NBFAA Member Update for Friday, March 10, 2006

NBFAA/SDM Announce First Line of Defense Award
The persistence of a company’s salesman to sell a carbon monoxide detector pays off big when the homeowner’s lives are saved from the “silent killer.”

Protect Your Customers: Contact Your Elected Representatives
As a follow-up to the walk on Capital Hill (see the Feb. 27 Member Update online), we are asking that you contact your Congressional representatives and ask for their help in communicating our position on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to the Energy and Commerce Committee leadership. Sample letters are available.

NTS NICET Course Takes on Vegas
NBFAA’s National Training School (NTS) will offer a two-day test preparation course for National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level I and II Fire Alarm exams, April 7-8, in Las Vegas.

NBFAA Supports New Legislation for Small Business
As part of the NBFAA’s proactive Government Relations efforts to aid our members and our industry, we are currently working with the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) in their Small Business Health Plan Coalition (SBHPC) on the issue of affordable health care for small business owners. Here’s how you can make a difference.

Member Discount Offered for Hands-On Fiber Optic Training
Dave Engebretson, Security Distributing and Marketing (SDM) technical editor and industry networking expert, will offer a one-day complete training course in fiber optic theory, cabling, connector installation, splicing, testing and troubleshooting on Friday, March 31, in Chicago.

Gaining Exposure Through Your Membership Listing
How important is your membership listing on www.alarm.org? See what one very pleased member had to say.

Lucky You: NTS Offers a Golden Opportunity
By incorporating NBFAA NTS courses in your profession, your luck will never run out. With so many choices for courses, dates and locations, what more could you ask for. Lucky You!

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

2006 Spring Conference Information and Dates
The 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium are on their way. With less than a month until the conference, you need to finalize your plans to attend!

Chapter News

Colorado to Welcome Brink’s Dave Simon
The Colorado Burglar and Fire Alarm Association will hold a meeting on March 14 and host guest speaker Dave Simon, senior manager of Industry and Public Relations for Brinks Home Security.

NJBFAA Elects New Officers for 2006
The New Jersey Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) announced new officers for 2006. The NBFAA and the NJBFAA would like to take this opportunity to welcome them.

New Associate Members

NBFAA Welcomes New Associate Members
Associate members add value to your membership. Their support strengthens our ability to provide more representation, advocacy, information, exposure, training and support to you.

Member News

Bay Alarm Company Kicks Off 2006 Celebrating 60 Years
Bay Alarm Company starts off 2006 marking a major milestone in its history.

Bosch President to Present at ISC West 2006 Education Program
Bosch Security Systems announced President Shamus Hurley will be a featured speaker for the International Security Conference (ISC) West 2006 Education program.

SentryNet is Taking a Bite out of False Dispatches
SentryNet, a monitoring network, took a major step to reduce false dispatches by beginning the use of Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) as of Feb. 2006.

NAPCO Hires Kevin Kremposky as Regional Sales Manager
NAPCO Security Systems, Inc. hires new Regional Sales Manager for the Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Arizona areas.

Member Benefit Spotlight

Wildbullet.com
Did you know that you can save time and money by accessing the largest specialty recruitment site in the United States developed specifically for the security industry?

Industry News

Take a Ride with a View: SIA’s 2006 Ride for Education
Register now for the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) 2006 Ride for Education! SIA’s program is set to roll from the Las Vegas Harley Davidson on Saturday, April 8, 2006.

IQ Program Continues to Grow with 22 New Companies Certified
The Installation Quality Certification Program continues its successful recruitment with 22 new alarm companies pledging to maintain rigorous standards for ethics, employee training, customer service, system design, equipment, installation and monitoring.

Industry Product News

Brand New 2006-2007 Alarm Lock Catalog Available
Alarm Lock Systems, Inc. is proud to introduce its brand new 16 page catalog for 2006-2007! With a new year, comes new products and a fresh new look.

DMP Features New Additions to Wireless Line at ISC West
Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) will showcase the latest additions to its UL listed 1100 Series two-way wireless line of receivers and transmitters at ISC West in Las Vegas.

