Summary The Southeast Wisconsin Homeland Security Partnership (SWHSP), Inc.’s primary objective is to foster collaboration amongst business, public sector agencies and non-profit organizations to identify, implement and improve ways to protect the 7 county Southeastern Wisconsin region against threats and to respond to and recover from significant attacks and disruptions. Background The Southeast Wisconsin Homeland Security Partnership (SWHSP), Inc. was founded as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in September, 2004. It is the successor to the Milwaukee County Regional Homeland Security Partnership that was formed in 2003 in recognition of a post-911 need to provide awareness and preparedness between the various levels of government as well as between the public and private sectors. SWHSP provides a round-table experience for public responder groups, private businesses and non-profit organizations to share awareness topics, issues and solutions and to learn from each other about capabilities, concerns, resources, etc. as true partners, resulting in improved resiliency for our region. Our members consist of City, County and State Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Public Health and Fire agencies, Citizen Corps and other NGO volunteer organizations, as well as large, medium and small businesses in the 7 county areas. Goals and Objectives Major objectives of the SWHSP are to: · Engage in physical and cyber security awareness education, expand personal, community and business disaster preparedness, and deliver business readiness programs to our members and the general public · Public sector Credentialing of the private sector to provide pre-credentialed private sector employees with access to restricted areas following an emergency. · Provide a venue to increase integration of private sector concerns, interests and resources to buttress public sector emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery programs. Description The Southeast Wisconsin Homeland Security Partnership (SWHSP), Inc. was founded as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in September, 2004. It is the successor to the Milwaukee County Regional Homeland Security Partnership that was formed in 2003 in recognition of a post-911 need to provide awareness and preparedness between the various levels of government as well as between the public and private sectors. SWHSP provides a round-table experience for public responder groups, private businesses and non-profit organizations to share awareness topics, issues and solutions and to learn from each other about capabilities, concerns, resources, etc. as true partners, resulting in improved resiliency for our region. Our members consist of City, County and State Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Public Health and Fire agencies, Citizen Corps and other NGO volunteer organizations, as well as large, medium and small businesses in the 7 county area. SWHSP is led by its Board of Directors. Every effort is made to ensure that the Board’s officers consist of both private and public sector representatives. The most important aspect of SWHSP's development is the fact that it was done without monetary assistance from the public. Driven by the core group and board of directors, it is a true example of partnership and sustainability. Endeavoring to provide value to our members, our first major event started with the “Kickoff Conference on Infrastructure Security”. We have continued by offering and/or sponsoring training symposia on WMD, Public Health Emergencies, and general preparedness seminars. Tabletop exercises comprised of public and private sector working groups are frequently integral elements of the programs. Additionally, SWHSP played an integral role in the planning of each State of Wisconsin Preparedness Forum. SWHSP acts as an “umbrella” organization to assist and sponsor other public-private partnerships (PPPs). Regional Business Continuity and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) organizations are represented on our Board. We presently concentrate on preparedness activities and work closely with COAD (Citizens and Organizations Active in Disaster) to support disaster response activities. We continue to be an active sponsor for local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Olympics. We have provided guidance to help develop other public-private organizations around the State of Wisconsin and link to other PPPs. Our organization has engaged with local First Responders to hold large scale, community wide mass casualty and WMD exercises. And we are actively engaged with the Threat Liaison Officer and Fusion Center Homeland Security programs. SWHSP’s efforts led to private sector representation in both City and County Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Our leadership is represented on the Office of Justice Assistance Homeland Security Funding Advisory Committee. Requirements for Success Active and supportive Board of Directors comprised of committed volunteers from multiple CI/KR business sectors. Shared leadership between public and private sectors 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization is supported by very low dues. Provide value-oriented programs to stakeholders. Resources SWHSP has the following resources available through its partnership- A seat in the Emergency Operations Center; resources to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters; web resources; tools and templates; and training seminars and exercises. Training and Exercises SWHSP hosts and participates in joint training and exercises with the public and private sectors. Communication Tools SWHSP uses the following methods of communication with their public/private sectors; email alerts; in-person meetings; conferences and other events; website; media outreach; and public service announcements; and bi-monthly meetings. Links http://www.swhsp.org/ Contact Information Steven M. Kay Chairperson chairman@swhsp.org 262-548-4754 DISCLAIMER FEMA’s Private Sector Division of the Office of External Affairs facilitates information sharing and good practices for developing effective public-private partnerships. This Web site and its contents are provided for informational purposes only, without warranty or guarantee of any kind, and do not represent the official positions of the US Department of Homeland Security. For more information on the Private Sector Division, please email FEMA-private-sector@dhs.gov or visit www.FEMA.gov/privatesector Regional Partnerships-Southeast Wisconsin Homeland Partnership