Agility Recovery and the U.S. Small Business Administration Launch Webinar Series to Prepare Businesses for September's National Preparedness Month

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In observance of National Preparedness Month, Agility Recovery, North America's premier provider of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions to organizations of all types, together with the U.S. Small Business Administration, have launched a webinar series to help educate businesses on the importance of business preparedness.

National Preparedness Month is held each September and is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. This year marks the ninth consecutive year that Agility Recovery and the U.S. Small Business Administration have worked together to bring awareness and insights to business leaders, with this year's theme being "Be The Hero," as determined by the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps.

"Being prepared for a business disruption is the single most critical step you can take to protect yourself and your business," said Bob Boyd, President and CEO of Agility Recovery. "We're pleased to continue our efforts with the U.S. Small Business Administration and shine a spotlight on the importance of business preparedness during National Preparedness Month."

The Red Cross estimates that 60% of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind, with 54% of Americans not becoming prepared because they believe a disaster will not affect them. Yet, 51% of Americans have experienced at least one emergency situation in their lifetime.

"Disaster preparedness should be included in every business owner's success strategy," said James Rivera, associate administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance and the webinar series' guest speaker. "The webinars we're co-hosting with Agility Recovery during National Preparedness Month will provide a blueprint for a solid business continuity plan. And the investment is minimal—just one hour of your time."

Throughout National Preparedness Month, business professionals are encouraged to attend these free, online, interactive webinars to get the information they need to secure their businesses.

• Protecting Your Organization by Preparing Your Employees
• September 11^th, 2013 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT
• Register: http://agil.me/npmwebinar1A
  • Learn best practices for helping your employees prepare themselves and their families for a crisis. 

• The NEW 10 Steps to Preparedness - Lessons from The Past
• September 18^th, 2013 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT
• Register: http://agil.me/npmwebinar2A
  • Hear the Top 10 ways to prepare any organization for interruptions based on recent disasters like the Moore Tornado, the Boston Marathon Bombing and SuperStorm Sandy. 

• Crisis Communications for any Organization
• September 25^th, 2013 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT
• Register: http://agil.me/npmwebinar3A  
  • Discuss best practices for developing your emergency communication strategy, including lessons from previous communication failures, the role of social media in crisis communications, and developing a comprehensive communications strategy.

In honor of National Preparedness Month's "Be The Hero" theme, Agility Recovery is also launching a Facebook photo contest to encourage consumers to submit a photo of their "hero" and explain why this person deserves to win a $5,000 prize, which will be split evenly between the nominee and nominator.

As a bonus, Agility will then provide a Lifetime ReadySuite Membership to the charity or non-profit organization of the winner's choosing. This lifetime membership provides the organization access to the industry leading disaster recovery solution Agility provides, which includes temporary power, office space, computer systems and satellite communications access to internet and phones following any disaster, large or small.

Nominations can be submitted via: www.agilityhero.com.

About Agility Recovery
Agility Recovery, a former division of GE, is North America's premier provider of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions to organizations of all types.  Agility provides robust, sensible and easy-to-implement recovery solutions for an affordable monthly membership fee. For more than 24 years, Agility has ensured that businesses are there for their clients.  Our 100% success rate at fulfilling this promise is why our clients and partners comprise over 17,000 organizations across North America.

About U.S. Small Business Administration
Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped tens of millions of small businesses start, grow and succeed through the delivery of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance.  In addition, SBA direct disaster loans have helped more than a million homeowners and renters, and hundreds of thousands of businesses recover and rebuild.

The SBA provides assistance using these program tools: Access to Capital (business financing) Government Contracting (ensuring federal contracts go to small businesses), Counseling (free guidance and training from SBA's resource partners), and Disaster Assistance. 

SOURCE Agility Recovery