In The News

Association News

NBFAA/SDM Announce First Line of Defense Award

Congratulations to American Alarm and Communications Inc. of Arlington, Mass., the winner of the NBFAA/SDM Magazine 2005 First Line of Defense Award.

Homeowners John Dunton and Carol McKeen contacted American Alarm to have a burglar alarm system installed, but Keith Cramer, an integrated systems consultant for American Alarm, convinced them to have a carbon monoxide (CO) detection system added, as well. Little did they know this suggestion would save their lives.

On Feb. 13, 2005, the oil furnace in their house turned on and began pumping CO into the house because the tiles inside their chimney had fallen off and blocked the flue. Fortunately, the CO system detected the ‘silent killer’ and Dunton and McKeen averted danger.

This life-saving event has earned American Alarm the First Line of Defense award. They will be presented with the award at the 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference in Las Vegas, April 4.

Protect Your Customers: Contact Your Elected Representatives

As a follow-up to the walk on Capital Hill (see the Feb. 27 Member Update), we are asking that you contact your Congressional representatives and ask for their help in communicating our position on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to the Energy and Commerce Committee leadership. The industry has asked that alarm VoIP consumer notification provisions be included in the Telecommunications Subcommittee draft bill.

Even though our efforts on the Hill Walk on Feb. 8 were a great success, it is important that you show your support. Just like your business, which usually requires at least one follow-up call to a prospect, so too in Government Relations, taking the next step can make the difference between success and failure. Even if you did not make our Hill Walk on Feb. 8, we encourage you to contact your representatives.

When contacting your representatives, be sure to urge them to send a letter to the Federal Communications Commission requesting that the current Feb.18, 2008 sunset on requiring cellular providers to support AMPS service be extended for two years. The FCC has retained the authority to extend this deadline for up to 5 years. Thus, our two year request is not unreasonable.

Additional background information, sample letters for VoIP and AMPS, a copy of the AMPS briefing paper NBFAA is using with Congress, and a contact list of elected representatives for VoIP is available in the Government Relations section of the Information Center at www.alarm.org.

NTS NICET Course Takes on Vegas

NBFAA’s National Training School (NTS) will offer a two-day test preparation course for National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level I and II Fire Alarm exams, April 7-8, in Las Vegas.

Pre-registration is required for the course which includes 16 hours of instruction tailored to the experience level of the attendees. The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days at the Sands Convention Center.

Greg Kessinger, “Grill The Fire Expert” columnist, will teach the course. Kessinger has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, owns his own alarm company, and is NICET Level IV Certified, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Protection Specialist and an International Municipal Signal Association Certified Interior Fire Alarm Technician.

The course is intended for designers of automatic fire detection and fire alarm systems; individuals preparing for NICET exams and certification in the field of fire alarm systems; individuals involved in the sale, installation and maintenance of automatic fire detection and fire alarm systems; and individuals seeking to comply with the qualification requirements as outlined in NFPA 72.

For more information on course fees and registration, visit www.alarm.org or call NTS toll free at (866) 636-1687. NBFAA members receive a discounted rate.

NBFAA Supports New Legislation for Small Business

As part of the NBFAA’s proactive Government Relations efforts to aid our members and our industry, we are currently working with the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) in their Small Business Health Plan Coalition (SBHPC) on the issue of affordable health care for small business owners.

A coalition letter of thanks was sent to U.S. Senate Chairman for Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Mike Enzi, who introduced S.1955, “The Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2006.” According to the letter, the cost and availability of health insurance is the number one issue for America’s small-business owners.

Since the markup of the bill will occur on March 15, we are urging members to send letters supporting the bill to the HELP Committee. Please fax to (202) 224-6510, Attention: Steve Northrup. A complete list of HELP members is available online. Please also fax copies of your letter to Amanda Austin at (202) 484-1566 and John Chwat at (703) 684-7594.

NBFAA joins a list of organizations that support the bill. View the letter to Enzi in the Government Relations section.

Member Discount Offered for Hands-On Fiber Optic Training

Learn how to connect closed circuit television cameras, access control, and network security devices to fiber optic links. NBFAA/NTS continuing education units (CEU's) and Fiber Optic Association Technician certification testing includes:

The course fee is $795 which includes complete fiber training and certification and use of the online Fiber Optics Institute pre-class tutorial. For more information, visit securitynetworkinginstitute.com.

Gaining Exposure Through Your Membership Listing

How important is your membership listing on www.alarm.org? Here is what one very pleased member had to say…For starters, you gain national exposure and lead generation through your member company listing. And for many consumers, NBFAA membership lends credibility and image to your business.

For more information on how NBFAA membership benefits you, look under the Information Center on the Web site and click on Member Benefits.

Lucky You: NTS Offers a Golden Opportunity

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. With less than a month until the conference, you need to finalize your plans to attend! And it’s not too late to sign up for a day of Golf Without Guilt. The third annual tournament is still registering players. Go to www.alarm.org to sign up today.

“Opening the Door in Government, When it’s Shut In Your Face…”
Members anticipate the return of the third semi-annual NBFAA/CSA Symposium that begins Sunday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. The symposium will begin with a seminar titled, “Opening the Door in Government, When it’s Shut in Your Face.” Conducted by Dave Simon, Senior Manager of Industry and Public Relations for Brink’s Home Security and John Chwat, Director of Government Relations for NBFAA (right), the seminar will present tactics on how to deal with public officials at all levels.

Dave and John will review what others have done at the city, county, state and federal levels to open doors, to be heard and to influence issues to benefit the industry. Whether the issue is alarm ordinances, state licensing or federal legislation there are always ways to open shut doors. The agenda for the seminar includes: Tactics on Changing Officials Minds on an Issue, How to Overcome Exclusion from Decision-Making, Case Studies at the City, State and Federal Levels of Government and a questions and answers section.

The second portion of the CSA Symposium will include a workshop from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with Dan Cain, founder and president of Cain Consulting Group, Inc., a nationally recognized authority in management and governance. Dan will be discussing Better Board Meetings, Making Committees Work, and Building the Board/Executive Team. In addition to his wide experience working with nonprofit management and boards, Dan is himself an experienced board member and speaks from years in the trenches. This personal experience comes through loud and clear in his workshops.

Reserve Your Spot Today for the Annual Industry Summit
NBFAA along with the Security Industry Association, the International Security Conference (ISC) and Exposition and the California Alarm Association (CAA) invite you to attend the Eighth Annual Industry Summit at ISC Expo West, Wednesday, April 5 at the Sand’s Expo Center, Room 603.

The summit will begin with the Industry Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. A ticket is required for the full buffet breakfast. NBFAA members download a reservation form here.

Following the breakfast, Tom Ridge, the country's first-ever Secretary of Homeland Security, will present a Keynote Address from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

RSVP is required for the breakfast and includes reserved seating for the Summit. The summit will be open to the public beginning at 8:10 a.m. and no RSVP is required. Contact the CAA for more information at (800) 437-7658 or you can e-mail Summit@CAAonline.org.

Reminder: NBFAA members who attend the NBFAA conference will receive free registration for the breakfast.

Insurance Expert to Present Customized Insurance Program
Insurance expert Richard Poling of Riskcap will present “A Customized Insurance Solution for the Security Alarm Industry” Wednesday, April 5, 2006, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

The seminar takes place during International Security Conference (ISC) West. Poling will discuss techniques designed to lower professional liability insurance costs, as well as non-insurance techniques, including contracts and business practices, claims examples and the processes and procedures that could potentially avoid those claims.

Individuals interested in obtaining continuing education (CEU) credits while attending ISC West, can take advantage of the seminar and earn NBFAA National Training School (NTS)-accredited CEU credits.

Chapter News

Colorado to Welcome Brink’s Dave Simon

The Colorado Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (CBFAA) will hold a meeting on March 14 and host guest speaker Dave Simon, senior manager of Industry and Public Relations for Brinks Home Security.

