North Dakota Members Power Through Floods, Blizzard


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North Dakota Members Power Through Floods, Blizzard

Issue: 2009mar

After President Obama declared flood-stricken North Dakota a federal disaster area last week, PPAI reminded members that the Promotional Products Business Recovery Plan is available to companies in the area who have been adversely affected by the rising waters.

Fargo-based supplier FRS Industries, Inc. (UPIC: FRSIND), moved its inventory and equipment off the lower levels of the company’s building last week, in preparation for possible flooding, says owner Dale Larson. Luckily, the supplier came away unscathed. Water levels have fallen two feet since they crested at record levels over the weekend.

“We fared very well against the flood,” says Larson. He says he has received several calls from distributors nationwide, as well as suppliers whom he has exhibited alongside at shows, checking on the company and offering assistance where possible.

Now the residents of Fargo and other towns lying along the Red River must contend with blizzard conditions; the inundation of snow in combination with the flood’s effects has virtually shut down his city, says Larson. Nonetheless, FRS continues with business as usual.

“We’ve begun bringing our equipment back in, and we want to let people know that we are working and getting orders out,” he says.

South along the Red River, in Grand Forks, Marijo Deitz Whitcomb, MAS, is keeping distributor Deitz Business Promotion, Inc. (UPIC: DTZBIZ) running. Whitcomb, president of Dietz, says she expects the river, which flows north and is stymied by ice jams, may well crest once or twice more. So far, her office is safe.

"[Business] has been slow because of the weather, but we seem to be doing okay," says Whitcomb.

The business recovery plan provides for immediate assistance by determining what affected businesses need, and then collecting and distributing resources to help companies get back to daily operations as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Donations from fellow companies are an integral part of the recovery plan, and members who want to offer their assistance are encouraged to contact Anne Lardner, senior manager of public affairs, at 972-258-3041 or by e-mail at AnneL@ppai.org.

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