Business aid for Japan has been rapid and generous. In the two business days since the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, almost $40.1 million has been pledged by the global business sector. Goldman Sachs and Mitsubishi have each contributed $6.1 million; General Electric, $5 million; and Panasonic, Sony and Toyota each committing $3.67 million. So far, 17 companies have committed as least $1 million. You can track corporate donations on the U.S. Chamber Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) website.

BCLC is helping facilitate the business response in a number of ways:

• 24/7 information gathering and monitoring of public, private, and non-profit emergency responder and relief operations
• Coordination with relevant government and non-profit organizations to address specific cases
• Ongoing efforts to expedite business disaster responses and cut through bureaucratic, regulatory, and logistics obstacles that keep valuable goods and services from getting to the people and places that need them the most

BCLC’s website offers a number of information and resources, including a list of organizations that are accepting donations for relief. Individual businesses that want to be part of this response effort are encouraged to call 1-888-692-4943 (1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP) or email BCLChelpdesk@uschamber.com. Voice and email messages are promptly returned.