Simon will present an "Alarm Ordinance Update" from various cities around the United States and the lessons that have been learned in other jurisdictions around the country.

The meeting will be held at the Country Buffet Restaurant, located at 7475 Park Meadows Drive at 6:00 p.m.

A board meeting will precede the regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $15. Please RSVP by calling (303) 805-0885.

NJBFAA Elects New Officers for 2006

The New Jersey Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) announced new officers for 2006. The NBFAA and the NJBFAA would like to welcome the following officers:

The NJBFAA represents approximately 210 alarm dealers throughout the state of New Jersey with the support of another 40 associate members.

New Members

NBFAA Welcomes New Associate Members

Associate members add value to your membership. Their support strengthens our ability to provide more representation, advocacy, information, exposure, training and support to you.

Join us in officially welcoming our new associate members who have joined us since January 2006:

Member News

Bay Alarm Company Kicks Off 2006 Celebrating 60 Years

Bay Alarm Company starts off 2006 marking a major milestone in its history. The company opened its doors 60 years ago when Everett Westphal founded Bay Alarm on Jan. 1, 1946, in Oakland, Calif.

Now in its third generation of family ownership and management, Bay Alarm has expanded throughout California with 11 service centers spanning the state from Redding in the north to Orange County in the south. Bay Alarm has grown to be the largest independently owned and operated alarm company in the United States, protecting over 85,000 residential and commercial customers.

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Bosch President to Present at ISC West 2006 Education Program

Bosch Security Systems announced President Shamus Hurley will be a featured speaker for the International Security Conference (ISC) West 2006 Education program. Hurley will present “Improving Alarm & Alert Communication via Internet Protocol (IP) Technology” on Thursday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m.

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SentryNet is Taking a Bite out of False Dispatches

SentryNet, a monitoring network, took a major step to reduce false dispatches by beginning the use of Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) as of Feb. 2006.

The procedure is used at both of SentryNet’s central stations, which monitor alarm signals. The central stations are listed by Underwriters Laboratories, which means they meet some of the most stringent industry standards for monitoring stations.

ECV is applied to burglary signals and requires the monitoring station to make two calls to customers to verify the alarm signal before contacting law enforcement. Over the past year, SentryNet has been working with its network of nearly 500 dealers to reduce false alarms.

“We owe it to our dealers to help them become more responsible citizens in their communities,” said David Avritt, president of SentryNet.

“We want our dealers to be proactive and work with responding agencies to let them know what we are all doing to reduce false alarms. We utilized the research and guidelines of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) to formulate and implement our policy, and we have had great cooperation and encouragement from our dealers,” Avritt said.

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NAPCO Hires Kevin Kremposky as Regional Sales Manager

NAPCO Security Systems, Inc. hired Kevin Kremposky as Regional Sales Manager for the Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Arizona areas.

Kremposky has eighteen years of experience in marketing, training, sales installation and customer service in the security industry. He has also been a two-time associate director for the Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

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Member Benefit Spotlight: Wildbullet.com

Wildbullet.com
(888) 528-6729

Did you know that you can save time and money by accessing the largest specialty recruitment site in the United States developed specifically for the security industry?

All employees at wildbullet.com come from the industry in one capacity or another giving us a strong identity with our client and candidate needs from operators to presidents - coast to coast! Industry knowledge takes the guesswork out of the search so we offer fewer resumes to cull through to deliver the candidate you need with the specific skill set you desire.

Save time. Save money. Call Eric Freedman today and let him know you are an NBFAA member to receive your special discounts or visit www.wildbullet.com.

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Industry News

Take a Ride with a View: SIA’s 2006 Ride for Education

Register now for the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) 2006 Ride for Education!
SIA’s program is set to roll from the Las Vegas Harley Davidson on Saturday, April 8, 2006.

Join security professionals on an incredible journey through the majestic sites of the Nevada deserts and mountains. Collected registration fees will benefit SIA’s Security Industry Education Scholarship Fund.

