The E-5 tornado that tore through Joplin 
claimed many livelihoods.

It affected more than 400 businesses and 
approximately 5,000 employees.

Businesses both large and small fell 
victim.

Wal-Mart and Academy and Home Depot, 
but we had all sizes of businesses, 

all the way down to home based 
businesses.

Our business and all its content were 
at the heart of the storm and there 

is really nothing left standing.

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 
this is Lisa. How may I help you?

The Joplin Chamber of Commerce and 
the Small Business Administration 

have set up a business recovery center 
to help all those affected included 

non-profit corporations.

So far weíve issued over 1,000 
applications to businesses that have 

been impacted by the disaster. We can 
offer them a low interest loan to help 

that business overcome the effects of 
the disaster on their business.

The problems here not only include 
businesses destroyed by the storm 

itself, but many others suffering from 
its unforeseen aftermath. 

Those with homeless and struggling 
employees and customers, lost records, 

infrastructure and support services, 
and weeks without sales and needed cash.

Many businesses have had to lay off 
staff. I had to lay off 2 staff 

yesterday just because payroll 
is coming.

The Small Business Administration says 
itís providing both long and short 

term financial assistance to meet 
immediate needs; pledging to process 

applications in two weeks and loans 
in 3 to 4.

Maybe a business was fortunate, 
didnít have any physical damage, 

but their sales are down because all 
their customers are affected or their 

key vendor or supplier was affected. 
They can apply for a working capital 

loan. 

Short term some businesses on 
the edge of the storm ravaged areas 

are reopening and rebuilding. 
And hiring for construction, 

debris removal and hotels and 
restaurants servicing them is in 

full swing. But there are deep 
concerns for long term economic 

recovery prompting assurances.

Weíre gonna be here for the long term 
to help the business community recover.

Along with steely Joplin, 
day to day resolve.

In the long term this community is 
going to have to work together. 

If you can make it for 3 months 
I think you can make it. 

But I do believe the SBAís long term 
plan will help.