BRPA - In The Loop
Vol. 2, No. 5, October, 2009
Jason Merante (Accenture) – BRPA Secretary
After a beautiful, mild summer, fall has arrived here in the Chicagoland area. As Business Continuity planners, we realize that with a new season comes a new set of threats for our families and businesses. Flu season is here; many of us are planning our approach to deal with the H1N1 variety. Winter storms will not be far behind. In the news, the economy is showing signs of life, but is still a challenging job market. The healthcare debate is continuing in Washington, D.C. This edition of BRPA – In The Loop addresses many of these topics, so please read on!
As always, please email us with your thoughts on the new format or any other comments you have about the newsletter. Happy reading.
Tom Dziurgot (Grainger) – BRPA President
We are increasing our BRPA Annual Membership fee for the first time in over 15 years. The new fee for 2010 will be $125. I wanted to make sure our members are receiving good value for their fee so I looked at 2009 with the expectation that 2010 will be the same or better. In 2009 we will have 8 free-to-member events and 2 paid events. These include:
Free-to-Member Events and Benefits
- 3 full day meetings
- 3 half day meetings
- 2 single topic training meetings
- 8 continental breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 21 one hour presentations (some with paid presenters) and 2 five hour single topic training sessions (presented by professional trainers and consultants)
- Nearly 500 attendees to network
Paid Events
- Golf Outing
- Holiday Lunch
That seems pretty good, but I wanted to contrast that a bit with other BC training events. A BRPA membership not only allows you to come to these events, but also allows colleagues at your company to attend for no additional fee. I heard that some members invited their physical security folks to listen to Ray Orozco, Jody Weis, and Gene Ryan for no additional fee to their company.
I also thought about some other BC professional training costs. I recently bought a single BC book at a cost of $117. A BC planning software package consultant will come in at $225 per hour – yap that’s 1 hour. A BC consultant is around $200 per hour. One day, vendor agnostic, one topic training meetings are around $300 for one session (for you alone).
A typical BC Conference cost about $1,000 and gives you (and only you):
- 2 ½ full day sessions
- 13 – 15 presentations
- 3 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 500 – 800 professional attendees to network
In addition to the training and networking, your BRPA membership provides a 10% discount at DRJ conferences and a 10% discount for ICOR training packages including the DRII Qualifying Exam Review Course.
Dan Johnson (Bank of America) – BRPA Program Director
The September 22, 2009 meeting was a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the BRPA organization, which took place at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) in downtown Chicago. There were over 110 members in attendance, probably our largest turnout ever! Our members were very pleased with the location, the program, the speakers, and the networking opportunity.
David Pomerantz from Latisys (breakfast sponsor) gave an overview of his organization and all the benefits that Latisys has to offer. After David spoke, there were four presentations that were given. The first was Raymond Orozco, Executive Director of the OEMC who educated everyone on the current city of Chicago security initiatives and the role that the OEMC has in them. Bob Troy, also from the OEMC, gave a presentation on the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) from the City of Chicago. The second speaker was Gene Ryan, Deputy Fire Commissioner, Bureau of Operations who presented “Evacuation and Decontamination Effects of COOP”. The third speaker was Jody Weis, Chicago Police Superintendent who gave a terrific overview of the police department’s current initiatives and the tools they use to combat crime.
After lunch, Julie Gibson (co-lunch sponsor along with BRPA) gave an overview of Recovery Point. Tom Dziurgot, BRPA President, then presented Arnie Miller, BRPA Treasurer, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 20 years of service to the BRPA organization. The fourth and final speaker of the program was Lynn Willenbring, Chief Information Officer, City of Minneapolis, who presented “From Bridge Collapse to National Convention Action: Minneapolis Uses Technology to Respond”. Attendees then enjoyed a slice of BRPA cake to conclude the program.
All of the presenters were incredibly poignant and straightforward with their presentations. From the survey responses, the attendees appreciated their professionalism and intellect on the topics they presented. They were all blown away by the top-notch national level speakers that were on hand and thoroughly enjoyed the entire day.
Dan Johnson (Bank of America) – BRPA Program Director
October 27 Pandemic Workshop: Pandemic Threat – What’s Your Risk Appetite?
This session will be held on October 27, 2009, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at W.W. Grainger, 7300 N. Melvina Rd., Room D, Niles, IL 60714. Register at: http://www.brpa-chicago.org/oct09reg.html. This intensive practical half day workshop addresses the confusion within the risk industry with measuring and monitoring the threat of a pandemic. The facilitated workshop will combine historical evidence, case studies and clear realistic examples that reflect the latest information we have on H1N1.
This session will be led by: Geary W. Sikich, Principal, Logical Management Systems, Corp. and John Stagl, Director of Business Continuity, BELFOR Property Restoration.
This session is open to all BRPA, ACP, & BRPA SW members & non-members. Four (4) CEU credits will be issued.
November 17 Meeting
This meeting will be a half day session held on November 17, 2009, at RSM McGladrey in Schaumburg. The theme of the meeting is “Unsuspected Risks”. There will be presentations from RSM McGladrey covering “Audit Risks in Business Continuity”; Randy Delfin, U.S. Postal Inspector Service, will cover Postal / Security Awareness; John Stagl, Belfor Inc. will present “The Unsuspected Risks of the 21st Century” which is a presentation he gave at the World Conference on Disaster Management in Toronto last June.
This meeting will be another excellent opportunity for your company to sponsor this event! We are looking for sponsors for the breakfast and raffle prizes. Sponsors will have the opportunity to address our members by giving them an overview of your company and telling them the benefits of using your services. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact dan.johnson@brpa-chicago.org.
BRPA 2009-2010 Program Calendar
Oct 27 Pandemic Workshop – Grainger, Niles (1/2 day morning session)
Nov 17 RSM McGladrey – Schaumburg (1/2 day session)
Dec 8 Holiday Luncheon: Wildfire Grill – Glenview
Jan 12 Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) – Downtown Chicago
Mar 16 Blue Cross Blue Shield – Downtown Chicago
Apr 20 BRPA Training Session – Grainger (Niles)
May 18 Location IBM, Schaumburg
July 20 Sears, Hoffman Estates
BRPA is Going Green!
Starting with the November 17th meeting, BRPA will no longer be providing handouts of the presentations at the meetings. We will still provide the Meeting Agenda/BRPA Calendar, Session Surveys, and miscellaneous flyers such (such as the golf flyer). The presenters will have the option of bringing their own handouts if they can. As usual, all presentations will be posted on the BRPA web site following the meetings.
2009 – Supporting BRPA / Speakers
If you are interested in supporting the BRPA organization, you may sponsor a breakfast or lunch at a meeting this year. All sponsors will have the opportunity to address our membership and tell them all about your company.
If you would like to present at one of our bi-monthly meetings, or know someone who would be interested in presenting, please contact dan.johnson@brpa-chicago.org.
Benjie A. Zalay (Zalay Consulting, LLC)
Maintain Healthcare Plan Continuity In A Challenging Economy
The economic downturn has impacted many of our BRPA members over the past year. Many of you are facing the problem of how to maintain affordable continuous healthcare coverage as a result of a layoff or are considering options under COBRA. This article provides some basic benefit information which you may find helpful.
While the debate regarding comprehensive national health reform continues, the changes when they occur will be implemented over a multi-year horizon. This should not affect any decisions which need to be made now. The following are some recent developments in the Federal and Illinois laws:
FAQ’s for Employees/Employers about COBRA Premium Reduction Under ARRA
Q1: What is the new COBRA subsidy provision contained in the stimulus package?
The stimulus package, which was enacted as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) temporarily reduces the premium costs for COBRA coverage for eligible individuals.
The timeframe for which individuals who are eligible for Cobra coverage and to pay a reduced premium because of their own or a family member’s involuntary termination from employment can occur from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009.
Q2: What is the eligible premium provision?
Eligible individuals pay only 35% of the full Cobra premiums under their plan for the first nine months. Then pay the full premium for the remaining nine months. The employer may recover the 65% by taking a tax credit on its quarterly employment tax return.
Q3: What if I’m eligible for other group health coverage?
If this is through a new employer or a spouse’s health plan, then you would not be eligible for the premium reduction.
Q4: What are some disadvantages to remaining on COBRA?
Any new diagnosis or preexisting conditions could possibly be a handicap to procuring individual health coverage at the end of the Cobra period. This should be looked at with a competent insurance professional to help determine your best route for long term and short term coverage. Examples would include: high blood pressure and/or other heart conditions, diabetes, any type of cancer and mental health conditions.
This is only intended to give you some basic information about the laws. More detailed information can be found on the Department of labor’s dedicated web site: www.dol.gov/COBRA.
Information regarding new laws for: unmarried dependent status in Illinois
Illinois has a new law in effect as of June 1, 2009. All group or individual health policies will need to offer coverage to all “unmarried” dependents regardless of school status until they turn age 26. This legislation effectively nullifies all full time student requirements provisions.
This legislation also states that if a dependent was in the armed forces and was honorably discharged and unmarried, he would be eligible to stay on their parents policy until age 30 (again with no full time status requirements).
For those who either unemployed or in between jobs and have lost employer paid benefits (health, dental, life, disability), there are cost effective solutions for yourself and family members on both a permanent or temporary basis.
For questions or comments, please contact Benjie Zalay at: employeebenefits@comcast.net, or 847-488-1215.
John Mantsch (RJ O’Brien) – BRPA Vice President
Annual BRPA Elections
BRPA board member elections for 2010 are fast approaching. Members of BRPA’s board are elected for one year terms. This means that all of the board positions will be open for 2010. If you are interested in running for a position on the board or if you know of someone who would make a great addition to the board, by all means submit the nominee’s name.
Board Positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Communications Director
- Membership Director
- Program Director
- Special Events Director
It should be noted that anyone running for a board position must be a member in good standing. This means that you must be current on your dues.
By the end of October, the Election Chair will email everyone with instructions as to how to nominate yourself or a fellow member to the board. Critical dates relating to the election process follow:
Key Dates:
- November 19, 2009: Deadline for BRPA Board nominations
- December 8, 2009: All nominations will be presented at the Holiday Luncheon
- January 4, 2010: Voting will close
- January 12, 2010: The new board will be announced at our BRPA meeting
If you would like to make a difference on the BRPA board, please complete a nomination form when you receive it; you will help to shape the direction of our great organization. Or, feel free to nominate someone you know for a position.
BRPA is managed by an elected board, committed to maximizing member benefits. It is only through your dedication and support that we can continue to meet the needs of the organization.
Alane Waktins (Kraft Foods) – BRPA Communications Director
Upcoming Events of Interest
1. ICOR University offers courses in BCM, Crisis Management & Communications, Data Center Management, Organizational Resilience, Social & Personal Resilience (including Pandemic Planning), and Supply Chain Risk Management – many courses offered online and as self study as well. BRPA Members receive a 10% discount on ICOR courses. Use Voucher #BRPA-09010 when registering. http://www.theicor.org/
2. Upcoming CAMP IT Conferences:
Virtualization / Consolidation Strategies - Implementation Strategies -
October 22, 2009
The CIO Agenda - 2010 and Beyond - November 5, 2009
Disaster Recovery / Business Continuity
Data Protection Strategies - November 19, 2009
Business Intelligence/Performance Management Strategies - December 10, 2009
3. DRJ Spring World 2010 March 21st-24th in Orlando, FL. http://www.drj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2840&Itemid=941
4. BRPA SW is hosting “Using Intelligent Risk Systems to enhance your BC/DR Capabilities”. November 10th at Citizens Bank, New Berlin, WI. Speaker is Maureen French, iJet Intelligent Risk Systems. RSVP to lori.leach@metavante.com.
5. Archer Technologies is hosting a GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance) Roadshow, November 2nd in Chicago. Register at http://www.archer.com/events/regionalsummits/index.html
6. ITEC Chicago will host ‘Disaster Management 101’ on October 21st, Soldier Field Event Center, Chicago. http://city.goitec.com/chi/agenda.html
7. Lake-Cook Regional Critical Incident Partnership Special H1N1 Meeting: H1N1 update by Bob Grum from the Lake County Health Department. The meeting is from 6-8 pm on Monday, October 5th at the Linconshire-Riverwoods FPD Fire Station 53. Please RSVP to rugaste@lrfpd.org
8. Technology Executives Club of Chicago -- Webinar Track -- IT Security Briefings, Top Trends & Tools Webinar Dates: 10/14/09, 11/4/09. Hear from Laurus Technologies & Websense on current topics in IT security. http://www.technologyexecutivesclub.com/webinars/security.php
9. CPM East October 28-30th in Orlando. http://www.contingencyplanning.com/
10. ContinuityLink is offering two courses: ‘Comprehensive BIA Process – Methodology’ - November 16-17th & ‘Auditing a Business Continuity Program’ - November 18-20th – both in Chicago http://www.continuitylink.com/
11. AITP Supply Chain Forum Special Interest Group (SIG) is hosting "HIGHWIRE ACT! Supply Chain Risk Management - Then to Now" at Microsoft in Downer’s Grove, IL October 21st. RSVP to pmarinelli04@yahoo.com. AITP hosts events regularly throughout the Chicago area. For a schedule, visit http://www.aitpchicago.com/DesktopDefault.aspx
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact BRPA’s Communications Director, Alane Watkins, at awatkins@kraft.com or 847-833-7531.
Chris Sarcletti (CME Group) – BRPA Membership Director
BRPA Membership Dues
The 2010 billing cycle is around the corner and will begin later this month.
One thing to take note of is that our dues will increase in 2010.
Corporate member dues will increase from $100 to $125 and Vendor member dues will increase from $200 to $250.
Please look out for additional information regarding 2010 membership in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Sarcletti
Members In The News
BRPA Member Matthew Bambrick, Exelon, has had an article published by Continuity Insights. Dan writes about his experiences with Norwich University’s Master of Science in Business Continuity Management Program: http://www.continuityinsights.com/Magazine/Issue_Archives/2009/09-10/Fan_Mail.html
Let us know if you or any fellow BRPA members have been in the news, have attained new certifications, or want us to make any announcements on your behalf. We will include member news in future newsletters.
David Pomerantz (Latisys) – BRPA Special Events Director &
John Mantsch (RJ O’Brien) – BRPA Vice President
Thanks again for reading our newsletter. We welcome your feedback as we continue to update this newsletter based on the needs and suggestions of our BRPA members. As always, we are only an email away: newsletter@brpa-chicago.org.
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