The Business Response Network (BRN) is a database of private sector resources that businesses have agreed to make available to emergency management officials, on either a voluntary or paid basis, in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

The BRN uses the i-INFO secured database that is available to emergency management through the Internet. Online collaboration tools connect BRN members to communicate and share documents such as emergency plans, key contacts, resources, photos, drawings, maps and other critical data.

In an emergency, responding agencies must identify resources needed quickly, but often the resources they need are in short supply or unavailable. We all recognize that nonprofit and for profit businesses can be helpful in responding to disasters and other emergencies within their communities. The BRN is a proactive approach to this effort by providing a faster response and more efficient use of resources for emergency managers.

Business Executives for National Security, a nationwide non-partisan organization, is the primary channel through which senior business executives can help enhance the nation’s security. BENS members use their business experience to drive our agenda, and make certain that the changes we propose are put into practice. BENS has only one special interest: to help make America safe and secure.

For over a quarter century, BENS has worked with state and local government leaders to improve national security. BENS brings business expertise and best practices to challenges like outsourcing, supply chain management and compensation reform in the Defense and Intelligence communities. In addition, the BENS Business Force fills gaps in the homeland security apparatus by creating public-private partnerships at the local, state and regional level to provide solutions to critical concerns. More information is available at http://www.bens.org.