<p>By: Amanda Saxton, Manager, Education, Food Marketing Institute</p> <p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/business-continuity-planning.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=c22e476e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Business Continuity Planning" title="Business Continuity Planning" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />Over the past year or so, hurricanes, fires, and cyberattacks have devastated areas across the United States. For many businesses impacted by these unanticipated events, it has prompted a much-needed conversation around the relevancy of business continuity plans. The same goes for the food retail industry, even grocers must ensure their offices continue to operate during a crisis.</p> <p>Chief Financial Officer for the Food Marketing Institute, Sam DiCarlo, explained, &ldquo;One of the largest challenges in business continuity planning remains how people will communicate when systems are down.&rdquo;</p> <p>In a world that&rsquo;s quickly moving from hard-copy binders to intranet portals, new opportunities and challenges arise for financial officers evaluating their plans. Leveraging technology to transfer mission-critical functions to cloud storage or mobile apps enables employees to have one-button-anytime access.</p> <p>&ldquo;More than ever businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches,&rdquo; said DiCarlo. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about having agile, effective, and highly responsive business plans in place to respond to a not-if-but-when situation.&rdquo;</p> <p> How can you prepare for business continuity in the aftermath of disaster? Attend the Financial Executive and Internal Auditors Conference in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida from April 29 - May 1, 2018. Find more information <a href="https://www.fmi.org/financial-executive-and-internal-audit-conference">here</a>.</p>