2-Jun-10 11:30 AM EST

W.W. Grainger Chairman, CEO and President Jim Ryan and Firestorm CEO Harry W. Rhulen during a business continuity and disaster planning conference in New Orleans on May 21

W.W. Grainger Chairman, CEO and President Jim Ryan, left, speaks with Firestorm CEO Harry W. Rhulen during a business continuity and disaster planning conference in New Orleans on May 21. The event was organized by the American Red Cross to highlight the need for the private sector to lead the way toward effective community resilience. The event featured several civic and industry leaders, and included a presentation from Mr. Rhulen and a keynote address from Mr. Ryan. "Our communities depend on small businesses to help in recovery following a disaster," Ryan said. "We must ensure that they have the tools and resources and the support of the larger business community to build strong business continuity plans and develop a network of mutual assistance."