US President Barack Obama’s 5 Commitments to New York City may bring the surge in International Relations of the import/export industry, the obvious positive effects on Minority Suppliers (MBE’s) across America, as well as the boom in the Real Estate industry. Specifically, the impact he has committed to delivering on real estate in New York City and Hurricane Sandy victims.

Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record. The second most costly hurricane ever, only following Hurricane Katrina. Beginning only as a tropical wave on October, 22nd, then into Tropical Storm Sandy just a few hours later and swelling into Hurricane Sandy 2-days later.

Since the massive hurricane began barreling through Kingston, Jamaica, Cuba and ultimately reaching the United States; devastating many parts of New York City on October 29th, President Obama has been establishing definite points of action. On MSNBC News Station on October 30th, later released on the Huffing Post website, President Obama spoke to the Federal Government Emergency Management Agency in Washington, US President Barack Obama named New Jersey and Lower Manhattan as potentially needing –and receiving- the most intense aid, for some time to come. Though, the President pledges his support for the entire New York City area. In that same speech, the President goes further to call-out the Federal Government and their historical red-tap bureaucracy which often delivers too little, too late. (Witnessed throughout the world after Hurricane Katrina just 5-years ago.) The $1.8 Billion natural disaster, devastated New Orleans and its surrounding areas, left much of its real estate in ruin, but it also took a huge negative blow to for former US President George W. Bush.

President Obama responded prior to Hurricane Sandy with a very hands-on proactive approach, assuring the people of New York City that “we will be there.” Making his first post re-election trip, to New York City just days after the devastation.

In all, President Obama made dozens of commitments to re-build New York City: Here are 5 which we felt needed to be highlighted:

1. Rapid Response –New York Daily News, on November 01, 2012, featured coverage of President Barack Obama as he assured that government aid would be nearly immediate and that they would not be forgotten. In fact, many groups were seen well before the actual event had occurred. Restoring electricity, pumping flooded areas and tending to victims was at the top of his list.
2. Presidential Visit –Wednesday, November 14, 2012 marks the first postelection trip for President Obama: his visit to the devastation in New York City. Seen on the ground, amongst the victims, as well as relief centers.
3. No Red-Tape –Mark Felsenthal for RUETERS on November, 3rd reported good news to hear for victims of Hurricane Sandy. As government agencies were forced to tap gasoline reserves and were receiving aid from all over the country. Though ‘delivery’ of necessary supplies to victims, such as water, blankets, generators and food still faced subsequent red tape; the fact was that supplies were delivered to New York City. According to REUTERS, the President, again urged “…emergency response officials to cut through government “red tape” and work without delay to help areas ravaged by monster storm Sandy to return to normal as quickly as possible.”
4. No Bureaucracy –President Obama was seen taking calls on his cell phone from politicians and New York City officials from the moment he walked off victory stage. “There’s nothing more important than getting this right,” the president said at a briefing with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and state and local governments.
5. New Jersey – Obama spoke by video conference with the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and municipal officials to discuss efforts to help the East Coast states, he also stated New Jersey specifically as an area that will require intense, long-term aid -as well as Manhattan

By Kelsey Uh

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