BizFed, Optimum Seismic to Host Workshop on Risks of Earthquakes on Small Businesses

The Aug. 8 event at Cal State Northridge will address the social, economic and environmental impacts expected to occur when 'The Big One' strikes

News provided by

Optimum Seismic Inc.

Aug 07, 2018, 15:02 ET

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- When buildings crumble – when they are red-tagged due to damage from an earthquake – small businesses suffer, setting off residual waves of hardship that can devastate economies.

"There has been a lot of interest in being good to the environment, in green design that has had a low impact on the environment sustainability; but, sustainability is really about the environment having a low impact on us as well and that is resilience." USRC, Executive Director, Evan Reis.

The Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) has teamed up with Chairman's Circle member Optimum Seismic Inc. on an informative workshop, "Risks of Earthquakes to Small Business," featuring business leaders, building and legal experts addressing the many risks inherent in earthquakes and the benefits of identifying and retrofitting structures that are vulnerable to collapse during seismic activity.

What: Risks of Earthquakes to Small Business
When: 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Aug. 8
Where: Cal State Northridge, Delmar T. Oviatt Library, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330
RSVP call 323-OPTIMUM

"Resiliency is so important to the Los Angeles economy and to California economy. We know an earthquake is coming -it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," said BizFed COO, Elizabeth Shapiro. "We are so proud to partner with Optimum Seismic to deliver this important education to business leaders of from across LA. Building resiliency in our community is not just about safety - it is smart, responsible, and good business."

"There has been a lot of interest in being good to the environment, in green design that has had a low impact on the environment sustainability; but, sustainability is really about the environment having a low impact on us as well and that is resilience." USRC, Executive Director, Evan Reis.

Optimum Seismic Principal Ali Sahabi said the resiliency of L.A. communities is one of the region's most pressing issues.

"The first step to solving a problem is to define it," Sahabi said. "By identifying our vulnerable buildings which are occupied by many of our small businesses, we can help them quantify the risks associated with a specific property. This should be an important priority for all leaders in business and government, as small businesses make up 92 percent of all California economy."

About BizFed Los Angeles
With more than 170 business organizations representing 390,000 employers with 3.5 million employees throughout L.A. County, BizFed is a massive, diverse grassroots alliance that advocates for policies and projects that strengthen the regional economy. Leveraging power in numbers, BizFed explores all sides of critical issues and takes action to make a difference for business growth, job creation, and economic vitality in Southern California.

About Optimum Seismic
Optimum Seismic, Inc., is Southern California's leading retrofit company for earthquake retrofit engineering and construction, specializing in multifamily and commercial buildings. Since 1984, the team at Optimum Seismic has completed more than 2,500 retrofits throughout the state of California. For information, visit http://www.optimumseismic.com.

CONTACT:
Andrea Aguilar
Optimum Seismic Inc.
323-605-0312
[email protected]

Elizabeth Shapiro
BizFed
323-889-4348

SOURCE Optimum Seismic Inc.