May 2012
In this issue:

I had someone ask me the other day how our staff can possibly keep up with all the changes going on with technology. In all honesty no one keeps up with all the changes in technology so we need "experts" in different areas that can be our go-to teammate for a specific solution or technology.

So how do we do that? Keep reading to find out! »

HTS Referral Program

The highest compliment you can give us is the referral of a new client. If you know of anyone who could benefit from any of the services we provide your company, please keep us in mind.

Learn how you could earn a $100 American Express gift card in return for your referral!

A year ago this month, I wrote a note in our newsletter about the tornado that tore through Joplin on May 22nd. When that newsletter was published we were in the initial response phase. Our worries were removing debris and helping our friends and families salvage their belongings. It was chaotic and, frankly terrifying, to be in Joplin. Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the day that changed us forever. The city sponsored a "Walk of Unity" that followed a four mile path of the most impacted areas. Over 6,000 citizens made the march against the wind on a beautiful cloudless day in Joplin. It was one of the most amazing days in our history.

We’ve made great progress in so many areas. Here are some statistics:

• Over 3 million cubic yards of debris were removed by the August 7th federal deadline.
• School opened on time on August 17th with the 11th and 12th graders housed at the mall.
• Permits have been issued for 67% of the damaged and destroyed homes.
• Over 130,000 volunteers have visited Joplin and worked over 800,000 hours. Those hours translated into $17 Million of reimbursement for Joplin from the government to help with recovery.
• The Humane Society took in 1,300 animals during the weeks following the tornado. 530 were united with their owners. The rest were adopted in a single weekend at an adoptathon.
• FEMA provided 586 temporary housing units – only 332 are still in use today.
• The insurance loss in Joplin is estimated at over $2.5 billion dollars.
• Our final death toll was 161 friends, family members, and neighbors.

It has been a year filled with struggle and triumph. President Obama spoke at our high school graduation last week. Katy Perry helped finance the high school prom. The United Arab Emirates donated $1M that was used to provide a laptop for every high school student. Last week the UAE donated $5M to fund a neonatal intensive care unit at the new Mercy Hospital when it is rebuilt. We are grateful for every gift, prayer, and volunteer who has come our way. We have a lot more work to do but the spirit to make it all happen.

Below are some links that describe the progress we've made:

PBS Newshour: A Year after Joplin's Tornado
WhiteHouse.Gov: Joplin, One Year Later

Virtualization is more than a buzzword. It can save you thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars.

Innovative businesses of all sizes are applying server virtualization to:

• Reduce operating expenses for electricity, facility space, and IT labor
• Cut capital expenses (CapEx) for server hardware
• Become more efficient and agile

What is server virtualization? It consolidates onto one physical server virtual versions of business applications and their operating systems (OS) - such as file servers, Microsoft Exchange, or SQL databases - that must otherwise be housed individually in dedicated servers.

Businesses that invest in server virtualization realize ROI in up to five ways, report Cisco Certified Partners that provide virtualization services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Continue reading »

As we mark the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are teaming up this week to save lives from severe weather by encouraging the public to take proactive preparedness measures and inspire others to do the same.

As part of the first ever National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, citizens are encouraged to be a "force of nature" through a number of proactive steps:

• Know Your Risk: Be aware of the severe weather risks in your area. It is also important to understand how these potential threats could impact you and your family.
• Take Action: Develop a plan. Put together an emergency kit and practice where and how to take shelter should severe weather strike.
• Be an Example: Actively promote what you're doing when severe weather is headed your way. Create a YouTube video, post your story on Facebook, or send a tweet to let people know you are taking shelter as it may encourage others to follow suit.

For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severe-weather.

Just for Laughs

Quote of the Month

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."

— Tenneva Jordan

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