Disaster Response Conference and Expo Set November 14-16

JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of shared disaster experiences, the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana have come together to host an inaugural Tri-State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Conference. Tri-State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) Conference will convene faith-based groups, non-profit and philanthropic organizations, government agencies and corporate partners that participate in disaster response and recovery to the Jackson Convention Complex on November 14-16 for a comprehensive training and networking conference and expo, focusing on disaster operations, collaboration and resource tools.

The Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster received a grant in the amount of $410,000 to support the conference from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's (BRAF) Future of the Gulf Fund.  BRAF established the fund with a $75 million transfer from the Gulf Coast Restoration and Protection Fund, which was established by a $100 million donation from BP in 2010 to financially assist oilrig workers affected by the spill.  The Future of the Gulf Fund's mission is to help people, wildlife and the environment along the Gulf Coast.

"We are inviting everyone who serves in disaster relief across the South and beyond," said Bill Feist, chairman for the Tri-State VOAD Conference Committee representing Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. "Our goal is to bring together non-profit organizations, government agencies and corporate partners to learn how to more effectively respond together to the human needs and suffering that result from disasters," said Feist.

The convention and expo, entitled "Catalyst 4 Success: Cooperation, Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication," offers the disaster services community multiple options for professional development through presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and Certified Training Unit eligible sessions.

More than twenty plenary and break-out sessions are scheduled on behavioral health disaster operations, response, collaboration and cooperation, resources and tools. Businesses and services of the disaster industry will also have expo opportunities at the conference in the Jackson, Mississippi Convention Complex.

Trainings will be offered on the final conference day in various areas of disaster response. CEU credits will be offered for the trainings and the various workshops throughout the conference.

Funding from the Future of the Gulf Fund has allowed the Tri-State VOAD  to keep conference registration cost to a minimum, $50 per person for VOAD members and $75 for non-members. A limited number of stipends is available to VOAD member organizations in need.

For conference details, workshop schedules, hotel reservations, and expo exhibit costs, go to http://tristatevoad.onefireplace.org/.

Media representatives: Please contact Linda Alwood, Conference Coordinator at 225-291-2806 to register for the conference or Angela deGravelles 225-202-5073 for interview requests.

SOURCE Tri-State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters