July marks the midpoint of the year, making it the perfect time for organizations to pause, reflect, and assess their readiness for whatever challenges may lie ahead. While summer often brings vacations and a slower business pace, continuity professionals know that disruptions do not follow a calendar.

From severe weather events and supply chain interruptions to cyber incidents and operational crises, organizations face an increasingly complex risk landscape. The question is not whether disruptions will occur, but whether the organization is prepared to respond effectively when they do.

Mid-year reviews provide an opportunity to validate business continuity plans, update recovery strategies, confirm critical dependencies, and evaluate lessons learned from incidents and exercises conducted during the first half of the year. This is also an ideal time to engage executive leadership in discussions about emerging risks and organizational resilience priorities.

Resilient organizations distinguish themselves not by avoiding disruption, but by their ability to adapt, recover, and continue delivering on their mission during challenging circumstances. Regular testing, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement remain essential components of a successful resilience program.

Just as importantly, resilience is strengthened through professional collaboration. Sharing experiences, best practices, and lessons learned helps elevate the entire continuity profession and prepares organizations to meet future challenges with confidence.

Your Resilience Journey Doesn't Have to Be a Solo Effort

The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) connects and supports a diverse community of business continuity, disaster recovery, risk, crisis management, and resilience professionals. ACP offers professional development opportunities, resources, networking events, and local chapters that help members stay informed and connected within the industry.

Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned practitioner, ACP provides opportunities to learn from peers, expand your professional network, and contribute to the advancement of organizational resilience. ACP also offers membership opportunities, chapter participation, leadership roles, educational events, and industry resources designed to support continuity professionals throughout their careers.

Take Action This July

Don't wait for the next disruption to evaluate your preparedness.

✅ Review and update your continuity plans.
✅ Conduct or schedule a tabletop exercise.
✅ Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.
✅ Invest in your professional development.
✅ Join a community dedicated to resilience excellence.

Encourage Colleagues to Become ACP Members Today

Join thousands of continuity and resilience professionals who are working together to advance best practices, share knowledge, and strengthen organizational preparedness. Discover the benefits of ACP membership and find a local chapter near you by visiting the Association of Continuity Professionals website.

This July, commit to building a stronger, more resilient future for ACP, your organization and your career. Encourage other colleagues to join ACP and become part of the resilience community.

Food recalls are more than food safety incidents. They are business continuity events that can disrupt operations, damage reputations, strain supply chains, and impact revenue. Organizations with well-developed business continuity plans are better equipped to respond quickly, communicate effectively, maintain critical operations, and recover faster. This article explores how business resilience practices, from supply chain visibility and crisis communications to plan testing and exercising, help organizations navigate recalls and protect stakeholder trust when disruption strikes.

Food Recalls and Business Resilience

Food recalls can escalate from a quality issue to a business crisis in a matter of hours. Beyond removing products from shelves, organizations may face operational disruptions, regulatory scrutiny, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Organizations with strong business continuity programs are better prepared because they have established response procedures before a crisis occurs. Clear decision-making authority, communication protocols, and recovery strategies help teams act quickly and consistently when time is critical.

Supply Chain Visibility

Understanding suppliers, sourcing, and distribution networks allows organizations to identify affected products faster and minimize disruption.

Crisis Communications

Timely and transparent communication with customers, regulators, suppliers, and employees helps preserve trust and reduce uncertainty during a recall.

Exercised Plans

Regular tabletop exercises and simulations help identify gaps in processes, roles, and communications before a real event occurs.

Food recalls demonstrate that resilience is about more than compliance. Organizations that integrate food safety, risk management, crisis management, and business continuity are better positioned to respond effectively and recover quickly.

When disruption occurs, success is not determined by avoiding every incident. It is determined by how well an organization is prepared to respond and continue serving its stakeholders.

Join the Association of Continuity Professionals

Business resilience is strengthened through collaboration, education, and professional networking. The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) provides opportunities for continuity and resilience professionals to share best practices, expand their expertise, and stay informed on emerging risks and industry trends.

To learn more about membership, professional development opportunities, and local chapters, review our website or reach out today!

Inaugural Texas Symposium Brings Resilience Professionals Together in Austin

Last week, ACP members gathered at AlertMedia headquarters in Austin for the inaugural ACP Texas Symposium, a full day dedicated to learning, networking, and strengthening the resilience community. The event brought together business continuity, emergency management, cybersecurity, and operational resilience professionals for timely discussions on today's most pressing challenges.

Attendees heard from industry leaders and had valuable opportunities for members to build new connections, exchange best practices, and engage with resilience professionals from around the area.

National Parents’ Day: Recognizing the People Who Build Resilience from the Beginning

Every year on the fourth Sunday of July, the United States observes National Parents’ Day, a national observance established by Congress in 1994 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The day was created to recognize, uplift, and support the vital role parents play in raising children and strengthening families.

