Pub. 7 2016 Issue 3

www.wvbankers.org 6 West Virginia Banker A Message from the President & CEO By Sally Cline Financial Assistance for West Virginia Flood Disaster Victims O n July 1, 2016, the West Virginia Bankers Association announced a flood relief initiative to assist families devastated by the historical flash flooding that occurred on June 23, 2016 and took the lives of 23 people. Response to the flood was immediate as residents in unaffected parts of the state collected items to donate to the flood-ravaged areas. Temporary employees and volunteers united to help local rescue and emergency teams clean up the debris. Fundraising campaigns were initiated across the state. Not surprisingly, the WVBA was motivated to help and associate members Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Huntington, WV, and Banks Street Partners, Charlotte, NC, were first in line to offer assistance with a generous donation of $5,000. I am pleased to report that we raised a total of $116,040 for 22 families hard- est hit by the flooding in Clendenin, Lewisburg, Rainelle, and White Sul- phur Springs. With the partnership of the WV Chamber of Commerce Foun- dation, we are in the process of closing the fund and distributing payments to these families on an equitable basis. I have talked with many of the victims who lost almost everything including appliances, furnishings, fixtures, tools, clothing, food, and vehicles. Most did not have flood insurance, and claims settled by the Federal Emergency Man- agement Association will not cover the necessary repairs to their homes, many of which have been stripped down to the framing and floor boards. I am pleased to report that we raised a total of $116,040 for 22 families hardest hit by the f looding in Clendenin, Lewisburg, Rainelle, and White Sulphur Springs. The community response to this di- saster has been remarkable; however, these victims now face an extremely expensive and difficult process to raise the funds to purchase the materials to begin refurbishing and rebuilding their homes. For many, it will be a slow process. Our financial assistance will go a long way towards helping them get back on their feet. I want to thank the WVBA members who contributed to our campaign and to also thank the hundreds of West Virginians across this state and beyond who contributed their time, resourc- es and expertise to help the families whose lives have been shattered. In the face of tragedy, good people always come together. The banking communi- ty is a prime example. I look forward to working with each of you over the coming months and years to identify other ways to help our com- munities not only survive, but to thrive under adversity. Together, we can make a difference for West Virginia. n