HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Ongoing Operations LLC, a business continuity, multi-owned CUSO formed in March 2005, held its ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of its 32,000 square-foot facility. The seven charter owners of the CUSO are National Institutes of Health FCU, Northwest FCU, Department of Labor FCU, HEW FCU, Synergy One FCU, Transportation FCU, and Agriculture FCU. The CUSO offers a turnkey solution for business operations in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist act that could adversely affect the day-to-day operations at member credit unions' branch locations. The Hagerstown facility will provide a suite of services that include: business continuity planning, a fully equipped remote phone center, a complete data center, tapeless backup and recovery and customizable workspace designed to quickly replicate the normal work environment, minimize service disruption and ensure full business continuity. While many credit unions simply have a plan to reallocate a few staff to other branches in case of a natural disaster or terrorist act emergency, Kirk Drake, president/CEO of Ongoing Operations said, "That type of plan would be hard pressed to quickly handle a disruption that lasts more than a couple of days. Not to mention, the other branches might also be affected by the same power outages, flooding conditions, Code Orange disruptions, and regional transportation problems. We felt it was important to have an exclusive location where our member credit unions could conduct business in the event of an emergency." Drake noted that the facility is located about 50 miles outside the Washington, D.C. area, "so any disaster affecting the D.C./Baltimore area, where the charter members are located, won't affect the facility." Ongoing Operations Chair Lindsey Alexander, president/CEO, National Institutes of Health FCU said, "Although no one likes to think of a serious disaster occurring, it's crucial to have a plan in place should tragedy strike. We are confident this center provides the core systems and facilities necessary to keep us operating efficiently and able to serve our members even under disastrous circumstances."