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In This Issue
- Association News
Name Change Ballots Sent to Members
NBFAA Hits the Hill for Members
A Heartfelt Thanks for Office Security Equipment
New Industry Statistics Posted to NBFAA Web Site
Complete Communications Survey: Feedback Wanted
Gain Exposure for Your Company
NTS 2006: New Courses, New Options
- Member News
Vector Security First Recipient of the Police Dispatch Quality Award
ADI Offers Innovative Fire Detection/Suppression Products
Member Benefit Spotlight: Network 1 Financial Corporation
Summary
Association News
Name Change Ballots Sent to Members: A Letter from Scot Colby and George Gunning
Members are being asked to vote on a significant issue that was discussed during the 2006 Strategic Summit. Ballots have been mailed to the primary voting contact for each member company.
NBFAA Hits the Hill for Members
On February 8, NBFAA members joined with industry representatives of the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) in Washington, D.C., for a “Day on Capitol Hill”. The visits to congressional offices served to educate key congressional lawmakers and their staffs on priority issues such as H.R. 4460 “The College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act,” H.R. 3632 “Secure America’s Homes and Businesses Act,” Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) transition rules.
A Heartfelt Thanks for Office Security Equipment
The NBFAA would like to extend a warm thanks to several member companies who donated their time and security equipment for the new NBFAA office building in Irving, Texas.
New Industry Statistics Posted to NBFAA Web Site
In case you haven’t checked out www.alarm.org lately, now is the time to do so. We’ve been streamlining and updating the site in preparation for a major site redesign later this year. As part of the updating, we’ve recently posted new industry statistics for our members, consumers, media and other constituents in the Information Center.
Complete Communications Survey: Feedback Wanted
NBFAA is continually looking for ways to improve service to our members, to the industry, to consumers and to the public safety community. One of the ways we can accomplish this is by receiving feedback from our members.
Gain Exposure for Your Company
Have something to say? News to share? Pass it along! The NBFAA Communications Department is gladly accepting news, information and contributed articles pertaining to you, your business and the security industry.
NTS 2006: New Courses, New Options
New dates, locations and courses for NTS are frequently submitted to the NBFAA and we update them on our Web site regularly, so if you haven’t found what you are looking for make sure to check back often.
NBFAA Calendar Highlights
2006 Spring Conference Information and Dates
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events and dates. The 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium is on the way. Start making plans to attend!
Chapter News
Ohio Presents Trade Show in March
The Ohio Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (OBFAA) a.k.a. the Ohio Electronic Life Safety and Security Association (OELSSA) will present the Professional Life Safety and Security Convention and Exhibition, March 8-9, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio.
Member News
Vector Security First Recipient of the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) Award
NBFAA congratulates John A. Murphy and the staff at Vector Security on receiving the first ever Police Dispatch Quality(PDQ) Award.
ADI Offers Innovative Fire Detection/Suppression Products
ADI, a distributor of low voltage products, has joined forces with Kidde, a supplier of fire safety products, to distribute Kidde’s commercial and residential fire products.
Member Benefit Spotlight: Network 1 Financial Corporation
Revitalize your receivables through automatic billing with Network 1 Financial Corporation (NET1), a leading supplier of electronic check (ACH) payment processing, merchant accounts, and merchant accounting services.
Industry News
NBFAA Joins AICC in Capitol Hill Visits
The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), which is composed of NBFAA, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), the Security Industry Association (SIA), and other prominent manufacturers and companies addressed several industry priorities on Capitol Hill in early February.
Industry Product News
Altronix Initiates Branding Strategy with Introduction of New Product Series
Altronix has embarked on a new branding strategy for several new innovative product series. The new brands, which expand Altronix’s product portfolio by integrating related technologies, further differentiate the company’s intellectual property, technologies and products in the security market.
Bosch Equips Dinion IP Cameras with Internet Connectivity
Bosch Security Systems, a manufacturer of security systems and components, announced the release of its new Dinion IP cameras, integrating an Internet network connection with its DinionXF and Dinion Series cameras.
