Emergency Preparedness: Business Resilience Forum
Program: 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Is your organization ready for a disaster?
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Emergency Preparedness: Business Resilience Forum emphasises and explores the critical need for proper preparation and planning in the event of a natural disaster.
Resilient businesses are important because of one simple truth: disasters are costly.
According to a Calgary Chamber of Commerce report, 43 per cent of businesses affected by natural disasters never re-open, and of those that do, 29 per cent fail within two years. The Greater Vancouver region is prone to many types of disasters; earthquake, fire, flood or wind storm — all of which could potentially cripple your business, our local economy and Canada's Pacific Gateway. By preparing for any disaster, we increase our chances of recovery.
The 2017 Emergency Preparedness: Business Resilience Forum will explore the risks in our region and provide the insights necessary to build a more prepared business community and thus a more resilient economy. Speakers include some of the top experts on the subject from government, emergency, insurance and business backgrounds.
Keynote Speakers
Don Forgeron, President & CEO, Insurance Bureau of Canada
The Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Province of British Columbia
Session 1
Understanding the Risks
Emergency Preparedness isn't a question of "if" but a question of "when." To be prepared, we must first understand the unique risks to our region. This panel will provide an understanding of the risks faced by our region and how they could impact your business, community, and country. It will lay the groundwork to help attendees understand what they are up against and the importance of emergency preparedness.
Steve Litke, Senior Program Manager, Watersheds and Water Resources, Fraser Basin Council
Dr. Kathryn (Kate) Moran, President and CEO, Ocean Networks Canada, Chair, Board for Clear Seas
Alex Yanev, Principal, EQE Consulting
Moderator: Hayley Woodin, Multimedia Reporter, Business in Vancouver
Session 2
Building Resilient Communities
Disasters interrupt entire communities and economies around the world on a regular basis. Government, businesses, and the community must all work together to help prepare and recover from disasters. This session will feature panelists providing insights and perspectives necessary to understand the roles and responsibilities of different actors in a disaster situation. It will explore the framework in which a resilient business community operates.
Becky Denlinger, Deputy Minister Emergency Management Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Province of British Columbia
Kimberley Nemrava, Vice President, British Columbia & Yukon, Canadian Red Cross
Jeremy Stone, Executive Director, Recovery and Relief Services
Moderator: Don Shafer, Chief Executive Officer, Roundhouse Radio
Session 3
Preparing your Business
The final session will help businesses put the knowledge gathered in the forum to work. It will provide the attendees with the information and best practices necessary to prepare their business. It will lay the foundation necessary to build more resilient businesses that can survive and recover from disasters.
Scott Crockatt, Director of Marketing and Communications, Calgary Chamber
Michael R. Galin, Director Risk Management, Corporate Business Continuity Office, TELUS
Christine Trefanenko, Director, CCEM Strategies
Moderator: Katie McPherson, Manager Community Resilience, City of Vancouver, Emergency Management
Presenting Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsor:
Community Engagement Partner:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Gain direct access to the senior-level audience through enhanced visibility and exposure to attract new business. A wide range of opportunities are available, for more information please contact Lisa Kaisers ( or call 604-640-5484).