As coronavirus menace unfolds, CEOs watch and wait

An entrance to the Wuhan City Central Hospital in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic, on Feb. 7. South Florida CEOs were asked: The coronavirus continues to add new cases worldwide. How has your business been affected by the epidemic? CHRIS BUCKLEY NYT | Feb. 7

CEOs were asked: The coronavirus continues to add new cases worldwide. How has your business been affected by the epidemic?

For our news stations and their viewers, the coverage of coronavirus is important. For the school I am involved with, at the moment, it appears fortuitous that a partnership we considered in China did not materialize.

Andy Ansin, vice president, Sunbeam Properties

The coronavirus has claimed more than 1,870 lives around the world and has risen to the level of a public health crisis. As an organization that supports numerous programs in countries around the globe, we are fortunate that our international services haven’t been affected nor the locations we tend to travel to are areas of concern. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and hopeful that the WHO and CDC are able to effectively contain and ultimately eradicate the virus. I am mindful that here at home, just following the second anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy, another public health crisis continues to affect us. Each week, an average of 700 lives are lost to gun violence in our nation. Only by working together, by focusing on prevention, can we ensure safer neighborhoods, communities and schools.

Michael Balaban, president, CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County

Safety is priority No. 1 at Lime for our riders as well as the valuable members of our team. The coronavirus presents an incredibly sad and alarming new challenge for international companies around the world, and Lime remains vigilant as the outbreak is managed by the appropriate health authorities. We continue to monitor developments, educate our staff, and make the best and safest decisions for our team and community.

Uhriel Bedoya, Florida general manager, Lime

Our firm has multiple projects across the world with the cruise industry, which has been affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus. The uncertainty about the epidemic, how long it will last, how far it will spread and when it will be controlled, will likely result in some projects being temporarily put on hold.

Claudia Busch, founding principal, Berenblum Busch Architects

The virus has not impacted our business. While several of our South and Central American clients export seafood and produce to China, we have not seen a decrease in their export activities to date.

Carlos R. Fernandez-Guzman, president, CEO, Pacific National Bank (PNB)

Our business has not yet felt the effects but, with the Chinese economy as the second largest in the world being so intertwined with the world economy, it is difficult to see how we will not be eventually affected. We are in the aviation fueling construction business and, unless this virus is contained quickly to allow freer travel around the world, airports and airlines could be the next to see a drop-off in business. The world is very resilient so I am hoping for a quick resolution to this problem.

Christine Franklin, president, Cherokee Enterprises

While our business (which is predominantly local) hasn’t been directly affected by this epidemic, we must remember that we are all part of a global community. Events like these create uncertainty and fear throughout the market and the world market and it’s a reminder of how delicate life is. I don’t believe any part of the world is immune to these types of situations occurring over time.

Arnaud Karsenti, managing principal, 13th Floor Investments

It’s important to note there are no cases reported in Florida. I think we must be responsible and measured in response to this situation. So far, I don’t see the impacts on my businesses, which center on financial services in South Florida. Other area businesses that deal more directly with China in trade and manufacturing or in tourism, I am sure, are already seeing some effects to their bottom lines. At the current time, there are some 15 cases reported nationwide and none in the southeast U.S. If cases climb and impact our region, we will see some ripple effects. Government and public health authorities should be paying closer attention. About six percent of trade in South Florida is with China. That’s significant for our port and airport. I am sure they are being proactive. This is not the first pandemic scare in recent years. We also followed the outbreaks of Ebola, swine flu and bird flu in the last decade, and U.S. and world health organizations were able to control the spread over time. Influenza still claims more than 50,000 lives on average annually in the U.S. Good old hand washing and covering the mouth always go a long way in preventing many illnesses.

Bernie Navarro, founder and president, Benworth Capital Partners

Our business isn’t directly affected; however, we have a wide range of portfolio companies that are impacted in various ways. Those in the travel industry are seeing concerns crop up among customers who had previously booked international travel. Those in the hardware space are seeing supply chain disruptions from China.

Sanket Parekh, founder and managing partner, Secocha Ventures

At this point, given that we are in the local restaurant industry, we are re-emphasizing proper hand-washing and sanitizing throughout the day with all of our team members.

Julio Ramirez, president, CEO, JEM Global Consulting

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