RHODE ISLAND CONFERENCE & EXPO CONTINUES FORUM FOCUS ON HOMELAND SECURITY

Senator Reed, Congressman Kennedy co-host Newport event

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2003

Contact
Mark Marich 202.467.2776

NEWPORT, RI – March 24, 2003 – More than 700 people and fifty exhibitors packed the Rhode Island Homeland Security Business Conference & Expo today as the Public Forum Institute continued its focus on improving the nation’s ability to defend itself against and respond to future threats to our safety.

“At this critical juncture in our history, it is increasingly important for the public and private sectors to share innovative ideas and work together to strengthen the protection of our nation,” stated Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute. “We are excited to see such a strong commitment from the people of Rhode Island as we address these issues.”

The conference and expo was organized at the urging of Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Patrick Kennedy to encourage businesses throughout the state, both large and small, to play a key role in the defense of the nation. Unlike other expositions designed for a one-way flow of information, the Rhode Island conference and expo provided an opportunity for business leaders and federal government representatives, including the new Department of Homeland Security, to share and exchange innovative ideas, products and services.

“Large corporations and small businesses have rushed to fill the need for better security products and services, from cutting-edge software to biohazard suits for first-responders,” stated Ortmans. “Our government needs to be aware of these products and services, and they need to educate the private sector on what their needs are.”

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Public Forum Institute has organized a number of events that have examined ways to improve the defense of our nation, developed emergency preparedness plans to respond to future attacks and highlighted products and services in the private sector that could benefit the homeland security efforts of federal and state governments. 

The Forum organized two national homeland security expos in Washington, DC, last year. The Small Business Homeland Security Expo in July and the Homeland Security Tech Expo in September. The Rhode Island effort was the Forum’s first look at the state level, but it plans to organize similar events in other states later in the year.

In April 2002, it also examined the issue of bioterrorism and community preparedness with Senator Bill Frist during a session in the Hart Senate Office Building. When asked during the briefing, 97 percent of participants felt that future bioterrorist attacks were either very likely or certain. In a follow up question, 86 percent felt their communities were only slightly prepared or not prepared at all. 

In February 2003, the Forum organized the National Consensus Conference on the Needs of Children in Disaster and Terrorism Preparedness and Response in Washington, DC. The conference focused on the planning, response and evaluation of disaster plans and the development of plans to take into consideration the special needs of children. 

For more information on the Public Forum Institute’s work in homeland security, visit www.publicforuminstitute.org

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The Public Forum Institute is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating the most advanced and effective means of fostering public discourse. Based in Washington, DC, the Forum develops and coordinates public forums across the country – engaging citizens, experts, community leaders, elected officials and others in substantive discussions on dozens of policy issues. Through a partnership with foundations, print and broadcast media, policy makers, opinion leaders and corporate philanthropy, the Public Forum Institute serves local communities across the nation, contributing to a more informed public. The Forum takes no position on the issues.

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