The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission have partnered to lead a regional data gathering initiative to assess the business and economic impact of Hurricane Michael, which swept through Albany and Southwest Georgia on October 10.

In order to broaden the scope of data, and to best prepare for the possibility of storm-related federal assistance, chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations in Southwest Georgia have partnered with the Albany organizations to develop a survey designed to capture the economic impact of Hurricane Michael on the regional business community.

Information assessed will include physical damage and revenue loss, and will help direct the Chamber and ADEDC in advocating for resources to aid in the recovery of the community and the region.

The survey, which can be accessed online here, is open to businesses in all industries, including agriculture, and is expected to take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Survey participants are asked to report information such as the location of their business, type of loss suffered and the duration and extent of loss.

“As advocates for our local and regional business communities, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission are leading the effort to assess business impact in order to advocate for the procurement of resources for our region,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “This survey will provide the information needed in order to adequately source and secure those resources, should they become available.”

The survey goes live today and will remain active through December 14 with information to be compiled by January 2019.