As Hurricane Rita bore down on the U.S., Americans were saying they have more trust in companies than in government to respond to disasters. The findings of a new nationwide poll show that the overwhelming majority of Americans expect companies to play an important and long-term role in helping affected regions rebuild. The poll, commissioned by Cone, Inc., a Boston-based strategy and communications agency, finds that more than half of Americans have greater confidence in corporate America’s ability to respond effectively to disasters than they do in their own government agencies.  Moreover, more than half of Americans believe companies should support relief and reconstruction efforts until all affected areas are thriving once again.
 
Survey responses included:

“These results appear to raise the stakes for businesses,” noted Carol Cone, Chairman and founder of Cone, Inc.  “The public has increasing expectations of companies to play an active role not just by making an initial cash or product donation, but by being part of long-term recovery efforts.” 

The 2005 Cone Disaster Response Survey provides insights into what role and approach Americans want companies to take in near-term and long-term hurricane relief and reconstruction efforts.  More than half of Americans suggest that companies give cash in the short term and then apply business resources to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, more Americans are identifying the issues of poverty, housing and youth as causes companies should support than before the disaster. While leading issues remain education, health and the environment, there has been a spike in concern for poverty, housing and youth. 

Cone, Inc. Vice President Alison DaSilva says that, “Companies considering where to focus long-term aid should take these new shifts into consideration when deciding where to focus resources.”

For further information on this study, contact Cone, Inc. at 617.227.2111.