Area Development News
Here is some of the area news on the economic development front.Pamida Foundation Grants Funds to Ely Area Disaster Response Working Group |
| Posted on Sep 04 2007 |
A recent Pamida Foundation grant will be used to fund a public emergency preparedness campaign that includes several National Preparedness Month local events in September.
Mickie Resch, local Pamida manager, says, “The Pamida Foundation responded positively to the proposal from the local Disaster Response Working Group. Pamida is interested in being a good community partner. One way we partner is by granting funds for the public good in communities where stores are located. Later in September our store will also partner with the Disaster Response Working Group in hosting a display of items to be included in a household or office emergency preparedness kit.”
Pamida Foundation grant funds will be used for brochures entitled “Preparing for Disaster” and for printing a local information sheet. The brochures and the information sheets will be distributed in area congregations on Sunday, 16 September. Tim Cook, pastor at Ely Gospel Tabernacle who is also an American Red Cross volunteer and a member of the Disaster Response Working Group, worked with the Ministerial Association to arrange for the distribution of the materials. Tim says, “We hope people receiving this material will take it home, study it and take initial steps for family emergency preparedness. Every individual will have the opportunity to take personal responsibility for planning for yourself and your family. This includes planning for the safety of children and planning for elderly family members who may live alone or in senior residences.”
The “Preparing for Disaster” materials will be also be available for residents to pick up beginning Monday, 17 September at the Ely Economic and Technology Center, 102 E Sheridan Street from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. each business day until the end of September.
Pamida will host the retail display of family emergency planning items beginning Monday, 17 September through Sunday, 26 September. Arrangements are being made to move the display to other retail sites in the future.
In addition to the public awareness campaign, the Disaster Response Working Group is holding a day-long exercise on Tuesday, 11 September at
Ely Fire Chief and Civil Defense Director Louis Gerzin says, “Ely residents like to think we can take care of our own. There is a strong can-do spirit in the folks here. It is now time to partner with us as we begin our first phase of public awareness regarding family emergency preparedness. We are asking each family to plan for enough water and food for the household for three days and to plan for other family needs that would allow you to shelter in place. Once people take the simple steps outlined in the booklet, they will know they have taken important steps in planning for the safety of the family.”
Public emergency shelters in Ely include the Community Center, Vermilion Community College Gym, JFK Elementary School Gym, Memorial High School Gym, and
Information regarding emergency preparedness can be found on the following websites:
For list of recommended weather radios: www.NOAA.org
Emergency preparedness information: www.fema.gov; www.redcross.org; www.ready.gov; and www.codeready.org.
Wildfire information and wildfire preparedness planning: www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewise
The Disaster Response Working Group is sponsored by the Community Economic Development Joint Powers Board. (See members listed on release letterhead.) The Working Group is comprised of a wide spectrum of city, county, township, fire department, law enforcement, utility company, medical, forest service and other representatives who meet monthly to plan for coordination in emergencies.
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