Association Industry Aids in Hurricane Relief

By Todd McElwee

From onsite grassroots efforts to Capitol Hill lobbying, associations from all corners of the sector are doing their part to provide aid for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Geoff Freeman called on Congressional action to fund hurricane disaster relief. He stated: “The devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton demands that Congress pass disaster relief as soon as possible. Communities, small businesses and workers in the path of the storms—many of whom depend on visitors—are unable to welcome conventions, meetings and leisure travelers until Congress provides the required resources to rebuild. If there are any unnecessary delays, American communities will needlessly suffer.”

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) noted that prior to Milton’s landfall, electric companies in the path of the storm strategically pre-positioned equipment, resources, and more than 50,000 workers from at least 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada to assist in their storm response and restoration efforts. A few weeks prior, EEI’s industry helped restore power for millions affected by Helene.

The American Veterinary Medical Association provided a list of how to help, including the following: “Do not send unsolicited in-kind donations. Unless you have been contacted directly by a specific organization asking for specific supplies—and there is a way to have a commercial carrier deliver those supplies—shipping in-kind supplies can actually worsen a crisis. That’s because it diverts both people and space that are in short supply.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) produced a comprehensive list of resources, categorized by state, to assists its constituency. It reminded cattle producers impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton there are USDA programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA partnered with FEMA and other disaster-focused organizations and created a Disaster Resource Center at usda.gov.

American Beverage Association members, including PepsiCo and various Coca Cola entities, provided millions of dollars’ worth of aid and supplies to those affected by Helene.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has provided a variety of aid information and has established a dedicated email address: hurricanerelief@nmma.org.

“NMMA is communicating with members, stakeholders and partners to fully assess the impact of both hurricanes on the recreational marine community and understand the support that might be needed,” the association said. “The team is closely monitoring the legislative landscape and appropriations of funds to help small businesses and those who may need assistance. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Calling on members to assist those affected, the Security Industry Association said: “In times of need, it can often be confusing when trying to assess how to best respond. One of the best ways to know what impacted areas need is to ask industry contacts in these affected areas how they are and, more importantly, what they and their communities need.”