For continuity and resilience professionals, National Parents’ Day provides a meaningful reminder that resilience often begins at home. Long before organizations develop continuity plans, crisis management teams, and recovery strategies, many of the qualities that support resilience are first taught by parents and caregivers: adaptability, responsibility, problem-solving, perseverance, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.

From Strong Families to Strong Organizations

The legislation establishing Parents' Day recognizes the important contributions parents make to society through the nurturing and development of children.

These same values extend into the workplace. Organizations are strongest when they support employees as whole people, including their roles as parents and caregivers. Family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and a culture of support help create a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce.

When disruption occurs, whether from severe weather, cyber incidents, public health emergencies, or other crises, organizations depend on people. Employees who feel supported are often better positioned to respond effectively, recover more quickly, and help their organizations navigate challenges.

The Human Side of Business Resilience

Business resilience is often associated with technology, recovery plans, and operational strategies. While these elements are critical, resilience ultimately depends on people.

Continuity professionals understand that organizational recovery is about more than restoring systems. It is about supporting employees, maintaining communication, protecting well-being, and enabling individuals to balance personal responsibilities while responding to business needs.

National Parents’ Day reminds us that resilience is not solely an organizational capability. It is also a human capability that is developed through relationships, support systems, and experiences that begin long before we enter the workforce.

Celebrating the Caregivers Among Us

Many members of our association balance demanding professional responsibilities with equally important responsibilities at home. They lead continuity programs, coordinate crisis responses, conduct exercises, and manage recovery efforts while serving as parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers.

This month, we recognize and celebrate those members whose commitment to preparedness and resilience extends beyond their workplaces and into their families and communities.

Strengthening Our Professional Family

National Parents’ Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the value of community. Just as strong families provide support, encouragement, and shared learning, professional associations create networks that help individuals grow and succeed.

Our association brings together continuity, resilience, emergency management, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and risk management professionals who share a common mission: helping organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruption.

Membership provides opportunities to:

• Build valuable professional relationships
• Learn from experienced practitioners
• Access educational resources and industry best practices
• Stay informed about emerging risks and trends
• Contribute to the advancement of the resilience profession
• Support the next generation of continuity leaders

Join Us

As we celebrate National Parents’ Day this July, let us recognize the individuals who helped shape our values, character, and resilience. Let us also continue building the supportive professional community that strengthens our organizations and our profession.

Whether you are an experienced continuity practitioner or just beginning your resilience journey, we invite you to become part of our growing association. As an existing member, we invite you to share ACP's great work with colleagues! 

Strong families build strong communities. Strong professionals build resilient organizations. Together, we can build a more resilient future for everyone. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      July 13, 2026

Association of Continuity Professionals Announces Strategic Partnership with Continuity Insights

Beginning July 1, collaboration will expand member engagement, strengthen communications, and enhance professional development opportunities.

Memphis, TN — The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) is pleased to announce a new, enhanced strategic partnership with Continuity Insights designed to strengthen member communications, expand educational opportunities, and increase engagement across the global resilience community.

Officially launching July 1, 2026, the partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organizations and reflects a shared commitment to advancing the business continuity and resilience profession.

Through the partnership, Continuity Insights will serve as ACP's marketing and communications partner, working alongside ACP and its Association Management Company, Memphis Medical Society (MMS), to elevate awareness of the association, strengthen member outreach, promote chapter activities, and support the continued growth of ACP programs and initiatives.

The collaboration will create stronger connections between ACP members and the educational resources offered through the Continuity Insights platform, including webinars, research, industry news, and the Continuity Insights Management Conference (CIMC). 

"ACP's mission has always been centered on supporting professionals responsible for organizational resilience," said Michael Gifford, Board Chair of the Association of Continuity Professionals. "Continuity Insights understands our industry, our members, and the challenges they face. By working together, we can expand participation in our professional development programs, strengthen connections across the resilience community, and extend the reach of ACP's resources for our chapter leaders.”

Ted Coene, Co-Owner and President of Group C Media & Events, parent company of Continuity Insights, added, "ACP has built one of the most respected communities in the continuity and resilience profession. This partnership allows us to bring our expertise in media, marketing, events, and audience development to help ACP reach more professionals, increase participation in its programs, and support the association's long-term growth objectives."

As ACP continues to grow, the partnership reinforces the association's commitment to providing exceptional value through education, networking, leadership development, and meaningful engagement for professionals across business continuity, disaster recovery, emergency management, crisis management, and organizational resilience.

About the Association of Continuity Professionals

The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to supporting business continuity, resilience, disaster recovery, emergency management, and risk management professionals through education, networking, and professional development opportunities.  

