NATCAP Response to Katrina

The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals wishes to extend its deepest and heartfelt sympathies to those individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted or changed due to Hurricane Katrina and the resulting flooding and other destruction. This is undoubtedly one of our nation’s worst natural disasters and the devastation continues to be overwhelming.

Our meetings and hospitality industry has been tremendously impacted by this devastation. Tourism is the number one industry in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. There are more than 80,000 tourism-related jobs in New Orleans alone. All city-wide conventions through November 1st have been cancelled or moved. Our industry brings in close to $20 billion in revenue annually to the affected Gulf Coast Region.

The NATCAP Board has decided that our Community Outreach efforts for the 2005-2006 program year will be focused on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Our Community Outreach Committee headed up by Board Liaison Marsha Brown and Co-Chair Bev Kuhn will be providing opportunities for members to give assistance in the local and national efforts. At our September 21, 2005 chapter meeting we will be collecting monetary donations (cash, check and charge) to support the relief efforts and all net proceeds from our 50/50 raffle will go towards that cause as well.

We urge our members to assist in any way they can in the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and her aftermath. Below is a list of national relief agencies that are accepting donations:

American Red Cross, Disaster Relief Fund: (800) HELP-NOW www.redcross.org
Catholic Charities, USA: (800) 919-9338 www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY www.salvationarmyusa.org

Local Relief Agencies:
City of New Orleans : www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx
Louisiana Homeland Security: www.ohsep.louisiana.gov
Alabama Emergency Management Agency: (205) 280-2200, www.ema.alabama.gov/

Florida Division of Emergency Management: 850-413-9900, www.floridadisaster.org
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency: (800) 442-636, www.mema.state.ms.us

Our thoughts and prayers are with our members in the affected area as well their families and all individuals that have had their lives impacted by this massive devastation.

Sincerely,

Rob Coffman

President, SGMP, National Capital Chapter