Berkshire Chamber Provides Businesses with Pandemic Resources
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the health of its 1,100 member organizations. While there are no reported cases of swine flu in Berkshire County or western Massachusetts, the Chamber encourages businesses to be vigilant in protecting their operations and employees. As more information unfolds on the flu, the Chamber aims to keep its members aware of up-to-date details and prepare for action, if necessary.This past Wednesday, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to level five, the second-highest level of alert, indicating that the swine flu pandemic is imminent. While it is still unclear exactly how severe swine flu and its impact will be, health officials are taking the threat very seriously.
“While the Berkshires have not been affected by the swine flu, the Chamber believes that now is the time for businesses to make their plans,” said Michael Supranowicz, President & CEO of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. “We are not trying to alarm businesses and their employees; however, should we be faced with a disaster, it is important for companies to take action now rather than wait until a full pandemic.”
Now is the time that organizations, both large and small, should develop a business continuity plan. If your organization already has a plan in place, it is critical that all employees review it to more clearly understand their role in executing the plan. This proactive approach will minimize the threat to businesses and their employees and ensure that the organization can continue to function during an epidemic or disaster.
To make information on pandemic and business continuity planning more accessible, the Chamber has developed a new resource link on its website – www.berkshirechamber.com/pandemicpreparedness. As businesses develop, revise, or execute their business continuity plans, this page provides information from experienced and knowledgeable organizations.
For more information on pandemic preparedness, businesses are invited to call the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce at (413) 499-4000.
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is a proud recipient of a U.S. Chamber 4-Star Accreditation.
