From the President

GNO-ARMA 2009– 2010 Theme

 

The lack of good records and information management practices has had a devastating effect on the Greater New Orleans area. Hurricane Katrina clearly illustrated and magnified the lack of preparation in the private and nonprofit sectors, which led to the direct failure of hundreds of companies because they didn't have plans to protect their vital records which are essential for carrying on business.

 

Bad records management-- or the complete lack thereof-- has caused our city so much grief in our legal system with criminal records being housed in court attics to our newest alleged scandals involving the New Orleans housing authority and Mandeville Mayor Price. Records practices also plague, to this day, the ability of Louisiana and its residents to recover because of an inept Road Home system. There is such a storm brewing regarding the way our area handles records that substantive changes should be demanded from every entity in our city.

 

The good, the bad, and the ugly of Records Management makes a tremendous impact on the Greater New Orleans area and, as Records Managers, we should lead the discussion of ways to improve those practices for the benefit of the city we love.

 

David W. Honeman

President