This week's survey question comes from one of your fellow certified professionals who wants to know about how you test your plans and program. Do you include key components of your supply chain, public sector agencies, and others in your tests? It'll take about a minute for you to answer anonymously and we'll report the results in next week's issue, where you'll also be invited to join social media-based discussions on both the topic and the findings. Click here for the survey!

If you'd like to suggest a survey question for an upcoming issue, contact DRI Director of Communications Buffy Rojas at brojas@drii.org. 

Last week's survey asked about the drivers of business continuity. And now, the results are in! The number one driver of business continuity in organizations, according to our survey, is that business continuity programs provide "a unique competitive advantage."

This was followed very closely by the two drivers that tied for second place - "reliance on third parties (supply chain)" and "industry standards, such as NFPA 1600, BS 25999, etc."   The "impact of a previous disaster" came in third." The response the ranked last was "regulatory or compliance requirements."

For more on our survey results, visit DRI International on LinkedIn and look to our April issue of Thrive! (DRI International's online magazine) for analysis of all of our survey results.

Did you know that DRI International just launched two brand new certifications - one in healthcare and the other in public sector continuity? For more information, visit our web site where you'll find certification specifics as well as free webinars on each. Courses and exams for both of these exciting new certifications are scheduled immediately following our DRI2012 event in New Orleans in May. And they're offered at a special rate to conference attendees!

Join the DRI International LinkedIn group to get in on cutting-edge discussions on the latest developments and challenges in our industry. And LinkedIn is the place to go to discuss weekly survey results generated by Drive (this e-newsletter!). Join the conversation about what drives business continuity by clicking here. The group is intended for certified professionals, although non-certified colleagues may join as well.  

You can also follow DRI International on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates on courses and industry events. And don't forget to "like" DRI International on Facebook so that you can interact with your business continuity colleagues.  

Leading up to DRI2012, each issue of Drive will include "Clyde's Corner," a message from our Director of Volunteerism, Clyde Berger. Today, Clyde's Corner features the full and half-day volunteer opportunities at DRI2012.   

On May 19, 2012, Work with Habitat for Humanity to help to rebuild New Orleans, one house at a time, or spend some time with Second Harvest/Feeding America to sort and package food and home essentials for distribution to those in need in the Greater New Orleans area. You'll earn one CEAP/CEU for every hour you volunteer! 

"Much of what has been done to rebuild New Orleans has come from volunteer groups and committed, dedicated organizations from outside Louisiana," says Clyde. "Our volunteer effort can be an important part of this contribution. I invite you to join us as we help to rebuild this city-a place as rich and rewarding as the rebuilding experience is bound to be!"

Next week, Clyde's picks for things to do, see, and eat in the Big Easy!