The beginning of 2020 brought a heightened sense of health preparedness and focus on the importance of identifying misinformation and combating disinformation on social media. Misinformation is defined as inaccuracies stemming from an error in information gathering or reporting, while disinformation is intentionally fabricating false information to shape a point of view or a story. Distinguishing between misinformation, disinformation, and credible information is critical to stakeholder understanding regarding the impact of the Coronavirus (a.k.a. #2019nCoV). While a majority of information seekers may not be impacted by #2019nCoV, learning how to recognize reliable information sources during this outbreak or any other crisis event is important.
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the #coronavirus outbreak a global emergency. As confirmed #2019nCoV cases are reported, and increased loss of life continues to make headlines, information about the health crisis has overtaken digital and social media.
Social Media Impact
According to Twitter, as of January 30, 2020, there have been over 15 million tweets on the topic. The spread of misinformation and disinformation is so prolific that big tech is actively trying to combat its voracity.
For example, Facebook is giving ad credits to the World Health Organization and Philippines Department of Health to share information and is also modifying its algorithm when users search for terms related to the outbreak.
YouTube is returning text results when users search for “coronavirus” and other terms related to the outbreak and is also pointing to authoritative video results.
Google is changing its algorithm to point users to verified information sources in search results and indicating when information has been fact-checked. Likewise, Twitter has modified its search results to point to authoritative, local-language information when people search for related terms.
Addressing Misinformation/Disinformation
The viral spread of misinformation and disinformation related to the outbreak also prompted the World Health Organization’s Director to specifically address the impact of rumors and misinformation.
“accelerate the development of vaccines, therapeutics & diagnostics.
combat the spread of rumours & misinformation.
review preparedness plans, identify gaps & evaluate the resources needed to identify, isolate & care for cases, & prevent transmission.
share data, knowledge & experience with WHO & the world.”
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s 2018 publication on Countering False Information on Social Media in Disasters and Emergencies found social media information is typically shared with good intent. Researchers identified different characteristics of social media posts that lead information consumers to believe alternative behavior such as those which intentionally propagate malicious agendas with incorrect information include intentional versus unintentional; insufficient information; opportunist disinformation; and outdated information.
Taking Action
If organizations do not take the initiative to develop a foundation of trust and authenticity with stakeholders before a crisis, stakeholders will look to unofficial sources. Likewise, if social media information is not monitored and not corrected in a timely manner, rumors, as well as misinformation and disinformation will run rampant.
The scientific adage that nature abhors a vacuum also pertains to the flow of information during a crisis – even if that information is inaccurate or misleading. If we have learned anything from the #coronavirus outbreak, it is professional communicators must adapt their communication methods to combat the viral spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media.
February 11, 2020 – St. Petersburg, FL. Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®), a Preparedness Solutions Company, announces the expansion of its Strategic Communications Program. This program is designed to help organizations develop and implement effective internal and external communications before, during and after a crisis. It will address a growing demand from both the corporate and government sectors which have become increasingly concerned about their ability to effectively manage public affairs, crisis communications, and much more, within the current age of ever-changing threats and instant communication through diverse pathways.
SummitET expands its Strategic Communications program with the addition of two internationally recognized communications experts to lead the program: Mark Basnight, Director, and Holly Hardin, Manager of Strategic Communications. Both Basnight and Hardin have extensive communications experience across corporate and government sectors and stand ready to support clients in the development and execution of a communications strategy.
“When we started SummitET, the idea was to help our customers prepare for a variety of disasters. Today, nations, communities, and organizations are confronted with more complex challenges – our focus is to deliver remarkable customer service and provide full-spectrum preparedness solutions,” said John Duda, CEO of SummitET. “Over the last year, we have increased our attention to our communication program to address a wide range of risk, crisis, and public information issues.”
The Strategic Communications Program is tailored to each client to achieve confidence through a programmatic strategy of delivering internal and external communication. These customized products and services include:
Course development and delivery on risk and crisis communications, reputation management, internal communication, digital and social media, community relations and education, and media relations.
Immersive activities using the most current technology and social sciences.
Flexible, scalable mock media and social media simulation support.
Onsite full-scale exercises and virtual support for smaller drills and exercises.
Onsite and/or virtual exercise support using comprehensive training tools.
Real-time social media play and injects across native, secure, closed-loop social media exercise environment.
Assessing, planning, training, and exercising strategic communications plans for learning, improving, and efficiencies throughout the organization.
On-call strategic communications practitioners and subject-matter experts to assist organizations with real-world crisis response.
Certified Master Exercise Practitioners to assist in all aspects of planning, exercise conduct and evaluation, and training support.
“Our goal is to boost partnerships within all tiers of government, private business, and industry, and to identify the most effective methods of communicating public and internal information,” said Pamela Piersanti, VP of Programs and Strategy.
To learn more about the SummitET Strategic Communications program, click here.
About SummitET Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) is a U.S.-based, veteran-owned company that provides proven full spectrum preparedness solutions through industry-leading experts and impeccable customer service. Our diverse team supports corporate and governmental partners in developing solutions that address issues of critical infrastructure, radiological and emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, workplace safety, active shooter programs, counterterrorism, and other disaster-related training.
