The Secure 360°^TMConference could not happen without the continued support of our member and affiliate organizations. This month, we would like to highlight one of our affiliate organizations.

The InfraGard Minnesota Member Alliance (IMNMA) is the local chapter of InfraGard, a partnership program that serves the interests and combines the knowledge base of a wide range of members.  At its most basic level, InfraGard is a cooperative undertaking between the U.S. Government (led by the FBI) and an association of businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to increasing the security of United States critical infrastructures.

The January 12th, 2010 IMNMA general meeting will feature a discussion of how geospatial information is changing regional preparedness.  Steve Swazee heads up the GIS effort for the MN HSEM organization, and he and David Brandt from Washington County have been invited to speak. The meeting will also feature a retrospective "2009 in Review". As always, InfraGard meetings provide an excellent opportunity for networking.

In addition to bimonthly meetings that cover different critical infrastructures, new programs that are being planned for the new year, including a Table Top Cyber Security exercise.

More information on InfraGard, directions to the meeting, and information about InfraGard membership can be found at:

http://www.infragard.net/chapters/minnesota/meetings.php?mn=3