly 140 years. In that time our firm has seen countless businesses and many communities destroyed by natural and man-made disasters. It's our privilege to help bring this important information to the community," said Tom Gilpin, Chair of the Firm's Management Committee.

For more information, visit www.huddlestonbolen.com.