Emergency Preparedness with The Honorable Tom Ridge on May 11

While many have registered to learn more about this important topic, an all-morning commitment of time may not be feasible. For that reason, we are offering the option to register only for the lunch and keynote address by The Honorable Tom Ridge.

Nearly half of companies that experience a disruptive event without having a recovery plan end up going out of business, according to industry standards. Can your company protect its assets? Do you have a contingency plan that encompasses relocation sites and effective communications? Would it benefit you to hear firsthand accounts about how companies successfully recovered from disasters? Do you know the risks for our region?

On Friday, May 11, join the Greater Philadelphia business community to learn how your company—from large corporations to mid-sized factories, property managers and small offices—should prepare for emergencies and disasters. Presented by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Blank Rome, this half-day program will highlight emergency preparedness on business and regional levels, and culminate with luncheon speaker The Honorable Tom Ridge, former Pennsylvania Governor and the first Secretary of Homeland Security, sharing a national perspective. This must-attend event for executives and human resource professionals will be held at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The program begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. lunch.

Panelists Major Richard H. Arroyo, Deputy Director, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, John Dougherty, Chairman, Pennsylvania Southeastern Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force, MaryAnn Marrocolo, Deputy Managing Director, City of Philadelphia, and Dr. Harvey Rubin, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Institute for Strategic Threat Analysis & Response, University of Pennsylvania, will discuss topics regarding our region’s “state of preparedness.” These include Greater Philadelphia’s recent analysis of risks to the region and subsequent changes, and the roles of government, non-profit organizations and businesses in emergency management. Additionally, Philadelphia’s new emergency management “czar” MaryAnn Marrocolo will share her experience as Assistant Commissioner of Planning with the New York City Office of Emergency Management, including the time period around 9/11. Tom Foley, CEO, Southeastern Pennsylvania American Red Cross will moderate this session.

The program also includes two breakout sessions to help different sized companies plan for emergencies. Afterwards, during lunch, The Honorable Tom Ridge will give a national overview on the important role public-private sector collaborations play in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. He will outline the characteristics of successful collaborations and address the need for enhancing coordination between the business community and all levels of government.

The Honorable Tom Ridge became the nation’s first Secretary of Homeland Security on January 24, 2003, a fourth call to public service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania. During his two-year tenure, Secretary Ridge’s leadership and vision were instrumental in creating a border-centric agency that developed and coordinated a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen protections against terrorist threats and attacks in the United States.

Before the tragic events of September 11th, he was twice elected governor of Pennsylvania. Known for his commitment to high standards and results, Governor Ridge delivered on his promise to make Pennsylvania “a leader among states and a competitor among nations.” His aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, job growth, education, health care, and environment protection.

After more than 25 years in public service, The Honorable Tom Ridge now consults on a range of issues, including security, international relations, economic development, civil institution building, technology, education and other matters that encompass his diverse portfolio. Most recently, he was appointed to a panel dedicated to investigating the tragic massacre at Virginia Tech University. Additionally, he serves on public and private boards and is currently the chairman of the National Organization on Disability; his nonprofit work also includes service with the Council for Competitiveness, the Center for Excellence in Government and the Center for the Study of the Presidency. He continues to contribute to matters concerning our nation’s veterans and, along with Gen. Tommy Franks (Ret.), serves as national co-chairman of the Flight 93 Memorial Fundraising Campaign.

Emergency Preparedness for Your Business is also sponsored by Day & Zimmerman, Deloitte, PECO, An Exelon Company, PJM Interconnection, Sprint, Sunoco Logistics and Symantec.

For additional information or to register for the event click here or contact Leslee Maybrown at lmaybrown@greaterphilachamber.com or 215-790-3815.