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In This Issue

• Association News
  Executive Perspective: Strategic Summit Results in Proposed Association Name Change
  Insider’s View: Association Celebrates New Home with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
  Participation is Key: NBFAA Web Survey
  Mission Possible: NBFAA Prepares to Infiltrate Vegas
  Expanding Educational, Professional Boundaries with NTS

• Chapter News
  Vermont Elects New Officials

• Member News
  Micro Key Software to Host SIA’s Train-the-Trainer Course
  Brivo Systems Announces New Addition to Company
  Thompson Named New Sales Manager for Interface Security Systems
  NAPCO Hires New Director of National Accounts
  Tri-Ed’s Annual Meeting Promotes Team-Building
  Win Two Tickets to Maui from The Systems Depot and GE Security
  Member Benefit Spotlight: Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants

• Industry News
  Code Council Donates I-Codes to Louisiana Communities Ravaged by Katrina

• Industry Product News
  Bosch Integrates Divar DVR System with Hartmann Protector II Software

• In The News
  NBFAA in the News
  Recent Press Releases

Summary

Association News

Executive Perspective: Strategic Summit Results in Proposed Association Name Change
The NBFAA Board of Directors met this week in Irving, Texas for a Strategic Summit which included a day and a half of discussion followed by a Board meeting on Thursday. A number of significant issues were discussed and approved.

Insider’s View: Association Celebrates New Home with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
NBFAA officially made Irving, Texas, their new home by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the Irving office—an event held during the NBFAA Strategic Summit.

Participation is Key: NBFAA Web Survey
By sharing your feedback with the association, you can help us offer improved services to our members, to the industry, to consumers and to the public safety community.

Mission Possible: NBFAA Prepares to Infiltrate Vegas
Are you ready for your mission? Preparation is key to making the 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and Symposium a blast!

Expanding Educational, Professional Boundaries with NTS
NTS offers an opportunity to expand educational boundaries while improving the professional status of a company.

Chapter News

Vermont Elects New Officials
The Vermont Signal & Alarm Association recently elected new officials to their organization.

Member News

Micro Key Software to Host SIA’s Train-the-Trainer Course
Micro Key Software will be hosting the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Central Station Operator/Instructor Program (CSOp) at Micro Key’s newly renovated training facility on March 20-24, 2006.

Brivo Systems Announces New Addition to Company
Brivo Systems announced they have hired Paul Thayer as the new Sales Manager for the Northwest Region.

Thompson Named New Sales Manager for Interface Security Systems
Interface Security Systems Holdings, Inc., the parent company of The Greater Alarm Company, Inc., based in Irvine, Calif., recently announced the addition of Michael Thompson as Sales Manager for the Orange and Los Angeles counties region.

NAPCO Hires New Director of National Accounts
NAPCO Security Group announced the addition of Ed Merten to the NAPCO Sales Team as the new Director of National Accounts.

Tri-Ed’s Annual Meeting Promotes Team-Building
Tri-Ed Distribution recently gathered regional and branch managers, corporate staff and Credit, Operations and Purchasing Managers for its annual National Sales Meeting. Over 70 Tri-Ed associates took part in the team-building event, held at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa in California, Dec. 1-5.

Win Two Tickets to Maui from The Systems Depot and GE Security
The Systems Depot has teamed up with GE Security to give away a trip for two to Maui, Hawaii. The winner, to be chosen at random on March 17, will stay at a luxury resort in Lanai, receive first class airfare and $2,000 in cash. The promotion runs from Jan.16 through March 16.

Member Benefit Spotlight: Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants
Provide affordable employer-paid health insurance benefit packages for your employees through Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants.

Industry News

Code Council Donates I-Codes to Louisiana Communities Ravaged by Katrina
The International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) donated code books to help local Louisiana governments' efforts to carry out requirements of the state's new construction code law as the state rebuilds in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Industry Product News

Bosch Integrates Divar DVR System with Hartmann Protector II Software
Bosch Security Systems has fully integrated its series of industry-leading Divar Digital Versatile Video Recorders (DVRs) with Hartmann Control’s Protector II software to provide advanced security features.

In The News

NBFAA in the News
Recent Press Releases

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Association News

Executive Perspective:
Strategic Summit Results in Proposed Association Name Change

The NBFAA Board of Directors met this week in Irving, Texas, for a Strategic Summit which included a day and a half of discussion followed by a Board meeting on Thursday. A number of significant issues were discussed and approved.

Among the topics approved was a proposed name change for the association. The membership vote, which is planned for the February-March time frame will be a historic one for the association. Members will be asked to approve the proposed name and the concurrent by-law change that would be required. More information about this exciting proposal, as well as additional information about the summit will be sent to members in subsequent communications. So stay tuned for more information.

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Insider’s View: Association Celebrates New Home with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
By Jessica Garcia
NBFAA Communications Coordinator

The new NBFAA headquarters in Irving, Texas, welcomed a Texas-sized crowd to the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, held on Tuesday at our office building adjacent to the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

The ceremony, held in conjunction with the NBFAA Strategic Summit, was host to more than 75 people including the NBFAA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. The lobby of the office building was packed as NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau and President Scot Colby welcomed guests to the event.

