Latest franchisee brings vast BCP industry experience 

JUNE 22, 2010                                                                                                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROSWELL, Ga. – With more than 15 years experience in business continuity positions with major corporations such as Citibank, Bank of America and CNA, Meg Taranta understands the vast gap that need to be bridged to reach comprehensive private-sector preparedness in the United States.

“More than nine years removed from 9/11, we are still sorely lacking in preparedness from the average business operational perspective,’’ she said. “Every day, there are potential and real disruptions that threaten the long-term viability of companies.’’

As the latest Firestorm franchisee, Taranta will be positioned to help clients mitigate those threats. She sees the combination of her experience and the Firestorm opportunity as “the perfect match. With my background in corporate emergency management and continuity, I’ll bring a different perspective about how to approach clients. Getting senior-level buy-in is the key to creating an organizational culture of preparedness.’’

Franchisees utilize all capabilities and services of Firestorm Solutions LLC, a national leader in crisis management, vulnerability analysis/threat assessment, risk mitigation and business continuity, including its name and trademark; operational methodology including plans, policies, procedures and training; and access to its staff, Expert Council and Online Resource Center. Each franchisee is awarded the entire United States as a territory and is protected by the franchisor regarding client development.

Firestorm provided the on-site crisis management support at Virginia Tech, and recently has teamed up with W.W. Grainger Inc., the national leader in maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products, to offer business continuity and preparedness products and services.

The recent implementation of Public Law 110-53 (Title IX-Private Sector Preparedness), which mandates the Department of Homeland Security certify business continuity plans in the private sector, creates wide-ranging opportunities for the BCP industry. Other significant drivers include the emergence of new communicable illnesses; the increase in natural disasters related to climate change; and elevated exposure to mass violence threats nationally and internationally.

“Meg’s extensive, big-picture knowledge of corporate preparedness will serve our clients well,’’ Firestorm Executive Vice President Hutch Hodgson said. “She is a valuable addition to our rapidly expanding franchise network.’’

Taranta learned of the Firestorm franchise opportunity through BC Management, Inc., a global executive search firm specializing in business continuity staffing and research data. Her franchise will operate out of Freehold, N.J.; She can be reached at mtaranta@firestorm.com or (732) 625-7925.

For more information, visit www.firestorm.com. To obtain a copy of the Firestorm Franchise Disclosure Document, contact Hodgson at (770) 643-1114 or hhodgson@firestorm.com. Media inquiries should be directed to Mike Pennetti at mpennetti@firestorm.com or (678) 557-9243.