Chief Operating Officer Greg Kennedy visiting employees in Ashville during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The damage and heartache from Hurricane Helene have devastated the southeast, and Unifi has been diligently working to support its employees in Augusta, GA, and Asheville, NC, which were among the hardest hit by the hurricane.
In Asheville, where 88 employees are stationed, and in Augusta, home to 40 employees, Unifi is working through substantial operational hurdles. Still, we are relieved to report that all employees are accounted for, with no deaths or significant injuries. Many employees reported water damage to their homes and a lack of power. Unifi operational leaders worked quickly to deliver essential supplies such as water, diapers, and baby formula to our employees.
Road closures, boil water advisories, and flooded roads and homes have added complexity to the situation. Unifi has been proactive, creating calling trees to ensure regular contact with employees to check on their well-being and status. The area is still dealing with search and rescues, and curfews related to the hurricane, underscoring the ongoing nature of the crisis in Augusta and Asheville.
At both locations, Unifi’s customer is Delta Air Lines, which has been a pivotal partner. The airline has diverted flights from Augusta, while operations in Asheville remain limited but active. In Asheville, Unifi coordinated with Delta when they brought a bus to evacuate 41 Delta customers, even extending this assistance to customers of other airlines as well.
The collaboration with FEMA has also been crucial. The lack of power, landline service, and the diminishing charge on cell phones posed significant obstacles. In Augusta, FEMA’s intervention brought a gas tanker, enabling employees to charge their phones and stay connected.
Unifi Chief Operating Officer Greg Kennedy visited with employees in the area this week to provide financial support and assess further needs and resources.
The safety of employees and passengers remains Unifi’s highest priority, and we couldn’t be prouder of the resilience and dedication of our employees during this challenging time.
