With Hurricane Rita bearing down on the Texas coast, Freeman and AVW-TELAV are getting out of dodge—Houston, that is—in accordance with their company-wide Disaster Recovery Plan, which they put into play during the aftermath of Katrina as well. From the press release:
- As of 4pm CST today, the three Houston offices, which total over 260,000 sq. ft., for Freeman and AVW-TELAV will be closed until Monday, September 26. The company has over 140 full-time employees in Houston, who are in the process of securing facilities and preparing to evacuate themselves and their families to other locations inland.
The company has established a central task force, similar to the one in place for recovery efforts for New Orleans, to assist in the preparation and movement of computer equipment, exhibitor materials, and company equipment from Houston to Dallas. Houston employees were also able to receive immediate paychecks today. There are no Freeman or AVW-TELAV events currently underway in the area, and sales staff are already in contact with most clients who have upcoming events in the area.
The company has provided the following contact information for Houston-based employees and clients:
FREEEMAN AND AVW-TELAV EMPLOYEES FROM THE HOUSTON AREA
Call the Employee Emergency Hotline number at 1-866-866-4911 for updates and check-in status
FREEMAN AND AVW-TELAV HOUSTON CUSTOMERS
Exhibitors 1-888-508-5054 Customer Support Center
Freeman Event and Show Managers 214-267-5713--Chakeitha Hicks
Freeman Fabrication Clients 214-267-5796—Jay James
AVW-TELAV Event Managers 512-459-6094—Chris Herring
It seems surreal to be going through this again so soon after Katrina. I'll post updates as they come in. At least this time, everyone seems to be taking it very seriously.