Disaster plans to be discussed

The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce and the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council have teamed up to assemble some of the region's top experts to help local business owners plan for handling a catastrophe.

On Oct. 26 at 8 a.m. at the Battle-ground Country Club, Manalapan, the chamber and the council will co-host a panel discussion to provide business leaders with the essentials for responding to and recovering from a disaster.

Panelists include Harry Conover from the Monmouth County Office of Emer-gency Management and American Red Cross Disaster Education Coordinator Cleo Hendrickson. The moderator is Jay Robinson, Freehold Regional High School District administrative supervisor-chemical hygiene officer-integrated pest management coordinator.

Michelle Wolpov, owner of Game Shape (then known as Planet Fitness), recalled when a fire marshal pointed out that there was a possibility of the roof collapsing from snow overload.

"Within half an hour, the facility was evacuated, temporary space secured in a doctor's spare treatment room and patients were being called and rescheduled," she said. "The safety of our patients and clients is too important not have contingency plans."

To register for full breakfast and the two-hour program, business owners may contact the chamber at (732) 462-3030 or the council at (732) 223-MODC. Chamber and council members who register before Oct. 23 will receive a discounted registration fee.