NBFAA 2006 Strategic Summit Report

Discussion Topics:

The following topics were discussed at the Summit: Vision Statement Mission Statement Dual Membership Board Structure Association Name Change Mission Components Technology Focus Groups

Vision Statement:

Before the attendees considered other agenda items, and how each would help to accomplish the mission of the association, the group determined that it should first agree on a vision for the association.

Upon review of the current NBFAA vision statement and upon studying what a vision statement should do or say, the group established that the vision statement deserved – if not an update or revision – a renewed confirmation.

The group agreed that the vision statement should say what the organization would like to be in the future, either in terms of society or in terms of the organization itself, and that it should be something readily embraced by the entire organization.

They believe that this statement is more appropriate because it is clear, concise and proactive. It states our ideal position now and in the future – exactly what we want to be, and it’s positive and inspiring.
The Board unanimously approved the amended vision statement on January 26, 2006.

Mission Statement:

In the process of revisiting our mission statement, Summit participants learned that a mission statement should: state what your organization does; whom you do it for; and what unmet needs those constituents have that you intend to fulfill. It should also state how your organization is, or will be, unique.

They studied the current mission statement approved by the Board of Directors on September 1, 1999:		And following a very thought-provoking discussion, the mission statement was amended as follows:

The group agreed that this mission statement is a strong, motivational statement that builds consensus and solidifies the association. It is written in clear and simple terms and it inspires and evokes the passion of the organization’s purpose.

The Board unanimously approved the amended mission statement on January 26, 2006.

Dual Membership (Reciprocity):

Following a spirited discussion of pros and cons, the group reaffirmed the commitment to stand as one and continue with the dual membership requirement. Supporters felt that dual membership creates a seamless bond between national and its chapters and enhances our influence as a collective voice. The group expressed a solid belief that maintaining a strong federation between the charted chapters and national is paramount to the future of the industry.

On January 26, 2006, the following motion was overwhelmingly approved, 32 in favor and one against.

“The NBFAA Board of Directors reaffirmed the existing dual membership requirement with the chartered chapters and direct staff to work with legal counsel to draft a new chartered chapter agreement which, upon approval by the Board of Directors, will be required for each current and future chartered chapter.”

Board Structure:

Likewise, a lively discussion took place regarding the structure of the NBFAA Board and the duties and responsibilities of board members. A number of topics were discussed including:

On January 26, 2006, the Board unanimously approved the following motion:

“The NBFAA Board of Directors reaffirmed the current structure of the board of directors and direct staff to draft a Board Policy Manual including a Board Orientation program, Board Job Descriptions, Board Agreements and other pertinent documents.”

Association Name Change:

So, why a name change? Why after all this time? Why bother?

There are many reasons for a name change for the association — not the least of which is that ‘National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association’ reflected the industry in 1948 but does not accurately mirror today’s reality of the industry.

It does not reflect the broad range of products and services that our members provide.

Many companies within the industry are engaged in sophisticated systems integration and consider themselves to be integrators because they do much more than burglar and fire alarms. And some — while they are integrators in the electronic security industry — don’t do burglar or fire alarms at all. The perception given by our current name is a deterrent to many of these companies because they don’t think we serve or represent them.

The term “burglar alarm” in particular is outdated; even among consumers, the more well-known description is “intrusion detection”.

"A new name, one that more accurately describes the industry we represent, will attract new members and provide continued impetus for growth."

A new name, one that more accurately describes the industry we represent, will attract new members and provide continued impetus for growth.

Prior surveys confirmed that one of the reasons companies did not join the NBFAA was that the association's name did not appear to reflect their business segments.

A name that encompasses a broader spectrum of the industry will encourage greater participation.

At the recent Strategic Summit, the discussion of a name change began with some background:

• The issue of an association name change has been under serious discussion for six years. In 2000 a name change project was undertaken. Plans were developed and options discussed. It was decided at that time to brand a new logo using the acronym and a tag-line that better depicts the products and services our members provide. At that time NBFAA added the tagline: “Electronic Life Safety, Security & Systems Professionals”.
• In 2003, building on a member survey undertaken as part of the strategic planning process, outside consultants and association leaders discussed the merits and value of completing the name change. Consequently, the Board of Directors (as part of the strategic plan) approved the concept for a name change that accurately depicts the scope of services and products provided by NBFAA members.

As a product of brainstorming sessions between outside consultants and association leaders, the following name: Electronic Life Safety & Systems Association - was proposed for recommendation to the general membership.

