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Why should we join? What’s in it for us?
There are many good reasons your company should consider joining the ranks of the PER Program:
- Preparedness - In times of disaster or crisis those companies who have a well coordinated and rehearsed plan are most likely to not only survive, but recover quicker. Quick recovery and resuming normal operations as quickly as possible immediately following a disaster is what PER is all about.
- Benefits - The PER program offers members a portfolio of meaningful benefits (review the "What are the Benefits?" FAQ below or go to the Benefits section under the Membership tab of this site).
- Networking and Best Practices - PER offers members a forum for comparing best-in-class practices for business continuity operations and emergency response.
- Civic pride and responsibility - The PER program fosters and instills a sense pride and civic leadership. For many companies, Eden Prairie is not only where they operate a business; but it is where their employees and customers live, work and play.
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Does any other government agency have access to the Database?
No. All data is held in the strictest confidence under provisions of the data privacy act which protects information that has homeland security implications.
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How does a member contribute?
Members contribute in numerous ways. First of all by joining this effort and becoming involved a member gains insights into how to best protect themselves and their employees in the event of a disaster. This training allows organizations to know when to call for emergency help and when issues can wait or be handled internally when resources are stretched. Secondly, in the membership application there is the ability to list goods and or services that an organization might have available to local officials in the event of a disaster. An example might be bottled water, a large capacity generator, or IT resources. Last but not least, by virtue of being a member, organizations are by default more involved in the local community and therefore able to spot potential risks or unusual situations and report them immediately.
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How secure is the data?
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What makes the Eden Prairie PER Program different?
The cornerstone of the Eden Prairie PER Program is a strong partnership with the business community operating within the City confines. By forging a collaborative atmosphere with the private sector, the City’s ability to plan for and respond to emergencies and disasters greatly improves. The end result is a more resilient community with enhanced recuperative powers. The Eden Prairie PER Program is about assessing, listening and responding to the needs of the Eden Prairie business community in times of crisis.
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How do we get started?
By completing the PER Membership Application on-line. Click on the Membership tab and then the Apply Now tab in the right hand column. You will be notified when your application is being processed.
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What are the requirements for Membership?
Any organization located within Eden Prairie city limits qualifies for membership in PER. Businesses wishing to avail themselves of PER benefits can provide additional information regarding their business.
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What if we have multiple Eden Prairie facilities?
Multiple facilities or buildings should be registered under the original or primary Member. Additional information for each facility or building will be captured on the Membership Application.
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Is there a vetting process for PER Members?
Yes. When your company’s PER Membership Application is processed a PER representative from the City offices will make contact with the company.
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How much time and what kind of resources will our company be required to contribute?
Other than meeting the annual minimum requirements for PER Membership, the amount of time and resources expended by your company will be determined by you. PER Member meetings will be held quarterly, but attendance is not mandatory. There are no minimum amount of resources PER Members will be required to contribute.
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How does our company get more involved?
In addition to regular PER Membership, a representative of your company can become a Member of the PER Steering Committee. The Steering Committee provides advice, works on special projects and helps develop new PER programs and benefits.
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Is there a Steering Committee or Charter group?
Yes. A Charter group was created to help develop and implement PER. The original Charter and Founding Members of PER now form the nucleus of a Steering Committee that will debate and provide advice to the PER Operating Committee.
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How is the PER Program funded? Is there any cost to members?
At this point in time, the program is being funded by the City and there are no out-of-pocket costs to a member. The City does not envision assessing membership fees in the future. The largest expense thus far has been staff and private sector time to attend meetings and work on projects. Going forward some minor costs will be incurred related to City staff time working on various aspects of the project; these costs will also be absorbed by the City.
Example: PER members will be entitled to a complete site security analysis and a fire safety review. These two functions will be performed by a Police Officer and a Fire Inspector, respectively.
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