About Continuity Insights

Continuity Insights is the leading information source for experienced business continuity and resilience professionals. Through its website, newsletters, webinars, research, and the annual Continuity Insights Management Conference (CIMC), Continuity Insights provides practical strategies and thought leadership for professionals responsible for organizational resilience. 

About Memphis Medical Society

Founded in 1876, the Memphis Medical Society (MMS) is one of the nation's oldest physician membership organizations. In addition to supporting its physician members through advocacy, education, and professional engagement, MMS operates an association management division, providing strategic leadership, governance, membership services, communications, event management, and operational expertise to local, state, national, and international professional associations.

Media Contact

Association of Continuity Professionals 
Email: staff@acp-international.com 
Website: www.acp-international.com

In Memory of Lisa Smallwood
December 20, 1961 – June 10, 2026

https://youtu.be/wU23bFp7-FE

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of ACP member, chapter leader, and resilience professional Lisa Smallwood.

Lisa was a highly respected business continuity, disaster recovery, and resilience practitioner whose career spanned more than three decades. Throughout her remarkable journey, she helped organizations across numerous industries strengthen preparedness, recovery, and operational resilience.

A recognized leader in the profession, Lisa held multiple industry credentials, including MBCP, MBCI, CBCLA, IRCA, and ITIL. She was known as a trusted advisor, auditor, mentor, trainer, and advocate for advancing resilience practices. Her career included leadership roles with Ensono, Truist, HP, Savvis, Charter Communications, Ameren, and Bank of America.

Lisa joined the Association of Continuity Professionals and the Greater Tampa Bay ACP Chapter in January 2014. She most recently served as GTBACP Director of External Relations and represented her chapter nationally through her service on the ACP National Chapter Relations Committee. Her enthusiasm, ideas, and dedication to chapter growth made a lasting impact throughout the ACP community.

Tributes from Friends and Colleagues

Mike Gifford, ACP National Chair, shared:

"Lisa was such a strong leader and consistently demonstrated a willingness to help ACP succeed. She generously shared her time, expertise, and support with both her chapter and the national organization. Lisa will be greatly missed by the ACP community."

Lori Adamo, ACP National Chapter Relations Chair, shared:

"The ACP National Chapter Relations Committee really enjoyed working with Lisa. She was always quick to come up with fresh ideas for our Chapter Leaders' Roundtable meetings and was always there to help. Lisa was also very proud of her daughter, Courtney, and was thrilled when Courtney joined ACP and became part of the continuity profession."

Bob Arnold, President of Disaster Recovery Journal, reflected:

"Over the years, Lisa became not just a colleague in the industry, but a true friend. She was always willing to help, share ideas, and support others however she could. When I think of Lisa, I'll remember her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and the genuine friendships she built throughout the years."

Polly James, President of the Greater Tampa Bay ACP Chapter, shared:

"Lisa was always ready with thoughtful ideas, constructive feedback, and a willingness to step in and help. She genuinely cared about helping others connect, grow professionally, and become involved in the continuity and resilience profession."

While Lisa's professional accomplishments were many, those who knew her will remember her most for her kindness, generosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to helping others. She built genuine friendships throughout the resilience community and touched countless lives along the way.

One of Lisa's final opportunities to serve the profession came at DRJ Spring 2026, where she volunteered at the ACP exhibit booth alongside fellow chapter members. Throughout the conference, professionals frequently arrived at the booth saying, "Lisa sent me." Her enthusiasm for ACP, belief in the value of professional community, and desire to help others connect and grow were evident to everyone she met.

The business continuity and resilience profession has lost a true leader, and ACP has lost a valued friend.

We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Mike, her daughter, Courtney, and all of her family, friends, colleagues, and fellow resilience professionals who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.

Honoring Lisa's Memory

At the request of her husband, Mike, those wishing to honor Lisa's memory may consider making a donation to one of two organizations that were especially meaningful to her:

Missouri House Rabbit Society https://www.morabbit.org/ – A nonprofit rescue and adoption organization dedicated to providing care, education, and loving homes for rabbits.

Feeding Tampa Bay https://ftb.org/ – A leading hunger-relief organization serving individuals and families throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Rest in peace, Lisa. Your legacy will continue through the professionals you mentored, the programs you strengthened, and the countless lives you touched.

- Gail Moraton

ACP National Board Member

Chapter Development Chair

ACP Connects, Collaborates, and Leads at the Continuity Insights Management Conference

The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) recently joined resilience leaders, business continuity practitioners, emergency management professionals, and industry innovators at the Continuity Insights Management Conference — one of the premier events focused on operational resilience and continuity management.

