Set up relationships in advance and maintain them. Place occasional orders so that they regard you as an active customer when you need them.

Many lenders may not have discussed the STAR program specifically with the borrower.

One lender could have been really strict and specific about the borrower providing the documentation to prove that they were affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, and another banker may not have, or may have had ulterior motives for approving loans.

Most general casualty policies do not cover flood damage. Many require additional riders for windstorms. Consider adding coverage for likely perils, especially flood insurance.

A relatively small investment of time and money now may prevent severe damage and disruption of life and business in the future.

Every area in the country is subject to some kind of disaster - flood, hurricane, earthquake, to name a few. Even man-made disasters - oil spill, civil unrest, fire - can devastate the surrounding neighborhood and economy. Even though an area has never been damaged before, there is no guarantee that it will not happen tomorrow.