In last week's survey, we asked how your organization defines disaster recovery. For the full survey results, please visit our LinkedIN, where we invite you to join a discussion on the topic. You'll also find active discussions on previous survey topics, like metrics and reporting.

For now here's one of our findings: Some 56 percent of respondents said that "Only Mission and Business Critical Applications are on DR." What did the other half say? Find out on LinkedIn!

Well, it's really not a pass or fail question. But we are interested in finding out more about how you (and the people in your organization) test your plans...and why. Take this week's one-question survey by clicking here.

It'll only take a minute and we'll report the results in next week's Drive in part and in their entirety on our LinkedIn page where you'll be invited to join in the discussion on this crucial topic. Testing is big deal and one of the best ways we have to ensure that our plans will work when we need them!

Here's an added bonus for those of you attending DRI2012, May 20-23 in New Orleans: Our event coincides with the  New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE), a free festival in the French Quarter!

The festival runs May 22-26, 2012 and is an epicurean delight. "A feast for the taste buds. A harmonic convergence of oenophiles and culinary connoisseurs," according to organizers. And it's even the festival's 20th anniversary!

NOWFE spotlights the city's legendary restaurants along with fine wines from around the globe. It has been named a "Perennial 'Top Ten' Wine and Food Festival" in Wine Enthusiast magazine and it has received rave reviews in many other national and international media.

One of the must-do events of the festival is The Royal Street Experience, a lively stroll through the French Quarter's most elegant street. Live music, food and wine make for a festive offering, plus a gala parade by the New Orleans "funsters," the Krewe of Cork, whose logo is a cluster of grapes and whose motto is "To serve and pour!"

Over the past 20 years the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has raised more than $1 million for non-profit organizations, while showcasing local food and chefs, and national and international wines. This year in an effort to fight hunger and support culinary education, the 2012 beneficiaries will share 100% of the proceeds. Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans (that's one of our Volunteer Day projects!) and Acadiana will receive 40 percent and the following will share the remaining 60 percent: the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation's ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts' Culinary Program, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans.

Did you know that DRI International was at the GovSec conference earlier this week? The event was April 2-4 in Washington, D.C. and we visited with many government security professionals dedicated to serving our nation's homeland security, law enforcement, cybersecurity, emergency response, and critical infrastructure protection needs. We had lots of lucky winners in our ever-popular dig for cash game and even Uncle Sam stopped by to give it a go!  

Interest in our new public sector certification was high. And we look forward to many GovSec attendees becoming CPSCPs, Certified Public Sector Continuity Professionals, (or Associate Public Sector Continuity Professional, APSCPs) very soon!

Today is my daughter's 32nd birthday. And two years after Katrina, my daughter joined me and my wife as we all volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. From a young person's perspective, my daughter really enjoyed the experience. Seeing her swing a hammer and help to hoist the roof trusses with two others, slowly climbing the ladder with the truss aloft, was really gratifying for me. As each person, sharing the weight of the truss, slowly took step by step in unison, the rest of the 30 or so volunteers applauded and cheered. It was a big deal to see the roof taking shape after days of work.

And each and every project that I've worked on in New Orleans has been a big deal too. They hold special memories for me, and those days are special days for the people we helped - like birthdays and well worth celebrating. And I hope that all of you who take time to volunteer -- either on our May 19 Volunteer Day or with one of the two wonderful organizations listed on the conference website -- also have a terrific work experience and make joyful memories. My daughter said volunteering was invigorating and satisfying on many levels:the work done, the friendships made, the exercise, and the gratifying outcome.

New Orleans itself is gratifying on many levels to. It's high on the fun index for people of all ages, and then there's the shopping, the food, and the chance to stretch your legs exploring all of it.

In addition to strolling the antique shops and souvenir shops in the French Quarter, take time to wander over to the French Market. This is a flea market type atmosphere with tons of vendors, all kinds of products from hats to t-shirts to jewelry to photos to dresses to shoes and of course souvenir stuff. All reasonably priced as you would expect, but don't be bashful about haggling. And, as is always the case in New Orleans, there are food venues in and around the French Market too.

If you head over past the Harrah's Casino heading south on Canal Street there's another shopping experience worth checking out. The Riverwalk provides another opportunity to shop and eat, while strolling alongside the Mississippi River.

While strolling, turn and head back past the Aquarium and walk with the Mississippi on your right and Jackson Square and the Cathedral on your left. As you are high above street level on the Moon Walk, you'll have a great vantage point with the city to your left and the river to your right. If you are into biking or jogging this route is also enjoyable, as you could finish your ride, walk or jog at  Frenchman Street and grab a bite to eat and listen to some music before heading back through the Quarter to the hotel.  

Until next time, have a great week and see you soon in New Orleans!

Clyde Berger

Disaster Recovery International Foundation

Director of Volunteerism and Vice President