We were even among local dignitaries as Irving’s Mayor Herbert Gears, President of the Irving Chamber of Commerce Chris Wallace, and Cheryl Calhoun with the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau, were in attendance.

Also present were several public safety visitors including Paul White, the Irving Fire Chief and Captain Ron Ramsey representing Larry Boyd, the Irving Chief of Police.

Merlin was sure to point out that when we moved into this building less than six months ago, it was virtually empty and said, “We’ve been working hard since then to make it our home.”

He then recognized all supporters who helped with the transition and move to Texas including: Ashwood American, our building owners; Bosch and Altronix for their generous donation of security equipment, and Protection One for the installation; and Dom DAscoli and wife Marla, from Smoky Mountain Systems, for installation of the telephone system.

George Gunning was also acknowledged for chairing the relocation committee and leading the way to our new home.

Scot Colby also welcomed additional guests from the North Texas area including: Michael Harrison with Alarm Debt Liquidation Group, Chris Cage and Dave Simon from Brinks, Chancy Pray from Monitronics and Stan Martin from the Security Industry Alarm Coalition.

Merlin, George, Scot, and special guests Irving Mayor Gears, Chris Wallace, Irving Fire Chief Paul White, Captain Ramsey and Executive Director of the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau Maura Gast joined in the official cutting of the ribbon, establishing the new headquarters for the NBFAA in Irving. Photo at left: Merlin Guilbeau, George Gunning, Scot Colby, Mayor Herbert Gears, Chris Wallace, Chief White and Maura Gast

This is the first move the association has made west of the Mississippi and it marks the start of a new beginning for NBFAA, said Colby.

A reception followed the ceremony, where guests dined on heavy hors' d' oeuvres ’s and socialized into the night.

And as the night’s ceremonies came to a close, there was only one more thing to say, “Welcome home, NBFAA, welcome home!”

Editor’s Note: Photographs from the ribbon-cutting and strategic summit are available in the Information Center section of www.alarm.org.

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Participation is Key: NBFAA Web Survey

By sharing your feedback with the association, you can help us offer improved services to our members, to the industry, to consumers and to the public safety community.

Just visit the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org, click on the link: “We want to hear from you!” and then complete any of the open surveys.

If you have comments or suggestions, please send them to Communications@alarm.org.

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Mission Possible: NBFAA Prepares to Infiltrate Vegas

Are you ready for your mission? Preparation is the key to making the 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and Symposium a blast!

Start preparing for the mission by registering for the conference and symposium online, via e-mail or fax.

After you register for the conference make sure to reserve your hotel accommodations. NBFAA has a block of rooms with the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. If you register for the conference via fax or e-mail, you will receive a reply e-mail with the password for the hotel registration. If you register online, a thank you page will appear and the password will be provided. The NBFAA room block is limited to conference attendees only.

Also, if you register for the NBFAA Spring Conference, you will receive free registration to ISC West Exhibition and 20 percent off the educational (NTS-accredited) conference. The free registration link will be included in your thank you page following registration. Remember, preparation is the key to making this mission a complete success.

If you have questions about the conference please contact NBFAA Director of Chapter Relations, Membership and Events, Jorge Rivas at JorgeR@alarm.org or call (888) 447-1689.

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Expanding Educational, Professional Boundaries with NTS

NTS offers an opportunity to expand educational boundaries while improving the professional status of a company. Take a look today! For the latest course information, please visit www.alarm.org/nts/.

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Chapter News

Vermont Elects New Officials

Congratulations to the Vermont Signal & Alarm Association and the recently elected officials to their organization. They are as follows:

• President/NBFAA Board Rep. /Training Coordinator
  Cary Marshall-Marshall's Alarm Systems, Inc.
• Past President
  Johann (Jim) Nortz-A Better Alarm & Communication System
• Vice President
  Douglas Weinrich-Mountain View Security Systems, Inc.
• Secretary
  Scott Trowbridge-Home Security & Management Co.
• Treasurer
  Michael Pepper -Sentinel Alarm Company

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Member News

Micro Key Software to Host SIA’s Train-the-Trainer Course

Micro Key Software will be hosting the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Central Station Operator/Instructor Program (CSOp) at Micro Key’s newly renovated training facility on March 20-24, 2006.

CSOp, now celebrating its 10 anniversary, is the security industry’s only Train-the-Trainer program. This intensive 40-hour course was developed by SIA in conjunction with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International Institute (APCO), the creators of 911 certification training. It is also recognized by the NBFAA and NTS as a CEU course.

Central station personnel who attend CSOp are trained and certified to develop a comprehensive central station instructional program and conduct in-house operator training.

Visit securitylearningnetwork.com for more information about CSOp and to register to attend.

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Brivo Systems Announces New Addition to Company

Paul Thayer

Brivo Systems announced they have hired Paul Thayer as the new Sales Manager for the Northwest Region. Thayer brings to the company twenty years of experience in the security industry. Thayer said, “Simplicity is the wave of the future. If we can make our customers successful while simplifying their lives, we have really accomplished something.” Thayer’s region will include Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado.

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Thompson Named New Sales Manager for Interface Security Systems

Interface Security Systems Holdings, Inc., the parent company of The Greater Alarm Company, Inc., based in Irvine, Calif., recently announced the addition of Michael Thompson as Sales Manager for the Orange and Los Angeles counties region. Thompson’s last assignment was as a member of the ADT Six Sigma sales process team, earning the prestigious credential of Black Belt in Six Sigma. He has over ten years of prior security experience as a senior account manager and commercial Sales Manager for several security firms in the southern California area.

Michael Thompson

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NAPCO Hires New Director of National Accounts

Ed Merten

NAPCO Security Group announced the addition of Ed Merten to the NAPCO Sales Team as the new Director of National Accounts. Merten’s experience includes more than 30 years in marketing, training, sales, installation and service. Jorge Hevia, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing said, “It’s great to have Ed on board. He has a very broad range of experience and expertise in the security industry. We are looking forward to seeing him grow with NAPCO.”

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Tri-Ed’s Annual Meeting Promotes Team-Building

Trophy Winners! Kent, Wash Branch	Napa Valley High School Band	In other news from Tri-Ed, Industry veteran Michelle Johnson has joined the ranks of the Tri-Ed Distribution staff.
Tri-Ed Distribution recently gathered regional and branch managers, corporate staff and Credit, Operations and Purchasing Managers for its annual National Sales Meeting. Over 70 Tri-Ed associates took part in the team-building event, held at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa in California, Dec. 1-5. Highlights included an Opening Kickoff Welcome from President Steve Roth and Chief Operating Officer Pat Comunale and entertainment by the Napa Valley High School Band. The five day meeting encompassed sales training, regional breakouts, and a vendor night featuring tabletop displays and new product training, and culminated with an Awards Dinner. Tri-Ed’s Kent, Wash., branch was honored as the Branch of the Year/President's Cup Winner.

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Win Two Tickets to Maui from The Systems Depot and GE Security

The Systems Depot has teamed up with GE Security to give away a trip for two to Maui, Hawaii. The winner, to be chosen at random on March 17, will stay at a luxury resort in Lanai, receive first class airfare and $2,000 in cash. The promotion runs from Jan. 16 through March 16.

In conjunction with the sweepstakes, customers ordering GE products will be rewarded with an automatic entry for every $100 spent.

“We wanted to give our customers a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We are very glad to team up with GE to offer them that chance,” said Carole Anderson, Marketing Manager of The Systems Depot.

Purchases are not required to enter the contest. Entries may be made at each Systems Depot location, by contacting a Systems Depot Sales Representative, or online at www.thesystemsdepot.com.

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Member Benefit Spotlight

Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants (800) 349-1039 x15

Provide affordable employer-paid health insurance benefit packages for your employees through Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants. Call Ed Sturczek for a customized quote offered to NBFAA member companies both large and small. You can also access information via their Web site at www.mmicinsurance.com.

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Industry News

Code Council Donates I-Codes to Louisiana Communities Ravaged by Katrina

The International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) donated code books to help local Louisiana governments' efforts to carry out requirements of the state's new construction code law as the state rebuilds in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Louisiana State Sen. Ken Hollis and State Representative Gil Pinac co-authored a bill during a special legislative session that set up a process to establish the statewide, uniform Louisiana construction code.

ICCF, a subsidiary of the International Code Council and a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies, donated copies of I-Codes to 11 Louisiana parishes declared federal disaster areas.

The donated codes will help jurisdictions replace technical libraries that were damaged or destroyed during the hurricanes. Other communities will be using the codes, including the International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Fuel Gas and Mechanical codes, for the first time as part of the new law.

Under emergency provisions of the new construction code law, the 11 parishes hit hardest by the hurricanes have up to 90 days from the effective date of the law to begin implementing and enforcing wind and flood provisions of the building and residential codes. Starting in 2007, the codes will be required for construction and renovation of all buildings statewide.

The Foundation also contributed the book Reducing Flood Losses through the International Codes, a guide jointly written by FEMA and the International Code Council. The guide hopes to aid communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to integrate the I-Codes, the most widely adopted codes in the United States, into their current floodplain management procedures.

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Industry Product News

Bosch Integrates Divar DVR System with Hartmann Protector II Software

Bosch Security Systems has fully integrated its series of Divar Digital Versatile Video Recorders (DVRs) with Hartmann Control’s Protector II software to provide advanced security features.

Bosch said this combination is especially effective in industries such as automotive, telecommunications, food and beverage, government, healthcare, property management and educational facilities.

According to Bosch, the product offers several new security features including access privileges that allow administrators to assign viewing and copying privileges to specific cardholders as well as a device status screen, so customers can view doors and alarm points on a graphical “tree” to quickly determine and control their status.

The advanced Divar also features event and alarm screens that enable critical alarm screen pops ups when an alarm is triggered, regardless of which application is running.

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