Business: If disaster strikes, U.S. companies are there

Business: If disaster strikes, U.S. companies are there: "If disaster strikes, U.S. companies are there

In a year of global devastation, more companies are opening their wallets to help, which also boosts their images.

By Associated Press
Published December 25, 2005

NEW YORK - The killer tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes of the past year have led to more aid from U.S. companies, which are increasingly reaching out to donate money and supplies and provide expertise, training and services.

Awash in cash as a result of the high-flying economy, corporations and executives' private foundations can respond faster, helped by the overseas presence of many U.S. businesses that often see an opportunity to advance their strategic interests. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of Dec. 26, 2004, triggered the largest corporate aid effort for an international disaster and is second only to the $750-million collected after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks."