Businesses awash in confusion

ADDISON, Texas — In the spare confines of Blanchard and Co.’s new corporate offices in this suburb north of Dallas the phones are working, but there’s only one computer so far.

Offices meant for one person are filled with four. But at least they have a place to work.

The rare coins and precious metals dealer from New Orleans is among the companies that have seen a way of life uprooted by Hurricane Katrina. Many are trying to keep their businesses running after relocating to different states and time zones, using rented space and facing an uncertain future.

“The thing about my work day now is that it never really ends,” Blanchard chief executive Don Doyle said.

He and about 35 co-workers have spent the last week and a half trying to meet customer orders after they were forced to abandon their 19th floor showroom in an office tower a few blocks from the Superdome, days before Katrina struck.

Most of the issues faced by Blanchard are inconveniences, such as the lack of computers and the stress of finding schools for the kids, transferring medical prescriptions and living in an extended-stay hotel.

As soon as one hurdle is overcome, another one presents itself.

All employees have been safely accounted for and the payroll system has been adjusted so everyone gets a check. But Doyle worries about the company’s vault, filled with many of their precious wares. He’s understandably reluctant to divulge many details.

Despite the long hours and obvious strain on his face, Doyle frequently smiles and says it’s a relief to at least have a job amid the chaos.

“We all work together. We care for each other. We like what we do,” he says. “You wouldn’t think that people would thank you for giving them a place to work.”

While there are no firm figures available, companies that lease temporary office space are reporting a spike in demand from storm-displaced workers this week in many states neighboring those battered by the storm.

“What we were seeing was people saying ‘Do you have something for a couple months?”’ said Bob Gaudreau, executive vice president of Regus Group, which rents temporary office space at some 750 business centers in 60 countries. “What we’re hearing now is, ‘Do you have something for a year, or permanent?”’

Government and business groups are helping in other ways.

Diane Rath, Texas Workforce Commission chairwoman, said an estimated 40,000 refugees will be looking for work in Texas.

“It’s very important that everyone be able to resume as normal a life as possible. For children that means school, for adults that’s going to work,” she said. “These people have lost everything. One of the most important things is regaining their dignity and once again becoming self sufficient.”

In Houston, temporary home to many of the state’s estimated 240,000 hurricane refugees, the local American Institute of Architects association was helping relocate displaced workers — and in some cases, entire firms.

“We’re out trying to place whole firms with firms here so they can stay together and do their work,” executive director Barrie Scardino said. “They’re trying right now just to keep their firms together and to keep things as stable as they can possibly do it.”

The effort is being mirrored across the region.

In Baton Rouge, La., architectural firm owner Raymond “Skipper” Post is providing space for 25 workers from another firm that was located about 80 miles to the south in downtown New Orleans.

“We’ve kind of given them our big conference room. I can’t even keep up with them, they’re in and out all the time,” said Post, 65.