Finally, there was an interesting story on Wednesday regarding a new report from AT&T Inc. and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) which reveals that companies in the Western region of the United States are not as prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks as companies elsewhere in the country. The report, “Disaster Planning in the Private Sector: A Look at the State of Business Continuity in the U.S.,” surveyed 100 senior technology executives with direct business-planning responsibilities in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. It found that barely half of the companies in these states have a business-continuity plan. Furthermore, 38 percent said having a business continuity plan is not an important priority for them. The report theorizes that a lack of natural disasters in the West in recent years has led to a certain level of complacency among business owners.

Certainly, those of us who live in the Northeast can relate to the fact that when you have “no weather,” to speak of, it’s easy to become complacent about the potential for natural disasters. We’ve barely seen any winter weather so far here in Connecticut. But then again, it’s only December!

Don’t forget about the TMC INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO, to be held Jan. 24-27 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Keynote speakers include Ron Insana, anchor of “Street Signs” on MSNBC; Former Secretary of the U.S. Homeland Security Department Tom Ridge; and a “who’s who” list of telcom industry executives. With registrations up more than 200 percent from last year, this will be a big event. Be there!