Ross Buchmueller to speak at Hurricane Forum and EXPO

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s Hurricane Forum and EXPO: Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Hurricane Forum and EXPO 2009 - 05/07/09
By The Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

9 a.m., Thursday, May 7
Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa

Two panels of experts will inform residents and the business community about preparations for the coming storm season during the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s Hurricane Forum and EXPO 2009.

The first panel will review forecasts, planning and local procedures for the hurricane season which begins June 1.

The guest speaker this year is Jack Williams, former USA Today weather editor. Williams will review the 2009 hurricane forecast and decode some of the lingo used by forecasters. Williams will also explain why the question of global warming isn’t important to those of us who live on the coast.

Reviewing the county’s storm plans will be William Winn, Jr., director of the Beaufort County Emergency Management Department. Winn has served as the director for 30 years and has coordinated 5 major county evacuations. Winn will discuss local concerns from school closures to traffic flow in evacuations.

Paul Rasch, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town of Hilton Head Island, will present new plans and information regarding hurricane evacuations from the Island. Rasch joined the Town last summer after nine years as regional coordinator for the Illinois Emergency Management Association. Rasch is also a member of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, the national group that certifies emergency management agencies

The second panel of speakers will cover insurance issues regarding homes, businesses and living in the coastal area. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about claims and coverage pertaining to storm damage.

The Director of the SC Department of Insurance Scott H. Richardson will provide information on state laws regarding insurance requirements and policies. Richardson is a former state legislator who served as Chairman of the House Property and Casualty Subcommittee among other appointments

Ross Buchmueller, president and chief executive officer, started PURE Risk Management in 2006 after seven years with a group insurance company. Buchmueller will address concerns about insurance for coastal residents and the reasons a number of providers have pulled out of covering the coastal areas.

Bill Thomas, VP and Agency Manager at BB&T Carswell Insurance Services, has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of SC and representative to the Federal Insurance Administration.

Hurricane Forum & EXPO 2009 will be held on Thursday, May 7 at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. The program will begin promptly at 9 a.m. This is an event that benefits the entire community and there is no cost to attend.

RSVP to events@hiltonheadisland.org and put “hurricane” in the subject lines.

External Link: Hurricane Forum and EXPO 2009 (link will open in a new window)