News Release
Fifty private-sector and government experts hone plan to respond to a natural disaster or attack by terrorists
The product of a two-day International Cargo Security Council seminar in Washington, D.C. will provide continuity of operations for businesses in the wake of a crisis
Annapolis, MD—September 7, 2005—The first-ever seminar arranged by government and the private sector to assure continuity of business operations in event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack was held on August 29-30, 2005 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D. C.
Sponsor of the seminar, attended by 50 executives, was the International Cargo Security Council, an Annapolis, Maryland-based association with 1,200 members. Seminar chairman was Erik Hoffer, president of CGM Security Solutions, Punta Gorda, FL.
“This seminar was one of the most productive of several dozen seminars and roundtables ICSC has held since its founding in 1971,” said ICSC Chairman Scott H. Smith, president of Alpha Cargo Technology. “It was ironic that the two-day seminar coincided with the two worst days of the disaster wrought upon our Gulf Coast states by Hurricane Katrina. Our thoughts were with those stricken and inspired us to develop a viable plan to assure continuity of operations for businesses or political entities that suffer a crisis.”
Ten speakers and panel moderators from security/logistics firms and government explored the operational, administrative and logistical challenges that face a business in the wake of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. The roles of goal-setting, asset recovery, marketing/implementing continuity strategy, working with the media and planning for an alternative operations facility were examined.
A seminar highlight was a Transportation Security Administration-developed senior-executive tabletop exercise with eight chapters outlining a plan for continuity of operations. Attendees formed five focus-groups to develop mitigation strategies and present their findings during group presentations that followed.
“This seminar was the finest example of how business and government can work together on joint initiatives. TSA gave us a seasoned, practical perspective on the importance of continuity and contingency planning, and the consequences of complacency,” said Joe M. Baker, ICSC Executive Director.
The two days of seminar presentations are available from ICSC on CD-ROM for $50. Visit www.cargosecurity.com to get a form to fax or mail, or call ICSC at +1 410 571-7913.
Contact:
ICSC
Tel: +1 410 571 7913
Fax: +1 410 571 8294
Email: icsc@cargosecurity.com
Web: www.cargosecurity.com
About ICSC
The International Cargo Security Council, based in Annapolis, MD, is an association of 1,200 cargo transportation and security professionals from the entire spectrum of the cargo industry: air, truck/rail, maritime, and inter-modal. ICSC members are committed to assuring the safe and secure movement of the nation’s commerce. ICSC was known as National Cargo Security Council for 34 years, but in December 2004 renamed itself to reflect formation of a European Chapter, based in Brussels, Belgium.
