Chamber Focuses on Emergency Preparedness for Malibu Businesses

A Malibu Chamber of Commerce committee focused on disaster preparedness for Malibu's business community started up this week.

Members of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, the city of Malibu, the Malibu Country Mart and the Malibu Association of Realtors met for the first time Tuesday at Malibu City Hall.

"The goal is to give them the tools to be prepared so ultimately they survive," said Mark Persson, the chamber's executive director.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, up to 40 percent of businesses affected by a natural disaster never reopen.

Julie Labin of the Malibu Country Mart said a focus on emergency preparedness is a good idea.

"This would be helpful to unite the business community around emergency preparedness," Labin said.

Marshall Thompson brought the idea to the chamber leadership, including chamber Chairwoman Beth Pearcey-Neal. There was a similar committee in the past, but it had not met in some time, she said.

Brad Davis, Malibu's emergency services coordinator, said he hopes the committee helps improve the city's relationship with vendors.

"This can be a huge coordination point," Davis said.