Tim Stetson, Senior Director of Administration and Emergency Services from The Northern Vermont Chapter, American Red Cross is pleased to provide an overview of The Red Cross Emergency Management (Disaster) Planning Workshop which is available for Business, Industry, Government Agencies and Other Organizations - and review some of the planning support available to those who decide to attend the full workshop. The presentation is designed to acquaint you with the key concepts that would be covered in the full planning workshop which would be scheduled for Grand Isle County if there is sufficient interest. There is a growing realization that the economic impacts and business interruptions associated with disaster play a tremendous role in the recovery of a stricken community.

There are numerous "Fill in the Blank" plans that can be purchased by organizations seeking to simply accomplish a requirement. Experience has shown that these types of plans often are inadequate for the needs of the organization. This workshop presents a team concept to a planning process that should allow participants to return to their businesses and/or organizations and start preparing a disaster plan useful to them.

The target audience for both the overview presentation as well as the full workshop consists of private and/or public organization representatives interested in developing a comprehensive disaster plan. Large and small organizations can benefit from the sequential planning process and the useful activities provided. Government agencies also should attend as the instruction works equally well for them.

The overview will be held at the South Hero United Church of Christ (Congregational Church) on January 22, 2008. Dinner starts at 6 pm and costs $12, payable at the door. The presentation is free and will begin at 6:40 pm. Please call Ray Jacoby at 372-6847 so that he can arrange for the appropriate catering.