Terrorism Prevention is the Next Risk Minimization Strategy for Corporations

    NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to increased public demand
 for corporate accountability around the anti-terrorism issue, American experts
 on homeland security, counter-terrorism and corporate strategy will meet at a
 conference on October 4 in New York to discuss corporate engagement in this
 contentious issue. The planned panel session on the subject on October 4 will
 go into detail on how companies can best respond to the threat posed by
 international and domestic terrorism.
     Corporate responsibility for homeland security is changing in the wake of
 9/11. A wide range of industries are working with government and communicating
 to consumers about issues of public safety in a manner not seen since World
 War II.
     "The US Government cannot deal effectively with the sheer level of
 planning required to prevent terrorist attacks alone. Corporate America should
 and must be involved," said Michael W. Doubleday, Vice President for
 Communications of Business Executives for National Security. Mr. Doubleday
 also said, "the majority of the working people in America are looking to their
 companies, as well as their government, for leadership on security issues.
 This is an issue many companies are not yet up to speed on".
     Panelists will discuss the advantages that companies can gain by
 addressing the issues early, thereby re-assuring staff, government and
 investors that they take security as seriously as financial governance.
     Speakers for the session include:
 
      - Business Executives for National Security - Linda S. Millis, Vice
        President
 
      - Conflict Securities Advisory Group - Roger W. Robinson, Jr.,
        President & CEO
 
      - US Treasury Department - Brian Tishuk, Director of the Office of
        Critical Infrastructure Protection and Compliance Policy
 
      - Jewellers of America - Matthew A. Runci, President & CEO
 
     "Businesses need to be aware of the risks posed by terrorism not only to
 their staff, but to their reputation if they are not publicly active on
 homeland security," said Mr. Doubleday.
     While American companies have long been pressed by consumer groups to
 behave in a more socially responsible fashion, anti-terrorism engagement from
 companies has yet to be really pushed by non-governmental organizations and
 pressure groups. This, however, may well be set to change "The next
 significant social responsibility screen may be one that identifies the
 corporations that aid terrorism" said Jon Entine, Journalist.
     "Domestic US industries which never thought much about public security
 find they are now at risk, either as a target or as a vehicle for those who
 would harm the community," points out Jonathan Berman of Political & Economic
 Link Consulting (PELC), a firm which works with companies worldwide to prevent
 and respond to armed conflict that threaten their operations.  "The good news
 is that companies here can adapt lessons gleaned from those operating in
 Indonesia, Colombia, and other conflict zones.   Companies already affected
 are finding contributions they make to the security of the community around
 them also have benefits for the company itself." These include increased
 internal security, crisis readiness, and employee morale that are enhanced by
 participating in national security.
     Among other companies participating in the 3-day conference and workshop
 that includes the session are some of America's largest corporates.
     Keynote presenters include the world's largest financial services firm,
 Citigroup, who will discuss the management systems and processes they have
 developed. Citigroup is looking to succeed in global corporate citizenship
 initiatives and to tie in effective corporate governance with corporate
 responsibility policy. Other leading companies set to speak at the conference
 include DuPont, Toyota, MTV Networks, AES, Microsoft, Intel, and BP / Amoco.
     "Following the summer financial scandals, US firms are rebuilding the
 public's trust.  Participating in the nation's security represents an
 opportunity to be seized, as well as a challenge that, absolutely, must be
 met", said Toby Webb, Editor, Ethical Corporation magazine.
     To find out more information please visit
 http://www.ethicalcorp.com/usa2002 .
 
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SOURCE  Ethical Corporation