SCORE Provides Critical Hurricane Recovery Assistance

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI), which is dedicated to marine and ocean research and education, suffered serious damage from direct hits by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Many educational, administrative and student housing buildings lost large sections of roofing and windows, which caused major water damage. The dolphin and whale critical care pool facility was destroyed. As a result, educational and training programs were put on hold, and HBOI was unable to do any marine mammal rehabilitation. SCORE Counselor Richard Breazzano took a lead role by offering his business expertise to Harbor Branch on how to secure badly needed reconstruction funds. Richard worked with the NEC (Disney/SBA Entrepreneur Center) and other small business service providers to provide HBOI with the widest range of support possible.