Part five in this series of summits focused on the many challenges faced during and after natural disasters, and was entitled: “After Hurricane Harvey: Economic Lessons Learned and the Role of Business in National Disaster Relief Efforts.”
This Summit provided an unprecedented convening of some of the nation’s most compelling business and community lawmakers, thought leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investment groups, financial professionals and policy makers. Attendees learned about the best strategies for natural disaster recovery and capital expansion, including how to seek large-scale investments in minority-owned businesses.
Building on past summits, EES V brought together Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members, civic and business leaders, and relief organizations to discuss mapping minority access to capital, with a special focus on those in our communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Reed Smith partner Colette D. Honorable, who co-leads the firm’s Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC) team, delivered the Keynote address at the Houston summit. Colette, who recently served as Commissioner at FERC for a term that expired in June 2017, highlighted Houston residents’ massive recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.
Additionally, CBCF Board Chair, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, along with other Congressional members and representatives of districts impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, discussed the specific challenges African American communities encounter when natural disasters occur.
“This year’s summit was truly inspiring, bringing together so many leaders devoted to creating stronger, better connected, and more prosperous communities after natural disasters occur,” said Honorable. ”It was especially gratifying to shine the spotlight on those Houston heroes who are making a difference, and to put forward tangible solutions to offer a hand up to those still challenged after the hurricane.”
For more information about the Houston CBCF Executive Economic Summit, please visit cbcfinc.org.
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