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The city is hosting a series of post-Hurricane Sandy meetings to inform residents and business owners alike about how to more forward in the wake of the storm.

Director of Special Events Tom Gilmour said at a general meeting in City Hall last night that businesses and residents should be prepared for a busy summer next year.

“We have another unique opportunity this summer,” Gilmour said. “We’re one of the few cities that’s operational right now. We want to make sure the public knows we’re open and available … We have a great opportunity to take a leadership role for the rest of the Jersey Shore.”

He also suggested Asbury Park residents look into helping out in communities that were hit the hardest.

“We really need to take care of the whole Jersey Shore,” Gilmour said. “We need to help other communities.”

A MEETING FOR ASBURY BUSINESSES

Tomorrow, Nov. 15, at 8 a.m., Interfaith Neighbors and the Chamber of Commerce will host a business meeting in the Springwood Center. They’ll talk about Asbury Park’s role as one of the only operational beach front towns, as well as a new loan program meant to help local businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce and Interfaith Neighbors are currently working together to create the loan program for Asbury Park businesses to borrow money at a low interest rate, Gilmour said. The Urban Enterprise Zone and New Jersey Community Capital will also assist.

FEMA AND SEBA MEETINGS FOR RESIDENTS, SMALL BUSINESSES

Two meetings will be held to help residents who need assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Association [FEMA] and the U.S. Small Business Association [SBA]. Both meetings will include an information session and assistance with filling out forms.

Attendees will also have limited Internet access to register or file applications.

Both are open to the public at the Springwood Center, 1201 Springwood Ave. The first meeting is tonight from 6 to 8 p.m., and the second is Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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