They're coming! In fact, all CEAPs earned from the DRI2012 event will be posted to your MyDRI accounts by the end of next week. It may be a little sooner, as we are working our way down the lengthy attendee list, but it won't be any later. Thanks again for attending DRI2012, and we hope you enjoy this added bonus of CEAPs magically appearing in your profile!

Just Do It!

Before the lazy days of summer really set in, check this to-do off your list. If you have started but not completed your application for certification, now's the time to wrap it up and send it in. We know, you're busy and have lots to do, but we want to help you finish what you started and get that career-enhancing certification. If you need a hand, we're happy to help and easy to reach. Email info@drii.org or call us at (866) 542-3744.

ACP Reminder

An Exciting New Offer...Just for ACP Members!

The Association of Contingency Planners (ACP) and DRI International are excited to announce a special course offering just for ACP members.   Recognizing a need for education and certification, we've come together to offer ACP members a discounted rate for two exclusive online DRI International course offerings.

This offer is an easy and cost-effective way to get yourself - or your staff - enrolled in a local chapter of ACP and eligible to take DRI training that leads to certification...all for one low price.

The online BCP 501W course will be offered:

July 17-18, 2012

September 17-18, 2012

Course description: The BCP 501 is a rapid business continuity planning refresher course covering the Professional Practices for Business Continuity Professionals in preparation for the DRI International Qualifying Exam. Instructors take a fast-paced approach to the Professional Practices with emphasis on BC planning and the knowledge, skills and procedures needed to effectively implement each step of the planning process. This 3-day course features 16 hours of instruction followed by the Qualifying Examination. For complete course description and details, visit www.drii.org.

Bath salt-ingesting idiots become real-life, flesh-eating "zombies." That's the gist of the news stories I've seen. And while no one seems to be sure what trying to get high on bath salts will do to you (or make you do to others), it certainly isn't smart. But rest assured, there is no contagious zombifying threat (unless stupidity is contagious).

"CDC does not know of a virus or condition that would reanimate the dead (or one that would present zombie-like symptoms)," wrote agency spokesman David Daigle in an email to The Huffington Post.

Whew! But wait, warns my daughter! "Mom, do you really think they'd tell us if there was a zombie cannibal germ? I mean, all they'd do is create a panic. You'll see, Mom, I'm telling you." I'll tell you that I hope my dear daughter is as suspicious of the tactics and motives of her suitors as she is of the CDC.

Today's one-question survey comes from Clyde Berger, who posed quite a few interesting questions in his column this week (see Clyde's Corner, below). So, I stole one to use here! Clyde and I would both like to know: What are the most pressing issues that face business continuity professionals?

Is it cyber-crime, public image, supply chain, power/ infrastructure weaknesses, lack of trained BC staff, shortages of BC staff in tough economic time, something else entirely? Click here to let us know. It'll just take a minute.

Hi! Today, I just wanted to provide a few more thoughts and information from our hugely successful volunteer day and DRI2012 conference.

Catie Quinn at Second Harvest provided this information about the work effort.

Hi Clyde,

Thank you so much for your kind words and support of Second Harvest, I really enjoyed your group and they did a fantastic job!  While they were here the group from the Disaster Recovery Institute packed 6,220 lbs of food which is enough for 5,183 meals!!!   Thank you for your leadership and for sending such a great group of volunteers.

 Sincerely,

 Catie Quinn

Isn't that what this was all about? Thank you Second Harvest crew!

And now here's my view on some quick take-aways from the conference:

• I met so many wonderful people from so many different diverse backgrounds.
• I made many new friends.
• I learned so much about what we all do for a living from my peers.
• I had a good time in New Orleans.
• I felt good about the Volunteer Day - an amazing day, really!
• We have room to grow this fine conference and look forward to the next big Volunteer Day experience in the Philadelphia area.
• My colleagues at the DRII and DRI Foundation are extraordinary people and enormously capable. I loved working with them all!
• Our vendors and sponsors are supportive and exceptional people who are committed to making our profession better in everything they do.
• I enjoyed the conference venue and working with our partners at ROC.

As BCP folks, we always seek to think through where we really need to focus our attention to make our programs stronger and more relevant. Here's my take on a few questions that should be front-of-mind as a long time BCP professional and instructor for DRI International.

• Is your leadership team engaged and committed to your success in developing a viable program?

How do you define commitment?   Can you achieve success with limited support?

• What do you consider the most important element of your BC / DR project / program life-cycle?

I view Risk Evaluation, Identification of Critical Business Functions via a comprehensive yet practical BIA, development of viable / actionable strategies, and a simple yet comprehensive plan documentation program.   The final essential element includes exercise / testing of your various components of your BC Plan Model.

• Do you plan for all outage types or all impact types?

I plan for multiple, yet limited, impact types (like loss of technology, inability for staff to come to work, inability of vendors to support us during an outage ... to name a few).

• Have you considered the impact of your business partners and vendors in your BCP?

Who are they? How are they critical? Are they engaged in your planning and BC strategies? Can you always reach them?

• What do you do for BC Program Training and Awareness?

Have you scheduled BCP awareness days? Have you invited local emergency support personnel? Have you considered having high profile guest speakers?

• What are the most pressing issues that face us as BC Professionals?

Is it cyber-crime, public image, supply chain, power / infrastructure weaknesses, lack of trained BC staff, shortages of BC staff in tough economic time ... ?   What are your hot buttons?

Let me know what you are thinking about and other miscellaneous thoughts and comments ....  cberger@driif.org.

All the best,

Clyde Berger

Disaster Recovery International Foundation

Director of Volunteerism and Vice President