On, January 26, 2006 the following motion was overwhelmingly approved, 31 in favor, one opposed, one abstention:

“The NBFAA Board of Directors recommends to the general membership an association name change to: Electronic Life Safety & Systems Association.”

Mission Components:

Final discussions at the Summit focused on two new concepts. First, Mission Components were proposed as a way for the association to organize the programs that are vital to mission success. To lead the electronic life safety, security, and systems integration industry for the benefit of our members, consumers and public safety requires concentration in five main areas:

• Government Relations
• Industry Affairs
• Professional Development
• Public Relations
• Standards Development

By providing these critical components, the association is able to fulfill its mission to represent, promote, and support the industry through a federation of chapters, empowering members to grow their businesses.

The following motion was unanimously approved on January 26, 2006:

“The NBFAA Board of Directors accepts the proposed mission components: Government Relations, Industry Affairs, Professional Development, Public Relations, Standards Development.”

Technology Focus Groups:

Following the discussion of the Mission Components, the staff presented another new concept to the Board: Technology Focus Groups (TFGs).

As envisioned, these groups will be formed to proactively identify and communicate technological changes and their potential effects on the industry and our members. Additionally, they would serve as a forum for our members to influence technological changes. Subject matter experts from manufacturers and integrators will be invited to lead the TFGs.

NBFAA/FARA Model Burglar Alarm Ordinance:

The NBFAA Alarm Response Management Subcommittee produced a four page Executive Summary to the twenty-four page NBFAA/FARA Model Burglar Alarm Ordinance. The new summary serves as a useful tool to industry constituents when approaching municipalities on the subject. The new summary is available online at www.alarm.org in the ‘Information Section’.

On January 26, 2006, The Executive Summary was approved by the NBFAA Board of Directors: 33 in favor, one opposed.

Dues Structure:

The concept of charging the same amount for all member company locations was discussed. This “flat dues structure” would replace the existing method of charging dues based on number of employees and number of locations.

On January 26, 2006, the following motion was unanimously approved by the NBFAA Board of Directors:

“The NBFAA Board of Directors requests that the Membership Committee study the financial impact of a flat dues structure.”

Benefits of CSA Affiliation:

During the Summit, participants were asked to validate the advantages of chapter affiliation with NBFAA. Discussion began by affirming the benefits listed on page 10 of the January NBFAA Special Report recently mailed to members. The group agreed the following short list summarizes the value NBFAA provides to the chapters. A copy of the January Special Report is available at www.alarm.org in the ‘Information Section’.

• Guide the direction of the national association and the industry through state representation on the NBFAA board of directors
• Revenue-generating opportunities through the National Training School (NTS)
• Revenue-sharing opportunities through select NBFAA member benefit programs
• Government relations lobbying on the national level with a veteran lobbyist to guide and advise states in their efforts
• Monthly NBFAA state legislative reports on industry related affairs
• Our Government Relations Department will alert your state leaders when pertinent legislative activity in your state is identified and will offer expert advice and direction
• The NBFAA staff will conduct membership dues billing and reporting at no charge to your association
• Direct access (through NBFAA cultivated relationships) to public safety leaders
• Through your affiliation with NBFAA, your state has direct representation to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, the NFPA and the International Code Council (ICC)
• Networking opportunities and shared best practices with fellow CSA colleagues
• Membership recruitment and retention marketing tools and programs
• Dedicated and accessible NBFAA volunteer leaders and staff ready to assist
• CSA leadership training opportunities and resources via the NBFAA/CSA Symposium, teleconferences, and resource guides
• Partnership with the nation’s oldest, largest; most trusted and recognized electronic life safety, security and systems association.

Summary:

The NBFAA 2006 Strategic Summit ended with the following decisions:

1. Approval of revitalized Vision and Mission statements
2. A reaffirmation of the requiring membership in both the national and chartered chapters
3. The Board directed staff to develop a new chartered chapter agreement that reflects the input received from the Board.
4. A reaffirmation of the current Board structure
5. Staff is directed to create Board policies and procedures as discussed at the Summit.
6. Approval that a name change to “Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association” be presented for a vote by the general membership
7. Approval of five Mission Components for the association: Government Relations; Industry Affairs; Professional Development; Public Relations; Standards Development
8. Approval to form five Technology Focus Groups: Intrusion Detection; Access Control; Video Surveillance; Fire Life Safety; Communications
9. Approval to accept the Executive Summary of the NBFAA/FARA Model Burglar Alarm Ordinance
10. Approval to direct the Membership Committee to study a flat dues structure
11. Affirmation of CSA Affiliation Advantages