National Experts in Business, Security, Terrorism and the Law to Explore Solutions

Does easy access to catastrophic biological and chemical agents pose domestic and international threats? Can security systems and law enforcement protect us from potential intrusions on individual and corporate rights? Have cyber-terrorists compromised the privacy rights of individuals and businesses?

These are just a few issues to be addressed when a panel of national experts in the areas of business, security, law enforcement, terrorism and the law examine the business implications of terrorism and government anti-terrorism programs at a conference sponsored by the DePaul University College of Law. "Terrorism in Business" will begin at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 15 at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., 8^th floor Conference Center.

Michael Sheehan, the counter-terrorism coordinator for the U.S. State Department, will provide the keynote address. He is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing American counter-terrorism policy. His remarks are scheduled for 9:15 a.m.

"As threats of terrorism escalate, the time is ripe to examine the potential risk they pose to business and what can be done to counter it," said Barry Kellman, a professor of law at DePaul and a nationally recognized legal authority on weapons control and terrorism. "Since terrorist activities could inflict enormous costs, the business community must strengthen its capability to protect itself. Greater regulation of commercial and industrial activity to prevent access to dangerous items also sets the stage for increasing governmental intrusion into the marketplace which could impact economic vitality and jeopardize our civil liberties."

Key presenters include:

• Larry Collins, vice president, Investigative Group International, Inc.
• Michael J. O’Neil, senior counsel, Center for Democracy and Technology

• Scott Lassar, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois
• Gary Fresen, attorney and chair of the Information Commerce Committee of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
• Sheryl Vonblucher, formerly involved in international strategy for British Peteroleum/Amoco
• Lynn Klotz, chair, subgroup on industry concerns, Federation of American Scientists’ Biological and Toxic Weapons Verification Program

The conference will address such topics as the adequacy of law enforcement and private security services to protect against terrorism; how to guard against cyber-terrorism without silencing communication; and how to regulate biological and chemical agents without violating the Constitution.

The final session of the workshop will explore proposals for new initiatives to help counter the growing threats of terrorism.

Program co-sponsors include the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations; the Chicago Chamber of Commerce; the Mid-America Committee; the World Trade Center of Chicago; the Investigative Group International; the National Strategy Forum; the Midwest Consortium for International Security Studies and the DePaul University College of Commerce.

The cost of the entire conference, which includes a luncheon, is $125 per person. Cost for the conference only is $100 and for the luncheon only is $35. To register, call Robert Sibler at 312/362-6178.

Editors note: Reporters wishing to cover the event should contact Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039. Additional conference information can be found at www.law.depaul.edu/terrorconf.