In The News
NBFAA in the News
Recent Press Releases
Association News
Name Change Ballots Sent to Members
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Dear NBFAA Member:
The NBFAA Board of Directors discussed and voted to present a proposed name change for the association after much thought and discussion. The decision to forward a name change to the membership was not undertaken lightly. The association has been studying and researching this issue since 2000 and the board had previously approved the concept of a name change as part of the 2003 strategic plan. The nearly unanimous decision in January to present the name – Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association – to a vote was the result of in-depth discussion by the board, as well as this prior research and committee work. Based on the research, the new name will allow the association to represent a broader range of the security products and services that our members provide. ‘Electronic’ represents today’s technology. ‘Life Safety’ represents the life and property protection that our members provide. ‘Systems’ represents the myriad range of products and services, including the integration aspect so prevalent for today’s members. We urge all members to contemplate the positive aspects of this proposal and to give thought and consideration to your vote. Best Regards, Scot Colby, President |
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Members are being asked to vote on a significant issue that was discussed during the 2006 Strategic Summit. Ballots have been mailed to the primary voting contact for each member company. As you are considering your vote, here are our thoughts: NBFAA Hits the Hill for Members
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On February 8, NBFAA members joined with industry representatives of the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) in Washington, D.C., for a “Day on Capitol Hill.” The visits to congressional offices served to educate key congressional lawmakers and their staffs on priority issues such as H.R. 4460 “The College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act,” H.R. 3632 “Secure America’s Homes and Businesses Act,” Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) transition rules. NBFAA members had informational meetings with Senators and Congressmen representing Louisiana, Texas, California, New York, Massachusetts, Tennessee and New Jersey. In addition, NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau met with staff for the House Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss the revision of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. |
A Heartfelt Thanks for Office Security Equipment
The NBFAA would like to extend a warm thanks to several member companies who donated their time and security equipment for the new NBFAA office building in Irving, Texas. These companies welcomed our association to the neighborhood by offering to furnish the office with state-of-the-art security equipment. Our thanks to Associate Members Bosch and Altronix for their generous equipment donations and Protection One for the installation of the equipment. You made our security your number one priority and we appreciate your kindness. |
Thank You!
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New Industry Statistics Posted to NBFAA Web Site
In case you haven’t checked out www.alarm.org lately, now is the time to do so. We’ve been streamlining and updating the site in preparation for a major site redesign later this year. As part of the updating, we’ve recently posted new industry statistics for our members, consumers, media and other constituents in the Information Center.
Complete Communications Survey: Feedback Wanted
NBFAA is continually looking for ways to improve service to our members, to the industry, to consumers and to the public safety community. One of the ways we can accomplish this is by receiving feedback from our members.
You can take the survey online at www.alarm.org or go directly here:
It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the survey, and your feedback will help shape the programs we deliver for you. We want to hear from you!
Gain Exposure for Your Company
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Have something to say? News to share? E-mail Communications@alarm.org and you could be the next featured or contributed article in the NBFAA quarterly magazine, Newsline or other publication. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Georgia Calaway or Jessica Garcia at (888) 447-1689. |
NTS 2006: New Courses, New Options
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New dates, locations and courses for NTS are frequently submitted to the NBFAA and we update them on our Web site regularly, so if you haven’t found what you are looking for, make sure to check back often. The following NTS courses are available in February. Course schedules for the remainder of 2006 are available in the Professional Development section: www.alarm.org/nts/. |
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Central Station Training Certified Alarm Technician Fire Alarm Installation Methods Electronic Access Control |
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NBFAA Calendar Highlights
2006 Spring Conference Information and Dates
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events and dates. The 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium are on their way. Start making plans to attend!
Insurance Seminar
During the NBFAA Spring Conference in Las Vegas, Richard Poling of Security America Risk Retention Group will present a seminar as part of the ISC Educational Conferences. The seminar, “A Customized Insurance Solution for the Security Alarm Industry” will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2006, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The seminar will include a broad-based discussion of techniques designed to lower professional liability insurance costs by working with a customized insurer that knows the security industry. Topics will include: non-insurance techniques including contracts and business practices; claims examples and what processes and procedures could avoid those claims.
All NBFAA conference attendees receive free admission to ISC West and 20 percent off the educational conference.
For more information about Security America, visit www.alarm.org and click on the Security America logo. For a free quote, contact Security America at (866) 315-3838.
8th Annual Industry Summit and Breakfast at ISC West
In addition to the morning's events, full-conference registrants are invited to join fellow industry association representatives at this "invitation only" breakfast. The winner of the First Line of Defense award will be announced at the breakfast.
