Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005

Association News

Executive Perspective: Computer Security Day Just a Click Away
The upcoming Computer Security Day, set for Nov. 30, is a good time to remember that security goes beyond locks and alarms for our homes and businesses; everyday tools like our computers, need protection as well.

NBFAA Gives Thanks for American Red Cross Contributions
NBFAA would like to extend a warm thanks to all the members and member companies who helped those affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita by donating to the American Red Cross.

Government Relations Team Adds New Player
NBFAA Government Relations Director John Chwat of Chwat & Co. recently announced the new addition of Eric Heis to the lobbying firm as a legislative assistant.

First Line of Defense: Final Call for Entries
The First Line of Defense program deadline is Nov. 4, 2005. Don't wait another minute! Friday is your last day to submit your application for the chance to win a trip to Vegas!

More Than 2500 Online Skills Courses Offered by NTS
Our e-Learning products provide a cost-effective solution to your learning needs. Put together a subscription of online courses containing packages, series or both.

Member News

Continental Instruments Hires New Regional Sales Manager
Brian Arenofsky joined Continental Instruments, Inc. of Amityville, N.Y., as the organization's northeast regional sales manager.

SSI Calls for 11th Annual Sammy Awards Entries
It's time for installing dealers/integrators to send in entries for Security Sales & Integration's (SSI) 11th Annual Sales and Marketing (SAMMY) Awards as well as the SSI Installations of the Year awards.

Member Benefit Spotlight: Smoky Mountain Internet Services, Inc
Promote your company with a Web site or Internet marketing campaign through SMnet, a full-service Internet company dedicated to the electronic life safety, security and systems industry.

In The News

NBFAA in the Headlines
Recent Press Releases

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Association News

Executive Perspective: Computer Security Day Just a Click Away

By Merlin Guilbeau
NBFAA Executive Director

The upcoming Computer Security Day, set for Nov. 30, is a good time to remember that security goes beyond locks and alarms for our homes and businesses; everyday tools like our computers, need protection as well.

Because your computer systems are essential to the success of your business, we want to provide you with information about this upcoming event and to provide you with some tips on computer security. Here are just a few of the more than 50 ways to enhance systems security according to the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA):

• Offer a training session to provide all computer users with a basic understanding of computer security
• Encourage password changes
• Delete unnecessary files
• Install and inspect power surge protection as appropriate
• Install fire/smoke detection and suppression equipment in areas with computers

If you would like additional information about strengthening your computer security, pick up the latest publication from ISACA called, Security Awareness: Best Practices to Secure Your Enterprise. It offers 18 steps for creating a security awareness program and includes a self-assessment guide.

For more information about Computer Security Day, visit www.computersecurityday.org.

NBFAA Gives Thanks for American Red Cross Contributions

NBFAA would like to extend a warm thanks to all the members and member companies who helped those affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita by donating to the American Red Cross. Your contribution has aided in the recovery and rebuilding of many people’s lives and we commend you for your efforts.

Thank you to the following:

Alan and Inez Wachtel
Carole and Ray McLester
DTN Services
East Bay Alarm Association
Fire & Security Systems
Goodstrong Lock & Alarm
J & K Lock and Security
Mark and Patricia Ingram
Merlin and Robbie Guilbeau
Murrell Burglar Alarms
New York Electronics Security Association
Ralph and Stacie Sevinor
Terri Jones
Tonja Jenkins

Government Relations Team Adds New Player

The NBFAA Government Relations team recently announced the hiring of Eric Heis to the government relations firm, Chwat & Co., as the new legislative assistant.

NBFAA Government Relations Director John Chwat, said he was looking forward to working with Heis. “We are pleased to welcome an individual who possesses the skills and experience our organization needs to help provide the best quality of service to NBFAA members,” Chwat said. “Eric will be joining Zach DeWaters, our vice president, who has Capitol Hill experience working for Sen. Kit Bond(R-MO) and trade association lobbying background.”

Heis previously served as the grassroots coordinator for former Rep. Bob McEwan in his district’s 2005 special election and as an aide to Sen. George Voinovich.

In January, NBFAA announced a ramping up of the association’s Government Relations program with the hiring of veteran lobbyist John Chwat, president of Chwat & Company, Inc., Alexandria, Va.

In representing NBFAA, Chwat and his team review, report, monitor and recommend strategies to influence state and federal legislation that impacts NBFAA and its members; recommend proactive approaches for NBFAA to take in these areas; communicate with NBFAA and its members about these activities; and develop access to key Congressional leaders and their staff. They also monitor activity that could affect NBFAA members in all 50 state legislatures and provide written materials and assistance to NBFAA members and state chapters.

First Line of Defense: Final Call for Entries

The First Line of Defense program deadline is Nov. 4, 2005. Don’t wait another minute! Friday is your last day to submit your application for the chance to win a trip to Vegas!

If you have a story about a time when one of your company's electronic security or life safety systems helped save lives, avert property damage, or prevent a crime, send in an entry to the First Line of Defense program.

If your story is selected, you and your customer will win a free trip to Las Vegas during the 2006 ISC West Show, courtesy of NBFAA and SDM. There you will be honored at the keynote breakfast and your story will be featured in SDM Magazine.

Go to http://www.alarm.org/pr/flod/ or call (888) 447-1689 for further information.

More Than 2500 Online Skills Courses Offered by NTS

NTS e-Learning products provide a cost-effective solution to your learning needs. Put together a subscription of online courses containing packages, series or both. You'll get unlimited access, 24/7, to high quality online courses for a full twelve months!

For information about NTS, e-mail NTS@alarm.org or call toll free at (866) 636-1687.

Central Station Training
Nov. 30-Montevallo, Ala.

Certified Alarm Tech
Nov. 11-13-Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 18-20-Tulsa, Okla.
Nov. 29-Dec. 01-Little Rock, Ark.
Nov. 30-Dec. 02-Long Island, N.Y.

Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Nov. 16-18-Buffalo, N.Y.
Nov. 18-20-Tulsa, Okla.

 Life Safety Code Course & Workshop
Nov. 18-20-Tulsa, Okla.

Practical Electronics
Nov. 18-20-Tulsa, Okla.

Security Networking Institute
Nov. 14-15-Atlanta, Ga.

Understanding Alarm Systems
Nov.11-Elk Grove, Ill.
Nov.11-Milwaukee, Wis.
Nov.16-Montevallo, Ala.

Member News

Continental Instruments Hires New Regional Sales Manager

Brian Arenofsky joined Continental Instruments, Inc. of Amityville, N.Y., as the organization’s northeast regional sales manager. Based out of Toms River, N.J., Arenofsky will be assisting much of the northeast including: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania and Maryland. “With 31 years of extensive security industry experience, Brian is sure to be a valuable addition to the Continental family”, says Bill Lorber, vice president and general manager of Continental Instruments. Arenofsky is a past vice president of the New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association and a current instructor for the NBFAA National Training School.