Washington, DC - In response to the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan on Friday, the U.S. Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) has activated its emergency aid protocols. These include:

- 24/7 information gathering and monitoring of public, private, and non-profit emergency responder and relief operations
- Coordination with relevant government and non-profit organizations to address specific cases
- Ongoing efforts to expedite business disaster responses and cut through bureaucratic, regulatory, and logistics obstacles that keep valuable goods and services from getting to the people and places that need them the most

As part of this emergency aid program, BCLC will host a global conference call for the business community with representatives from the Japanese government, U.S. military and civilian government humanitarian assistance officials, and leading international non-governmental relief agencies.

"Our first goal is to support the people of Japan as they recover from this catastrophe," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. "Companies from coast to coast have already contacted us asking what they can do to help, and we expect that you will see companies providing valuable support to the proper authorities in a wide range of ways in the days and months to come."

The U.S. Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center is a recognized national and international authority on private sector business response. BCLC has played a key role in mobilizing and coordinating U.S. business responses in the aftermath of such disasters as the southeast Asia tsunami, the earthquakes in China and Haiti, and the Pakistan floods. BCLC is also currently working on the corporate responses to the massive floods and cyclone that hit Australia and the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake.

"Disaster response is a marathon, not just a sprint," said Stephen Jordan, BCLC's executive director. "If the past is any guide, you will find businesses playing a key role in supporting the response every step of the way, across issues ranging from search and rescue to providing health and wellness and shelter solutions to helping schools, clinics, and local communities recover their facilities and capabilities."

For more information about the U.S. Chamber BCLC's disaster response activities visit http://bclc.uschamber.com. Individual businesses that want to be part of this response effort are encouraged to call 1-888-692-4943 (1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP) or email [email protected]. Voice and email messages are promptly returned.

BCLC, a 501(c) 3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is a resource and voice for business' social and philanthropic interests. Its mission is to advance the positive role of business in society

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.