James J. Saunders -

       Director, Investigative Operations,          Iowa Department of Public Safety 

In order for Iowa's law enforcement community to be successful in providing public safety services to Iowan's, it is vitally important to maintain open lines of communication with our partners in both the public and private sectors. Safeguard Iowa Partnership provides the conduit for those lines of communication. Through a variety of trainings and educational opportunities, Safeguard Iowa Partnership affords organizations the ability to learn and share information related to disaster planning and mitigation. In short, Safeguard Iowa Partnership provides its participants the benefit of understanding how partner agency's plan and train prior to disaster situations occurring which could mean the difference between successful mitigation efforts and potential devastating consequences. 

Jeff McClaran -                                                     Vice President, Wells Fargo                       Enterprise Incident Management 

Our program within Wells Fargo deals with incidents across the county and internationally.  We are strong supporters of partnerships, and Safeguard Iowa Partnership is definitely one of our strongest, well-manged partnerships. It has numerous key public-sector agencies as active members, as well as large and small private-sector subject matter experts working and training together. When working an incident we look for quick, accurate and vetted information.  Safeguard Iowa Partnership makes it easy to get the information we look for in a "one-stop-shop" setting. Having trained private-sector liaisons in state and county Emergency Operation Centers is a huge assist to us in getting the vetted information we need.  If you are not currently a member, I recommend and encourage you to get involved with Safeguard Iowa Partnership, an organization that can and is making a difference in the way we prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. 

Mark Schouten -                                                    Director, Iowa Department of                    Homeland Security & Emergency            Management 

In the field of emergency management, partnerships are essential. One of the partnerships most important to the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is with the Safeguard Iowa Partnership. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management recognizes the value of collaborations between the public and private sectors before, during and afters disasters. Since SIP was created in 2007, it has provided valuable resource during many disasters. 

Sally Sonnenburg -                                                 MidAmerican Energy Company              (Retired) 

Safeguard Iowa Partnership provides value to MidAmerican Energy Company as the liaison between state and local governments and private entities during preparedness planning and disaster response and recovery. Whether it is flooding, tornadoes, facility fires, active shooter response, pandemic disease, or cybersecurity, Safeguard Iowa provides leadership to coordinate the right people with the right resources at the right time and critical awareness to all partners, many of which are small and medium-sized businesses. By offering toolkits and training, coordinating exercises, and sponsoring networking opportunities, partners come together to help each other develop stronger programs and share lessons learned,  The public-private partnership benefits MidAmerican Energy and its customers, which is why the company continues its sponsorship and active involvement. 

Mike Burke -                                                               Robbery and Crisis Management             Consultant, SHAZAM

Safeguard Iowa Partnership has been a great resource for me this year. Whether it's assisting with training and educational materials or providing networking opportunities with our partner organizations, SIP has consistently come through in response to our needs.  They are a great partners for us. 

Mitch Nordmeyer -                                                   Coordinator, Butler County                         Emergency Management                           Agency 

....Earlier this year one of my communities lost their water system and was without potable water for over a week. I asked your assistance in obtaining bottled water. Not just a small amount either, 6-8 pallets and you came through with flying colors! We were able to stay ahead of the demand and everyone in that small community had all the water they needed. 

This past week Butler County suffered major flooding from the Shell Rock River in three communities, Greene, Clarksville, and Shell Rock.  I again contacted you and told you I needed three pallets of water for the volunteers in those stricken areas.  Albeit some challenging logistical problems, you never gave up and stayed on the task of providing me the water I needed! I was able to keep those cities informed of what was taking place by the excellent and constant communication from yourself. It was a frustrating couple of days but I cannot say thank you enough for staying on top of the request and getting us our water. 

I have nothing but accolades for you and Safeguard Iowa Partnership....