The First Line of Defense Award, co-sponsored by SDM magazine and NBFAA, was designed to recognize the tangible values and rewards life safety and security systems bring to communities and the nation. Established in 1999, this award honors the teamwork among security installing companies, central stations, and emergency authorities in protecting their customers and community.
ISC West Keynote Address with First Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge
Immediately following the Industry breakfast, doors will open to the general public for the Industry Summit with special keynote address from the first Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge.
Chapter News
The OBFAA is encouraging all electronic life safety and security system professionals to attend and receive information on the latest technology, updates on state licensing, and learn ways to increase their bottom line and learn how everyone in their organization can be a sales person from a nationally recognized training specialist Ken Krisby of Success Solutions.
Krisby’s discussion,” Branding, Company and Technician Sales Development,” will include topics such as referrals, up-selling techniques, customer service focus and local involvement.
Additional seminars held during the convention include: “Business Strategies that Can Improve a Company’s Profitability: A QRC Seminar”; “Build Revenue While Reducing False Alarms: A NAPCO Seminar”; and, “Integrated Access Control and Burglar Alarm Systems-Increasing RMR: An HID Corporation Seminar.”
A luncheon and keynote address will also be held with special guest speakers Ohio House Majority Leader Larry Flowers, Representative Joe Uecker, sponsor of the proposed Ohio licensing law for the electronic security industry and NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau.
For more information about this event or to register, please contact the OBFAA at (800) 746-2322 or visit www.secureohio.org.
Member News
Vector Security First Recipient of the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) Award
Congratulations!
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NBFAA congratulates John A. Murphy and the staff at Vector Security on receiving the first ever Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) Award.
The PDQ Award recognizes companies that excel in their efforts to reduce alarm dispatches. It is the brainchild of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), and Security Sales & Integration magazine.
To even be considered, applicants must have shown a renewed commitment to work with law enforcement, implement proven practices, and even develop their own models of success to share. Vector was at the top of the list.
"This company is a role model for security providers across the country," said SIAC Executive Director Stan Martin.
"Our industry must recognize that false alarms create problems for the police and our customers," said Martin." Vector's impressive program that significantly reduced the amount of dispatches their customers receive each year."
Vector reports dispatches are down 1.37 to .8 per customer. The company credits external training, counseling offenders, inspecting system designs, enhanced call verification (ECV), user introductory training periods and new technology control panels compliant with the Security Industry Association (SIA) CP-01 standard.
"We track the 10 highest false alarm abusers each month and also the 10 highest years to date," said Vector President John Murphy. "That makes 400 alarm situations each month that I personally review with my managers. It is an enormous investment we make; we spend a lot of time doing it. I encourage other companies to do the same thing."
Vector will be officially honored at the SAMMY Awards in Las Vegas' Venetian Hotel and Casino on April 4th. As a PDQ sponsor, Honeywell will donate $1,000 to Vector for travel expenses.
Murphy is currently the Central Station Alarm Association president.
ADI Offers Innovative Fire Detection/Suppression Products
ADI, a distributor of low voltage products, has joined forces with Kidde, a supplier of fire safety products, to distribute Kidde’s commercial and residential fire products.
Among Kidde’s latest innovations, a UL-listed wireless smoke alarm, available either as a 120 volt with battery backup or as a battery powered unit. Kidde says the wireless smoke alarm bridges the home’s current system to the newly installed wireless products so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound, providing more warnings in more places and giving a family more time to escape a fire.
Member Benefit Spotlight: Network 1 Financial Corporation
Network 1 Financial Corporation |
Revitalize your receivables through automatic billing with Network 1 Financial Corporation (NET1), a leading supplier of electronic check (ACH) payment processing, merchant accounts, and merchant accounting services. Key benefits include:
NET1 is now providing a new service - "Recurring Billing" - that will reduce invoicing and labor costs |
Industry News
NBFAA Joins AICC in Capitol Hill Visits
The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), which is composed of the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), the Security Industry Association (SIA), and other prominent manufacturers and companies addressed several industry priorities on Capitol Hill in early February.
Over 35 members of the AICC and related organizations met with 40 Members of the House and Senate Commerce Committees and their staffs, as well as representatives of their home states, to discuss the issues.