Throughout the conference, ACP members and chapter leaders engaged in important discussions surrounding today’s evolving risk landscape, including cyber threats, severe weather events, workforce resilience, and organizational preparedness. Educational sessions and networking opportunities provided attendees with practical insights, real-world strategies, and valuable professional connections that continue to strengthen the continuity and resilience community.

ACP was proud to have strong representation at the conference, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting professionals at every stage of their careers. Maintaining a presence at nationally recognized events like the Continuity Insights Management Conference helps ACP advocate for the profession while creating meaningful opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and grow as leaders in the industry.

As organizations continue facing increasingly complex disruptions, the importance of professional collaboration and ongoing education remains critical. ACP’s participation in events like this highlights the value of membership for professionals seeking access to industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and a strong community dedicated to advancing resilience and continuity management.

The Association of Continuity Professionals extends its appreciation to the conference organizers, speakers, sponsors, and attendees who helped make this year’s event a success. We look forward to continuing the conversations and partnerships sparked throughout the conference.

The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting professionals in business continuity, disaster recovery, emergency management, crisis communications, cybersecurity, and operational resilience through education, networking, and professional development.

Our pets are important members of our family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. At ACP, we have valuable resources and community connections within our chapters to support you. Check out our ACP Pet Photos here – they happily belong to owners who are committed to ACP for support in their careers and personal lives.  

Here are some helpful tips from www.ready.gov to get you started or serve as a reminder as you refresh your plans.  

Make a plan.  

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen. 

• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. 

• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area. 

• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency. 

Build an emergency kit. 

• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container. 

• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water. 

• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container. 

• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. 

• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.  

• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet. 

• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up. 

• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. 

• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. 

• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet. 

Stay informed. 

• Being prepared and staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed: 

• Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials. 

• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place. 

• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States. 

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. 

Winter Ready, Are You? Ensuring Safety and Resilience During Winter Weather

For unlimited access to best practice resources and some of the most talented resiliency professionals in our industry, consider a membership with the Association for Continuity Professionals (ACP). We’ve seen tremendous growth in the risk and resiliency professions and ACP is the perfect partner to accelerate your career. Annual membership fees are highly competitive and provide access to initiatives at both the national and local levels, with 25 chapters (and growing!) throughout the country. Check out www.acp-international.com for more exciting benefits and member recognition opportunities, and contact us at staff@acp-international.com to join today!

As we navigate the tail end of winter, it's still important to keep our business, our employees and our homes safe and ready for any harsh weather that might come our way. From freezing temperatures to snowstorms, winter can throw a lot at us. Here are two handy checklists to help you stay safe and warm.

Winter Weather Checklist for Families Home Preparation: Inspect Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection for your furnace or heat pump. Replace or clean filters if it has been more than 6 months. Check Insulation: Ensure proper insulation around water pipes. Seal any gaps and cracks in windows and doors. Prepare Chimney and Fireplace: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected. Stock up on firewood or alternative heating supplies. Inspect Roof and Gutters: Clean gutters to prevent ice dams. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and test all detectors. Stock Emergency Supplies: Flashlights and extra batteries. Non-perishable food and bottled water (enough for at least 3 days). First aid kit and necessary medications. Warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Extra pet food and supplies, if applicable. Prepare a Winter Car Kit: Ice scraper and snow brush. Jumper cables and tire chains. Blankets, warm clothes, and snacks. Small shovel and kitty litter or sand for traction. Emergency flares or reflectors. Safety Measures: Create a Family Emergency Plan: Establish a meeting place and communication plan. Know How to Shut Off Utilities: Learn how to shut off water, gas, and electricity in case of an emergency. Protect Pipes from Freezing: Insulate exposed pipes. Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. Plan for Power Outages: Have a backup heating source like a generator or portable heater (ensure proper ventilation). Charge all electronic devices and have backup power banks. Winter Weather Checklist for Businesses Business Preparation: Inspect Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection for your HVAC system. Replace or clean filters. Check Insulation: Ensure proper insulation in the building, especially around pipes. Seal any gaps and cracks in windows and doors. Maintain Roof and Gutters: Inspect and repair any damage to the roof. Clean gutters to prevent ice dams. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and test all detectors. Stock Emergency Supplies: Flashlights and extra batteries. Non-perishable food and bottled water. First aid kit and necessary medications. Warm clothing and blankets. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Snow and ice removal supplies (shovels, salt, sand). Business Continuity: Create an Emergency Response Plan: Develop and communicate a plan for employees in case of severe weather. Establish a communication tree for updates and instructions. Backup Important Data: Ensure all critical business data is backed up and accessible remotely. Test remote access systems for employees to work from home if needed. Review Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your business insurance covers winter weather-related damages. Prepare for Power Outages: Have a backup power source like a generator (ensure proper installation and ventilation). Keep electronic devices charged and have backup power banks.

2024 ACP Chairman's Report.pdf