Happy Spring -ah, I mean winter?! January 2006 will go down in Minnesota history books as the warmest in 160 years. It felt more like March than January most of the month. However, like most Minnesotans, I know that there are two more months to experience the cold and snow. Mother Nature certainly has a mind of her own.
The New Year has brought new focus for most of us with the push for pandemic planning. Kris Hide, Director of MN Homeland Security, and Aggie Leitheiser, MN Health Department, gave a wonderful presentation on how the state is planning for a potential outbreak. Unfortunately, many of us were left with more questions than answers. In response, the board has decided to put a panel together for our February meeting to discuss what companies in the area are doing to prepare. It should be a great interactive discussion that you shouldn't miss.
Another thing you shouldn't miss is Secure360. The excitement is building for first all inclusive security conference, Secure360. The Upper Midwest Security Alliance (comprised of BCPA, MN-ASIS, MN-ISSA, MN-ISACA and MN-ISFA) has announced the addition of Keynote Speaker, Roger Cressey. Roger Cressey is an on-air counterterrorism analyst for NBC News.
In the coming months there will be a number of training and/or networking opportunities:
A reminder that membership dues are due by the end of February. As always please let me know if you have any suggestions for any areas of improvement.
Stay Safe! Marie E. Johnson, CBCP BCPA President
April 2006 President's Newsletter
Happy spring! If January felt like March and March feels more like January, what will April feel like? Mother Nature certainly has a mind of her own. With that in mind, dont forget that the week of April 17th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. Tornado Drill Day is April 20th and drill will be held at 1:45 pm and 6:55 pm.
In March we switch gears from Pandemic Preparation to Crisis Communication. We will continue this theme in the month of April when Lucy Kender from MnDOT joins us to talk about communications.
Another thing you shouldnt miss is Secure360. The excitement is building for first all inclusive security conference, Secure360. The Upper Midwest Security Alliance (comprised of BCPA, MN-ASIS, MN-ISSA, MN-ISACA and MN-ISFA) has announced the addition of Keynote Speaker, Roger Cressey. Register TODAY!
There will be a wide range of industry experts will lead the educational sessions. Scheduled speakers include:
Mary Poquette, Chief Compliance Officer, Verifications, Inc.; Matt Bossom, Director of Wireless, Accuvant; Jay Cline, Data Privacy Officer, Carlson Companies; Fred Klapetzky, West Region Practice Leader, Marsh Consulting.; Dean W. Chappel III, Special Agent, FBI; Bryan Strawser, Crisis Management, Target Corporation; Ted Barlow, Chief Security Office, McAfee; and others.
In the coming months there will be a number of training and/or networking opportunities: