DRI International President Alan Berman announces formation of DRI Foundation

President’s Letter

Happy New Year! May 2012 be a year in which you and your loved ones find happiness and contentment.

2011 was a year of natural disasters of record proportions. Global disasters dominated the news; from the strongest recorded earthquake devastating Japan, ensuing floods, and

2011 was an extraordinary year for DRI International. The number of newly certified professionals was the most in our 23 year history. This accomplishment demonstrates the value placed upon DRI International certifications. While we saw a 34% increase in overall applications, most remarkably, we certified 72% more international applicants than in 2010. This is a tribute to our international efforts, which saw DRI sponsor and/or participate in conferences in Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Belgium, Singapore, Japan, and Brazil (where the Governance, Compliance and Regulatory conference set aside one day for DRI International “DRI DAY”).nuclear danger; to to
rnadoes and flooding in the US; to floods and mudslides in South America. Estimated property damages exceeded $350 billion, the most
in recorded history. And then there were the economic consequences that only exacerbated the already growing credit crisis. If the mettle of emergency/disaster and business continuity professionals was ever tested; 2011 was the year. And yet, under the greatest worldwide strain, we proved our worth.

As a non-profit organization, DRI International understands the need to help those in need and encourage others to do the same. The coming year will highlight volunteerism and fundraising. In order to accomplish this, a newly formed 501(c) 3 entity was created. The DRI Foundation’s sole purpose is to raise funds for communities in need. This will happen via individual and organizational giving, as well as through our auction of unique items and services. You will hear more about this as the year progresses. Volunteerism will start in New Orleans on May 19, 2012, when we will work with Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest to aid the still suffering people of New Orleans. Our all-volunteer certification commission has led the way by enhancing the number of CEAPs that can be earned through donating time and effort to charitable causes.

Also for the first time in DRI International’s history, we will be presenting Awards of Excellence to exemplary organizations and individuals. This black tie event will be the highlight of DRI International’s first-ever U.S. conference – DRI2012 – held in New Orleans May 19-23. This is a unique opportunity to hear and speak with the leading experts in our industry – real industry leaders, from around the globe, talking about their actual experiences.

So join us for a great year in New Orleans and online on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and of course DRII.org.

Sincerely,

Al Berman

President