Safe at Home: Portland's Automobile Industry Supports Nation's Homeland Security Efforts
Today, the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association made a significant contribution to national homeland security efforts by providing the National Center for Disaster Decision Making (NCDDM) with a leading donation of $150,000. The new Center - the first of its kind in the U.S. - will be based in Portland and serve as an educational hub providing decision-makers across the country with the skills they need to combat natural and terrorist disasters.

"The Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association's commitment to the community has given us the momentum we need to turn the Center's concept into a reality. This generous donation will be designated for its curriculum and marketing efforts," said Portland Mayor Vera Katz. "The Association's backing of the Center further underscores its importance regionally and nationally as a Center for collaboration and education - as well as a boost for our local economy, generating an estimated $22.5 million annually."

Currently there is no national system that prepares senior leaders to face challenges presented by domestic disasters. Katz and Portland Chief of Police, Mark Kroeker, announced the formation of NCDDM to fill that void by enhancing the decision-making abilities - with training supported by state-of-the-art hardware and software designed to replicate crisis situations - of emergency service professionals, public health managers, appointed and elected officials and private sector executives from across the country.

"One of the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association's primary missions is to support educational opportunities at all levels," said Sean Kuni, president of the Association's board. "When we became aware of the formation of this Center, we wanted to extend our educational mission in its support. We understand the important role the Center play as public officials and other business leaders come together to share knowledge and conceive ideas about responding to domestic crisis situations. Now more than ever we must work cooperatively to make a difference in our nation's homeland security efforts."