Task Force Targets Business/Government Security Collaboration

ByDeborah Austin The Business Roundtable (BRT), an association of leading corporate CEOs, has launched a new Security & Economic Recovery Task Force to address security issues following the events of Sept. 11. The task force -- led by AT&T CEO Mike Armstrong and now soliciting members -- will focus on coordinating business and government efforts, specifically:

Improving quality/timeliness of threat information;

Developing new corporate leadership/collaboration, risk management and business continuity models;

Improving existing security partnerships;

Working with senior government leadership;

Coordinating efforts across industry sectors as security issues evolve. Most critical business assets are privately owned and operated, says the BRT, so government must depend on the business community to help with security solutions. "Chief executive officers are dealing with new realities in how we conduct our business and help keep Americans working safely and securely," says BRT Chairman John T. Dillon, CEO of International Paper. ". . . we are concerned about the ramifications on domestic and international commerce." The Business Roundtable, Washington, promotes public policies fostering vigorous economic growth.