An estimated 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Of those that do, 25 percent fail within a year.

Wichita State University's Kansas Small Business Development Center, in partnership with WSU's Center for Innovation and Emprise Engagement and Emporia State University Kansas Small Business Development Center, will host a workshop and panel discussion featuring national and local disaster preparedness, and continuity and recovery experts from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Butler County Community College-Andover Campus, Grizzly Den, 715 E 13th St. N, Andover.

The event is open to small-business decision makers and owners. Registration is $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Presenters for the KSBDC workshop are:

Alfred E. Judd, director, Small Business Association Disaster Field Operations Center West, Office of Disaster Assistance.

Barry Parker, business continuity project director, Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) State Office.

Carmen Sunda, director, LSBDC, Greater New Orleans.

Brian Dennis, consultant, KSBDC at the University of Kansas.

Dan Reisig, president and CEO, Concergent.

Greg Panichello, state director, KSBDC Network.

The workshop and panel discussion will include topics such as disaster preparedness and recovery, data and documentation protection, business continuity planning, and crisis communication.

About Kansas Small Business Development Center

The KSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Kansas Department of Commerce. KSBDC is nationally accredited through the Association of Small Business Development Centers by congressional mandate.

KSBDC receives funding from and partners with higher education and economic development organizations to provide Kansas entrepreneurs with no-cost business consulting and resources for starting, maintaining and growing their businesses. The statewide host for the KSBDC is Fort Hays State University.

For more information on the KSBDC Network, go to www.kansas.gov/ksbdc or call 877-625-7232.

The speakers will be available for press questions before and after the presentations. Contact Lisa Roberts, marketing and project manager, KSBDC Network, 785-289-8844 or lsroberts@ksbdc.net.