1. Hurricane Katrina Lessons Learned from the Unexpected
TISH WILLIAMS: In 2005, our home town, Bay St. Louis on the MS Gulf Coast, was hit by the nation’s worst natural disaster---Katrina. Overnight, I became the director of the Chamber of NO Commerce. In April 2011, we were hit by the Gulf Oil Spill. But that’s another story!
Lessons Learned from the Unexpected

2. A Focus on Business & Insurance
Tish Williams Hancock Chamber Executive Director
Kimberly P. Wilkerson Assurant Insurance Flood Insurance Company Executive
Angelyn Treutel Zeringue SouthGroup Insurance Agency Owner
A Focus on Business & Insurance
TISH WILLIAMS: Today, you are going to hear from disaster veterans who were on the ground in the aftermath of Katrina, and we want to thank you for this opportunity to pay it forward. So many people came to us in the after math of Katrina and gave us so much hope. If we can do this for you today, this will be a blessing to each of us.
Your chamber director actually came to my rescue immediately after Katrina. I am still using the printer today that she dropped at my door step. You are so very fortunate to have Diane as your executive director. She is passionate about your community and she is driven to help you rebuild one business, one home, one day at a time. Diane, thank you for your leadership both there and for me on the Mississippi Coast. With me today is a true Champion for our community, Angelyn Treutel Zeringue. My office was destroyed and so was hers and when I returned she had already set up a make shift office outside what was the Chamber office helping her clients get back on their feet. One of the biggest challenges was the debate between wind and water in the insurance arena. And, helping agents and brokers sort through that maze was Kimberly Wilkerson with Assurant Insurance, a flood insurance company executive. Thank you to both of your for what you did to help your clients.

3. Lack of communication from the MS Gulf Coast was another major factor.
The Bay’s Hwy 90 four- lane bridge was its life-line to the rest of the coast. It was reduced to mere pilings by the storm.
Lack of communication from the MS Gulf Coast was another major factor.
In the days after the storm, the foot of the bridge was a cell phone “hot-spot,” one of the only places where calls could get out…sometimes.
After Katrina, all but two of the eight Chamber offices Coast-wide where destroyed people were dead. More were missing. All communications were lost, and the entire seventy five mile beachfront was devastated—including the very bridge that connected our town to the rest of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

4. The only word that came to mind was Hiroshima.
$5.4 billion Katrina Recovery Package $1 billion in Hancock County ---Ground Zero
With 65,000 homes destroyed and 55,000 more housing units initially damaged Coast-wide, we are still nearing the finish line---12 years later. Although so much of our housing has not returned such as our second home market---the very lifeblood of our tourism industry. But we have come to realize, painfully, that it is not a race but rather a marathon to the finish line.
$5.4 billion Katrina Recovery Package $1 billion in Hancock County ---Ground Zero
The only word that came to mind was Hiroshima.

5. We are a Chamber. We are NOT in the housing business. We are now!
We are a Chamber. We are NOT in the housing business. WRONG!
Another unmet need following Katrina was and still is housing. There was no single agency in our area to coordinate assistance for low/mod income housing. Through the Chamber, during 2007 and 2008, we nurtured the establishment of the Hancock Housing Resource Center to get people back in their homes to re-establish our population, labor market and customer base for our businesses. The Hancock Housing Resource Center, once established, soon spun off into a separate non-profit entity with a qualified board, president, funding and staff support. Should another disaster strike, this agency is in place, ready to respond. This will be the topic of another lessons learned. Today we want to focus on insurance issues.
We are a Chamber. We are NOT in the housing business. We are now!

6. Thousands of homes closer to the beach---like my family home where this baby grand once graced the halls---no longer existed at all. I am delighted to announce that while it took eight years, my mother finally made the decision to rebuild the family home at the old beachfront location. There were many reasons why it took he so long. But, at the age of nearly 80, she had the courage to rebuild. So keep that in mind as you begin to feel impatient about how slow the process to rebuild is and will be.
Thousands of homes closer to the beach---like my family home where this baby grand once graced the halls---no longer existed at all.

