College services, people and partnerships aid in many ways, post-flood
[A guest editorial, published in the Corridor Business Journal]–by Dee Baird
Eleven months ago our area experienced an act of nature unprecedented in scope and impact. At Kirkwood Community College we gained another unprecedented perspective—the chance to serve our community in ways that tested our capabilities to help, much as our neighbors were tested in their own abilities to cope and recover.
The images and facts of the June 2008 floods will never leave the memories of all of us who experienced them. As we approach the one year anniversary of the disaster, it is a good time to consider all the many ways Kirkwood responded to the needs of eastern Iowa. But just as important are many ways the Kirkwood teams continue to respond and be a part of the positive difference in our region.
For those of us in the midst of the post-flood aid, the numbers are staggering: Within two weeks of the flood crest, Kirkwood more than tripled in the size of its daily work population, from 730 full-time workers to more than 2,100 with displaced workers. By the last day of June 2008, Kirkwood crews had made possible 900 Internet and computer connections, installed more than 400 customized phone lines and made available more than 130,000 square feet of temporary office space. All this was in addition to the full-time duties these dedicated staffers continued to perform. Most heroic of all were the 400-plus emergency personnel who worked around the clock at the campus-based Community Training and Response Center. Our college held the literal and figurative high ground for Linn County in the summer of 2008.
As we enter May 2009, the national media’s attention has refocused on many other things, but our many roles and duties in recovery and rebuilding are continuing. Away from the spotlight, many people continue to extend counsel and expertise to rebuild our area. Aided by grants, focused by veteran leaders and employing the desire to demonstrate how we live our mission in an economic crisis, Kirkwood continues to respond. Here are a few of the ways:
* Beginning in the late summer of 2008, Kirkwood and Iowa Workforce Development launched the Emergency Public Jobs program. As of the end of April, 325 have gained employment and practical work skills aiding over 50 offices and agencies in need of repair and rebuilding. Many of the services and agencies you see coming back in our city can thank this win/win program for the pace and scope of that recovery. Stories abound about “temporary” workers finding more solid employment through this program.
* Soon after the initial shock of the flood had passed, local leaders noted the crucial need to help our hundreds of flood-affected small businesses recover. Our Kirkwood-based Small Business Development Center leaped into action, creating a response team of staff and volunteers within days of the waters’ crest to provide 800 hours of assistance to businesses applying for SBA emergency funds.
* Later, as the community struggled to accurately measure the flood’s impact, the Small Business Development Center began surveying nearly 600 local entrepreneurs and small firms to assess their needs and link recovering companies with a host of aid and services. Nearly a year later, those contacts, referrals and other services continue. While some businesses have returned in full, hundreds of others are still seeking support to assess financial assistance and plan their futures. A long, steady road lies ahead of us to help them recover.
For the past few months, Kirkwood has joined the rest of the region in feeling our way through the New Normal of 2009. With history as our guide and classic Iowa persistence as our daily fuel, we are confident that new, better and more creative possibilities lie ahead. When new skills have to be trained, innovative partnerships formed, untapped potential in our economy developed and welcomed—Kirkwood pledges to be at the forefront.
We welcome everyone to join in our efforts. It hasn’t been easy and probably won’t be for some time. The most worthy work seldom is.
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Dee Baird is Executive Vice President for Continuing Education and Training Services at Kirkwood Community College. You may contact her at: dbaird@kirkwood.edu