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VEMA Members, As we approach another forecasted above-average hurricane season, it’s reassuring to see Emergency Managers across the Commonwealth staying focused and proactive. Now is the time to finalize plans, align technology with guidebooks and standard operating procedures, train with colleagues and partners, identify and address capability gaps, and ensure our communities are as prepared as possible. This month we also celebrated the new timing of Virginia Emergency Management (EM) Professionals Week, falling during the first full week of June. I hope you and your communities were able to participate in recognizing the dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment of Virginia’s diverse EM professionals. Again, we thank you for standing at the front lines of disasters – before, during, and after. Your service saves lives. We would like to build upon this recognition opportunity in future years, so please share ideas about what you would like to see and how we can help you spotlight your amazing work. Looking ahead, I would love to hear more about the incredible work you are doing every day to strengthen the Commonwealth’s resilience. Please share your efforts – whether in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—through short stories, photos, and shoutouts to colleagues and partners to [email protected]. We will be highlighting these everyday champions in upcoming newsletters, outreach initiatives, and legislative events to shine a light on the vital contributions of our emergency management community. Danielle Holmstrom |