Four professionals from Georgia along with two interpreters will be in Kalamazoo from March 29-April 3 to as part of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

The multiple goals for the program include:

• Exploring best practices in emergency preparedness, management, planning, funding, and coordination among federal, state, and local government and the private sector;

  Investigating how local experts anticipate and develop contingency plans for natural disasters, pandemics, technological hazards, terrorism threats and/or conflict;

• A deep dive into the recruitment, training, leadership development, and funding for paid professionals and volunteer-based Emergency Management Service (EMS) personnel; and

• Exploring public-private partnerships and programs that advance economic and community recovery.