Media Contact Ron Edmond Email: [email protected] Phone: 865-567-2248
Summit Exercises and Training (SummitET), a St.Petersburg-based company, launched an associate recognition program with a personal touch entitled ‘RISE’ to reflect SummitET’s core values; Recognition, Innovation, Service, Excellence. This award will be presented to associates who best embody these principles.
“Leader-associate relationships are vital to keeping our remote team in balance. We wanted to develop a way to ensure associates are receiving the recognition they deserve, as well as motivate good performance and commitment to the company,” says HR Manager, Randy Melton.
SummitET RISE Program: Innovation, Service, Excellence, and Recognition.
SummitET RISE Program: Innovation, Service, Excellence, and Recognition.
During a team meeting they will be presented a custom SummitET “Challenge Coin” alongside a personal note from the CEO. Managers and associates are encouraged to nominate team members for a RISE coin when they see a worthy example, earning them recognition.
Other criteria determining RISE award winners include team member satisfaction levels, attracting other quality associates for employment, and improving business quality and service.
“Being a service-centric business, our people are our most important asset. We prioritize work-life balance, benefits, continued education, and encouraging our associates to grow.” CEO, John Duda, commented. “SummitET strives to recognize associates who not only personify our core values of Recognition, Innovation, Service, Excellence, but go above and beyond to continually raise the bar.”
A special congratulations to our inaugural SummitET RISE challenge coin recipients; Ron Crane, Christine Moore, Valerie Potucek, Jerry Furniss and Randy Melton. Kudos, and thanks for your dedication to bringing our company to the forefront of Innovation, Service and Excellence.
January 6, 2020, St. Petersburg, FL — Summit Exercises and Training® (SummitET®), a Preparedness Solutions Company®, announces the addition of Scott Glick to the role of Vice President and General Counsel. Scott’s key focus will be to provide advice to customers regarding counterterrorism, weapons of mass destruction, law enforcement, intelligence, and consequence management related matters to ensure that preparedness planning is cohesive.
Before joining SummitET, Scott served in a number of high-ranking positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, including as the Director of Preparedness and Response, the Deputy Chief in the Counterterrorism Section, and the Deputy Counsel in the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a company that emphasizes both a commitment to preparedness and its close-knit team,” comments Scott. “SummitET offered me an opportunity to work alongside a diverse cadre of subject matter experts to prepare customers for a variety of disasters.”
Scott brings more than thirty-five years of experience, including prosecution, critical incident response, management, policy, exercise and teaching to SummitET. He is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland and received his law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where he was a member of the law review. He is licensed to practice law in the State of New York and Washington, D.C. Scott will be based in SummitET’s new D.C. office.
“Scott has played a major role in the development and drafting of national preparedness policies, plans, and strategies. We are honored to have one the nation’s leading experts in his field join our team,” said John Duda, Chief Executive Officer of SummitET. “Bringing on Scott was a strategic decision to provide better value to our customers in their planning efforts.”
To learn more about Scott’s background, click here.
December 3, 2019 – St. Petersburg, FL. Summit Exercises and Training (SummitET), a preparedness solutions company, is proud to announce a new contract award to support the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) with their Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) at their field offices and sites.
NNSA is responsible for enhancing national security; enhancing safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, reducing global danger from weapons of mass destruction; providing the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad. SummitET will provide training, consultation services, threat assessment, and intervention protocols training through WVPP.
“We look forward to collaborating with SummitET to further developing our Workplace Violence Prevention Program,” said Cliff Gordon, Assistant Manager for Safeguards & Security, NNSA Sandia Field Office. “The training to be developed as part of this program will help NNSA take a proactive approach toward safeguarding our employees.”
SummitET has supported DOE/NNSA and the DOE National Laboratories with other training and planning programs since 2014. In addition to NNSA’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program, SummitET is currently contracted to support the Office of Radiological Security, the Office of Nuclear Incident Policy and Cooperation, and the Office of Nuclear Response.
“It is increasingly important that all organizations have established programs in place to prevent and respond to workplace violence incidents,” comments John Duda, CEO of SummitET. “NNSA’s commitment to establishing and training a workplace violence prevention culture demonstrates a proactive approach to reduce risk and care for the safety of their employees.”
To learn more about SummitET’s workplace violence and active shooter prevention solutions, click here.
On-site training to be conducted at Kirtland Air Force Base/Sandia Field Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico; with optional other DOE/NNSA Sites as follows: DOE/NNSA Forrestal Building, Washington, DC; DOE/NNSA Germantown Building, Germantown, MD; Albuquerque Complex, KAFB, Albuquerque, NM; Kansas City Field Office, Kansas City, MO; Livermore Field Office, Livermore, CA; Los Alamos Field Office, Los Alamos, NM; Nevada Field Office, Las Vegas, NV; Production Office in Oak Ridge, TN with oversight to Pantex Plant, Amarillo, TX and Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, TN; and Savannah River Field Office, Aiken, SC.
About SummitET Summit Exercises and Training is a U.S.-based, veteran-owned preparedness solutions company that provides proven full spectrum preparedness solutions through industry-leading experts and impeccable customer service. Our diverse and highly trained team supports our corporate and governmental partners in developing solutions that address issues of critical infrastructure, radiological and emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, workplace safety and active shooter programs, counterterrorism, and other disaster-related training.
Media Contact Ron Edmond Email: [email protected] Phone: 865-567-2248
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