HTG Peer Groups Launches the Technology Industry's First Emergency Response Fund for IT Solution Providers

HARLAN, Iowa, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After witnessing several colleagues struggle to manage their businesses following a life-threatening personal injury, prolonged illness or natural disaster, HTG Peer Groups CEO Arlin Sorensen teamed with XiloCore CEO Lester Keizer and Business Continuity Technologies Vice President Mike Semel to take decisive action. Together they began carefully and persuasively lobbying their extensive networks of leading 'channel' vendors, distributors and solution providers to help them build 'Hands That Give,' the IT industry's first member-led emergency response system modeled after the American Red Cross.

"Hands That Give provides a rich and meaningful opportunity to help restore hope and dignity following times of crisis," said Sorensen. "HTG is more than an association of individuals with shared experiences or even similar objectives. It's a community defined by a common cause; one that pulls together in support of friends enduring dire straits so that they can more quickly return to brighter days. We quite simply will not leave any member alone during a time of personal tragedy or business disruption."

Through Hands That Give, HTG Peer Groups members affected by devastating hardships receive in-kind donations, financial assistance and disaster-response support, enabling them to quickly and confidently resume routine operations.

HTG member-led business continuity teams, aided by the IT industry's leading manufacturers and publishers, mobilize immediately following a physical catastrophe to install telephone systems, desktops, servers and other mission-critical technologies. Prioritized product delivery into disaster areas is also assured through strategic alliances between HTG technology manufacturer and distribution partners and large shipping organizations.

In situations where an HTG member suddenly becomes ill or is otherwise unable to lead their organization, HTG response teams work with the member's family and key personnel to manage – and later transition back – the company's day-to-day operations. Response team members receive standardized training, ensuring consistent, compassionate care is provided regardless of the circumstances surrounding their emergency.

After taking a bad tumble on a trampoline last September, Michael Cocanower, itSynergy president and a member of HTG Peer Group number 2 found out how quickly business could come to a screeching halt. He had completely ripped through the ligaments in his neck and blown out a disc. Just a millimeter away from paralysis and an inch from death, Cocanower would ultimately make a full recovery, but his rehabilitation would be lengthy and he worried how his wife would react to the stress.

"Had I not been so lucky that day, there's no way my business would have survived," said Cocanower. "All the time and effort I'd put into building an asset with some value would have been gone in an instant. Having a program like Hands That Give in place would have allowed my company to be sold in an orderly fashion with the highest value possible rather than a fire sale in a crisis situation. What is really important, however, is the peace of mind it would give my wife – and that is worth more than anything in the world to me."

In the spring of 2009, amidst the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression, Ed Correia, 45, suffered a stroke leaving the left side of his body completely paralyzed. Unable to properly clothe, feed or care for himself, he spent the next several months in a rehabilitation center undergoing physical therapy – and desperately needing to return to work.

"I think a program like Hands That Give would have given me peace of mind during my recovery," said Correia. "While my employees were quick to reassure me that things were functioning to the best of their ability, they really don't understand the business from a big-picture perspective. If like-minded peers could have stepped in to give an objective perspective on things, I could have turned my full attention to getting well and been less apprehensive."

The program is administered and funded through member contributions. To learn more, visit www.handsthatgive.net.

About XiloCore

XiloCore is the IT channel's preferred provider of data protection and business continuity services for today's small and medium businesses. XiloCore sells exclusively to solution providers, resellers, system integrators and managed service providers. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV with additional offices in Simi Valley, Calif. For more information visit www.xilocore.com or call (702) 851-3260.

About HTG Peer Groups

Established in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen as a business and personal development community, today HTG Peer Groups is an international organization of leading IT solution providers. HTG has more than 250 member companies throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia/New Zealand. Each peer group consists of 10-12 IT company executives who work together and share resources and information to formulate and meet business goals such as strategic planning, process improvement and tools, and life-work excellence. HTG offers CEO Forums, vendor peer groups and other educational events, quarterly meetings, and an annual summit that attracts hundreds of attendees, vendor exhibitors and strategic partners. Visit www.htgpeergroups.com or call 712-744-3619 for more information.

SOURCE HTG Peer Groups