According to early reports back from these individuals, the concerns of the AICC members were met with very positive and favorable interest and most Congressional Members were considerably disposed to helping the alarm industry with these issues.
According to Lou Fiore, Chairman of the AICC, "It's been over ten years since we've needed to bring important industry-wide issues to our representatives on the Hill. During the crafting of the 1996 Telecommunications Bill, we were successful in conveying our concerns to Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. This is our industry's first major combined effort since that time. We are asking Members of Congress and their staffs to understand and recognize that rapid changes in the telecommunications industry are having an impact on our ability to provide life safety protection services to those whom we serve. These issues must be addressed in the pending rewrite of the telecommunications law."
AICC lobbyist Bill Signer teamed up with John Chwat, NBFAA's legislative representative, to coordinate the visits of the AICC members with Senators, Congressmen and their staffs--no small feat in this day and age of hundreds of issues before the Congress!
Industry Product News
Altronix Initiates Branding Strategy with Introduction of New Product Series
Altronix has embarked on a new branding strategy for several new innovative product series. The new brands, which expand Altronix’s product portfolio by integrating related technologies, further differentiate the company’s intellectual property, technologies and products in the security market.
“When we made the decision to expand our product portfolio, it was apparent we needed to further differentiate ourselves as an innovative forward thinking company, and to delineate Altronix’s product lines by creating a stronger identity for them, “ said Alan Forman, president, Altronix Corp.
“Our steadfast commitment to providing the best in breed power supplies and accessories, along with Altronix’s unparalleled reputation for quality, reliability, performance and customer support, have resulted in a continued increase in market share.”
“The first of Altronix’s new brands-HubWay, Maxim and Strikelt-are the first of several new series scheduled for introduction. The new brands incorporate Altronix’s proven core power supply expertise along with unique application-specific solutions. They provide security professionals with more efficient and cost-effective choices for systems design and integration, “continued Mr. Forman. “Our branding strategy signals a new direction for Altronix that we believe will result in substantiating that Altronix is more than just power.”
Bosch Equips Dinion IP Cameras with Internet Connectivity
Bosch Security Systems, a manufacturer of security systems and components, announced the release of its new Dinion IP cameras, integrating an Internet network connection with its DinionXF and Dinion Series cameras.
The company said by adding Internet connectivity to the Dinion line it offers easier installation and virtually unlimited network reach. In addition, the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability makes installation less expensive and maintains surveillance even during power outages when cameras are installed where AC power is not accessible.
The innovative Dinion IP cameras also include tri-streaming video technology: dual MPEG-4 and JPEG compression modes that work independently and simultaneously. This allows one dedicated MPEG-4 video stream to record at one frame rate, run the second stream at a different frame rate for live viewing while JPEG images stream to a PDA or central station.
The new Dinion IP cameras are true hybrid cameras that bridge existing analog closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance equipment with newer digital systems, taking advantage of the flexibility and scalability of Internet-based CCTV systems.
In The News
NBFAA in the Headlines
Name Change Aims to Better Reflect Industry
SDM Magazine-Feb. 16, 2006
Maggie McFadden of SDM interviews Merlin Guilbeau for reaction on the summit and possible name change
:: Full story
CEA’s Moyer Elected to Lead ESIC Efforts
WebWire-Feb. 14, 2006
The Consumer Electronics Association announced Senior Director of Strategic Relationships Kerry Moyer was elected to serve as president of the Electronic Systems Industry Consortium
:: Full story
False Alarm Update: Tulsa Police Chief Urges Verified Response Policy
Security Sales & Integration-Feb. 8, 2006
NBFAA President Scot Colby addresses ordinance
:: Full story
Dallas Subdivision Fights Crime with Camera Network
By Kristine Hughes, Staff Writer “The Dallas Morning News “
SecurityInfoWatch.com-Feb. 13, 2006
NBFAA Member Company aids residents of neighborhood who would monitor feeds, handle footage management
:: Full story
Golf Without Guilt
e-CommKiosk.com-Feb. 23, 2006
NBFAA to Host 3rd Annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Tournament in Vegas
:: Full story
Recent Press Releases
Ohio Association to Present Professional Life Safety and Security Convention and Exhibition
Event to offer latest information on technology, state licensing and business for security professionals
:: Full story
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
If you have questions, comments or concerns about Member Update, please contact the Communications Department.
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