International. ASIS International and the Safety Industry Association (SIA) have partnered to help improve the COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding efforts of its diverse group of 34,000 professional members and more than 1,000 member companies, respectively.
The partnership will begin by addressing two main areas of focus: business operations and promotion, as well as content development and coordination.
Business operations and defense
SIA will lead a team composed of representatives from SIA and ASIS government affairs/relations departments, as well as ASIS' digital strategy office.
The main responsibilities of this team will be:
Examine and analyze the rules pertaining to the final enactment of the COVID-19 aid package that is expected to pass through Congress
Review the supply chain and any changes to federal rules that may be necessary.
Provide information on preparedness grants to members.
Content development and coordination
ASIS will lead a team composed of representatives from SIA and ASIS's learning, editorial, marketing and industrial relations departments.
The primary responsibility of this team is to develop and implement a coordinated approach to being an information hub about COVID-19 and related knowledge and learning. Providing support to members in aspects such as health, wellness, business continuity and communications, this scope will include virtual learning opportunities, so members can participate in their own schedules.
In addition to these two main objectives, other objectives related to this partnership will include the development of specific collaborations with academia and aligned healthcare associations and the assessment of the unique needs of members of small and medium-sized enterprises.
"This collaboration between ASIS and SIA is a perfect example of putting the industry first to help suppliers and professionals navigate uncertain and unsettling times," said Don Erickson, CEO of SIA. "Together we can help our members respond today to the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 and guide them with information and education that prepares our industry for a renewed future."
In the future, information and announcements related to this partnership will be published jointly on the SIA and ASIS websites.
"This security industry association comes together in an unprecedented way," according to Peter O'Neil, CEO of ASIS International. "The COVID-19 crisis has provided us with a unique opportunity to create a paradigm shift to address the growing needs of security professionals, both here in the United States and around the world. Our partnership reinforces the message that the security industry is stronger when it comes together."