7. Small businesses were hit the hardest, and given the least opportunities to survive. Even with $5 billion allocated for Katrina recovery, there has been little next to nothing for the small business owners--- except loans on top of more loans. Out of the 1,800 businesses countywide, all were shut down after Katrina with 50% being severely damaged or destroyed. Many did not have business interruption and flood insurance.
To rebuild the customer base for small businesses we launched several tourism initiatives even though our county has a separate tourism commission. After Katrina and the Gulf Oil Spill, a regional tourism partnership was established and funded with BP funds to market the Coast as a region. We were able to secure funds to market the county tourism resources. We established a low interest loan program and that took nearly four years to make this happen. My hat is off to your chamber. Not only did they raise a million for long term recovery but they are pursuing a $ 5million grant program for small business. This was something our governor did not support so we ended up with a loan program, something we are still managing today and will continue to manage for the next five years. We helped 44 businesses rebuild with only $3 million. So you are ahead of the game on this. Congratulations.
We are the Chamber. Why are we pushing tourism initiatives? Don’t sit around and wait for someone else to lead the charge.

8. We all know that there isn’t just one finish line but many lines that call for celebration along the journey. We did not get here on our own. It was the people from throughout the country who came to help and who still today give us so much hope. The volunteers knew before we did that a community without hope would have many challenges that federal assistance could not address. The success we had was because we focused on the people not the processes.
When you witness first hand the power of the human spirit, people helping people, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a God. And, He has a plan. And, when that plan is revealed you will then understand how a tragedy can be turned in to triumph. And, how disaster can, in the end, be a blessing in more ways than one.

9. Insurance Discussion Topics
Insurance Claims Settlements- Replacement cost vs ACV (structure and contents)
Holdback depreciation and recovery, if applicable
Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage (ICC)
Flood map changes; newly mapped and grandfathered
Importance of maintaining continuous coverage
Current state of the national flood insurance program
ANGELYN AND KIMBERLY

10. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2014
Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance Commends Senate for
Passing Milestone Flood Insurance Measure. Coalition Now Urging House to Act. There are serious challenges created by the Biggert-Waters Act, which threatens to devastate economies across coastal and riverine America.
We are beginning to see some movement in the quest to solve the insurance challenges. Led by the New Orleans Regional Chamber, the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI) was formed in May 2013 by elected and business leaders in response to drastic flood insurance premium hikes as a result of a confluence of the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012, inaccurate and incomplete FEMA flood maps, and questionable actuarial calculations.
CSFI in engaging in the following activities to keep flood insurance affordable:
Advocating for the passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act to delay premium increases until an affordability study is complete and its recommendations are considered by Congress
Ensure rates reflect accurate risk
Suggest reforms to NFIP’s management
Working with FEMA to draw accurate maps that account for all flood mitigation features
MORE DETAILS THAT WON’T BE COVERED ARE:
Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance Commends Senate for
Passing Milestone Flood Insurance Measure
Coalition Now Urging House to Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, Greater New Orleans, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht, on
behalf of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, commended the Senate for
overwhelmingly passing the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act in a vote and
urged the House to consider the legislation as soon as possible.
“The Senate’s supermajority passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act today
is a milestone moment for our national coalition,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of
Greater New Orleans, Inc. “When we began to engage this issue last year, many in Congress
were not aware of the serious challenges created by the Biggert-Waters Act, which threatens to
devastate economies across coastal and riverine America. However, through the leadership of
Senators Landrieu and Vitter, as well as the bill’s sponsors, Senators Menendez and Isakson, we
now have legislation that will provide short-term relief, as well as a long-term path to
developing a fiscally responsible flood insurance program that protects people, property and the
economy. We urge the House to act on this legislation as soon as possible.”
Since May 2013, GNO, Inc. has organized a growing national coalition of business and elected
leaders to address harmful changes to the NFIP, which now represents over 200 business and
trade associations and local governments in 32 states. As founders of the Coalition for
Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI), the organization works to address drastic - and unintended
- increases to NFIP rates for home and business owners. A confluence of the Biggert-Waters
Act of 2012 (meant to stabilize NFIP), incomplete FEMA maps and questionable actuarial
calculations has led to premium increases of up to 3,000% and more - for policy-owners who
have never flooded and who have built as the government told them.
###
About the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance
The Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI) is a national coalition that works to address
drastic - and unintended - increases to NFIP rates for home and business owners. CSFI supports
a financial stable National Flood Insurance Program that balances premium affordability with
financial solvency.
More information can be found at
About Greater New Orleans, Inc.
GNO, Inc. is the regional economic development organization for Southeast Louisiana. The
GNO, Inc. Mission is to create jobs and wealth in the Greater New Orleans community. The
GNO, Inc. Vision is for the Greater New Orleans region to fulfill its potential as one of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance is a national alliance formed to ensure
that flood insurance will be both affordable and financially sustainable
We are dealing with a problem of profound unintended consequences. A three-way
confluence of the Biggert-Waters Act; incomplete FEMA maps that artificially inflate
risk; and, questionable actuarial calculations, has led to premium increases of up to
3,000% and more – including massive rate increases for policyholders who have built as
the government told them and have no history of flooding
We have a moral and economic duty to protect property owners who have played by
the rules and built as their government told them to, and in accordance with the
government guidelines in effect at the time of construction. They should not lose their
homes and businesses
The Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance supports a fiscally sound, actuarially
responsible NFIP that communicates true risk to our citizens. None of us want perverse
incentives for building in harm’s way, nor do we advocate for the continued
subsidization of severe repetitive loss properties
The goal of our Coalition is dual: first, to find an immediate solution to the challenges of
the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Biggert-Waters Act); and
second, to develop a long-term solution that works for America – an America in which
all 50 states participate in the NFIP
The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (S and H.R. 3370), delays
premium increases for four years, until FEMA has an opportunity to complete the
affordability study mandated in the Biggert-Waters Act and Congress has an opportunity
to consider the recommendations put forth in the study
The legislation was introduced in October and already has over 125 co-sponsors in the
House and over 20 in the Senate from across the country
This is common sense legislation – we should understand the potential impact of the
Biggert-Waters Act before we implement it
We urge you to cosponsor the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act as soon as
possible. Senators interested in cosponsoring should contact Jason Tuber in Senator
Menendez’s office at or Monica McGuire in Senator
Isakson’s office at Members of the House
wishing to cosponsor should contact Lisa Lederberger with the House Committee on
Financial Services Democratic Staff at Richard
Hoffmann with Rep. Grimm at or Zach Butterworth
with Rep. Richmond at

11. Current State of the National Flood Insurance Program
Jan 19 – U S Congress will vote on Flood Program Extension
What we need from the National Flood Insurance Program:
Multi-year reauthorization
Needs to
Preserve Affordability
Increase Opportunities for Community and Individual mitigation
Improve the mapping process
Improve the claims process
Private flood insurance is becoming available with lower cost and broader coverages

12. Claims Settlements- Replacement Cost vs ACV
Your insurance agent and your adjuster are your best friends to assist you with understanding the complexities of the claims process
Making the claims process easier– make yourself available to meet, be responsive to questions and requests for documentation, understand your coverages
Replacement Cost – assumes you will replace
Actual Cash Value – settlement is reduced by depreciation
Loss of Use – pays for cost to live elsewhere during repairs
Business Income – pays for lost profits and ongoing expenses while your business is shut down
Flood insurance – replacement cost on structure and ACV on contents

13. Holdback Depreciation and Recovery
Claim settlements may have a “holdback” amount until you provide documentation showing you have replaced the damaged structure or item
Let the claims process work it’s way through. Adding a Lawyer or Public Adjuster to the the process causes further delays. You always have avenues of recovery if you are not satisfied with the claim settlement
Follow-up with your adjuster and agent periodically to ensure the claims process is moving along
Adjusters – examiners – brokers – companies --- lots of red tape

14. Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage (ICC)
Provides flood insurance policyholders additional help to rebuild
Provides up to $30,000 additional to help cover the cost of mitigation efforts to reduce future flood risk
May be used for elevation, flood-proofing, relocation, demolition or debris removal
Available if structure has been “substantially damaged “ (over 50% of the value of the structure)
Must file a separate ICC Claim and provide a “Notice of Determination” which is available from your community building department

15. Flood Map Changes--newly mapped & grandfathering
Flood Maps may change and place your home or business into a more hazardous area
Stay engaged in the process
“Newly mapped” – changed from Preferred Zone (B, C or X) to High Risk Zone (A or V)
Change in “Base Flood Elevation”
Your existing home or building may be “grandfathered” if it was built in compliance at the time of construction
Permits taken out prior to the new maps becoming effective fall under the prior map rules

16. Importance of Maintaining Continuous Coverage
You MUST keep your flood insurance active
Will save you money – newly mapped will keep “preferred rates” after a map change
Will help sell your home or business building in the future because you can “transfer” your policy to a new owner
Flood insurance is required if you have or will get a mortgage
You can’t count on government aid to rebuild
You could get flooded again

17. General Discussion Topics
Recovery takes much longer than you wish it would – hang in there
Businesses need to get back up and running as soon as feasible but you may need to reinvent yourself
Communication - Continued Communication is Crucial (more resources are constantly becoming available – stay tuned – share info)
Customers – you need your customers! Use the Chamber to get the word out on your location and offerings
Workforce – take care of your workers - take help when offered
Community – Rely on Associations to provide support – grants, etc.
Don’t forget that this is YOUR home – things WILL change – and your Community will become BETTER but it will take time

18. QUESTIONS? You will build back better.

19. One of the Fastest growing cities in Mississippi
Bay St. Louis, MS
Mississippi’s Hippest Town Thrillist
Best Little Beach Towns
Coast Living
America’s Coolest Small town
Budget Travel
Top 12 Places you Need to Visit
virtualtravel.com
12 Beautiful Town Bargains
Best Pleasure Seekers Paradise
officialbestof.com
10 Most Beautiful MS Towns
Culturetrip.com
Best Place to Retire and the list goes on and on…
Fastest growing city in Mississippi
Because…
Many coast residents embrace a unique approach to life.
Some sociologists caution against romanticizing “community.” Life can be miserable in a place where “everybody knows your business, where gossip is a strong force for keeping people in order, and where there is little freedom to act or dress in eccentric ways.” Phil Bartle
One of the Fastest growing cities in Mississippi

20. We built a bridge and celebrated it with a festival.
In 2007, our new bridge that connects us to the rest of the MS Coast was rebuilt and is a beautiful symbol of our recovery. It received more than 25,000 of the 50,000 votes cast for The National People’s Choice Award sponsored by AAA, the US Chamber of Commerce and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials by the National Transportation Association. It features a walking path and the most unique display of local art found any where. The event was privatized and even more events have emerged as private sector ventures to attract visitors to our area celebrating our new Harbor that will opened in 2015.
We built a bridge and celebrated it with a festival.

21. Part of our recovery is centered on our 200 resident artists
Part of our recovery is centered on our 200 resident artists. We are one of the top small art communities in the country. In the aftermath of Katrina, in spite of all that is in evidence around us, we are painting, dancing, singing, writing, drawing, printing, sculpting—we are creating.
Through our far flung sons and daughters, angels and volunteers, Katrina established a national marketplace for our artists.
To date, our artists have exhibited their works, many Katrina related, at Alexandria, VA; Washington, DC twice; Rome, Georgia; New Bedford, MA; New Harmony, IN; Doylestown, PA; Amherst, MA; Southern Pines, NC; Jackson, MS and New York City.
Today, through a partnership with the Chamber, the City of Bay St. Louis and our local arts organization and community college, we have two public art galleries that serve as incubators for area artists to display and sell their works.
The Bay St. Louis Second Saturday Artwalk attracts thousands to the town each year…we held it every Saturday!