IQ Program Continues to Grow with 22 New Companies Certified

The Installation Quality Certification Program continues its successful recruitment with 22 new alarm companies pledging to maintain rigorous standards for ethics, employee training, customer service, system design, equipment, installation and monitoring.

In order to obtain IQ Certification, alarm companies must adhere to a rigid set of installation and false alarm prevention guidelines. Companies must provide superior maintenance, service programs, and training in industry- recognized programs. Additionally, IQ Certified companies must meet all licensing requirements, maintain proper insurance coverage, and recertify every year.

For more information about the IQ Certification Program, or to obtain an IQ Certification application, call (866) 833-8302 or visit www.iqcertification.org.

Industry Product News

DMP Features New Additions to Wireless Line at ISC West

Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) will showcase the latest additions to its UL listed 1100 Series two-way wireless line of receivers and transmitters at ISC West in Las Vegas.

"Dealers have been exceedingly happy with the advantages of two-way wireless supervision," said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Gary Kallman. "Our 1100-series two-way supervised wireless technology cuts installation time on XRSuper6, XR20 & XR40 Command Processor applications, and two-way transmitters.”

DMP will also be highlighting its new glass keypad, Clear Touch™-- featuring a radiant blue glass keypad and wall backlighting.

Brand New 2006-2007 Alarm Lock Catalog Available

In The News

NBFAA in the Headlines

Mission Possible: Accept the Challenge and Join Us in Las Vegas
e-Commkiosk.com-Feb. 2006

Planning to attend the NBFAA Spring Conference and Symposium during the ISC West Show 2005 in Las Vegas? Register online at www.alarm.org.
:: Full story

Goodbye NBFAA, Hello ELSSA? Alarm Association Considers Name Change
Securitysales.com-March 2006

The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association name may be on the way out.
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VoIP Special Report: Get a Grip on VoIP
Securitysales.com-Feb. 2006

Much of the awareness on VoIP has come about through the work of such associations as the NBFAA.
:: Full story

Customized Insurance Seminar Announced for ISC West
e-Commkiosk.com-March 9, 2006

Industry Insurance Expert to Present Free Seminar
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Recent Press Releases

Customized Insurance Program Announced for ISC West
Industry Insurance Expert to Present Free Seminar
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NBFAA and NTS to Offer Two-Day Test Prep Course in Las Vegas
NICET Level I and II Fire Alarm course offered during week of ISC West
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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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In This Issue

Summary

Association News

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

Chapter News

New Associate Members

Member News

Member Benefit Spotlight

Industry News

Industry Product News

In The News

Association News

NBFAA/SDM Announce First Line of Defense Award

Protect Your Customers: Contact Your Elected Representatives

NTS NICET Course Takes on Vegas

NBFAA Supports New Legislation for Small Business

Member Discount Offered for Hands-On Fiber Optic Training

Gaining Exposure Through Your Membership Listing

Lucky You: NTS Offers a Golden Opportunity

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

2006 Spring Conference Information and Dates

Chapter News

Colorado to Welcome Brink’s Dave Simon

NJBFAA Elects New Officers for 2006

New Members

NBFAA Welcomes New Associate Members

Member News

Bay Alarm Company Kicks Off 2006 Celebrating 60 Years

Bosch President to Present at ISC West 2006 Education Program

SentryNet is Taking a Bite out of False Dispatches

NAPCO Hires Kevin Kremposky as Regional Sales Manager

Member Benefit Spotlight: Wildbullet.com

Wildbullet.com (888) 528-6729

Industry News

Take a Ride with a View: SIA’s 2006 Ride for Education

IQ Program Continues to Grow with 22 New Companies Certified

Industry Product News

DMP Features New Additions to Wireless Line at ISC West

Brand New 2006-2007 Alarm Lock Catalog Available

In The News

NBFAA in the Headlines

Recent Press Releases

For Member Update Sponsorship information, contact NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja Jenkins.

Member Update Sponsorships Available.
Contact Tonja Jenkins at (888) 447-1689
for more information.

Wildbullet.com
(888) 528-6729

For Member Update Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja Jenkins.