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In This Issue
- Association News
Executive Perspective: Members Urged to Prepare
2006 Elections on the Horizon
Make Your Vote Count: Ballots Due Now
Communicate With Us: NBFAA Communications Survey
Members Receive Discounts for New NTS Training Course
NTS Providing Educational Advancements for Your Staff
Summary
Association News
Executive Perspective: Members Urged to Prepare
NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau urges members to act now to prepare for the day when cellular carriers will no longer support Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) service.
2006 Elections on the Horizon
Spring is in the air and so is election time. Who is running for office and what should you expect? Read more to find out.
Make Your Vote Count: Ballots Due Now
Members are being asked to vote on a new name for the association—if you haven’t sent in your ballot, it’s not too late.
Communicate With Us: NBFAA Communications Survey
By taking the NBFAA Communications Survey, we can enhance our communications programs and improve our service to you.
Members Receive Discounts for New NTS Training Course
NBFAA members get a $50 discount when they register for this course. Find out more today!
NTS Providing Educational Advancements for Your Staff
In addition to NTS classroom training, there are more than 2500 online courses available.
NBFAA Calendar Highlights
2006 Spring Conference Information and Dates
Vegas is just a few weeks away. Are you up to date with the latest information on the 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium?
Member News
Brink’s New Facility to Complement National Support Center
Brink’s Home Security recently opened a new National Customer Contact Center in Tennessee that will provide additional help to the company’s National Support Center located in Texas.
Bosch Earns New Certification
One of Bosch’s locations recently received certification from BSI, Inc., an environmental management systems registrar.
Member Benefit Spotlight
Network 1 Financial
This member benefit program offers automatic and recurring billing, secure internet transactions, and a safe, simple electronic payment system.
Industry News
SIAC and SIMS Teach How to Reduce False Alarms
See how alarm organizations are working together to teach members how to reduce unnecessary calls for police dispatch.
Industry Product News
ADI Teams With TattleTale to Offer Wireless Security System
Discover how a portable alarm system enables customers to protect valuable assets anytime, anywhere.
In The News
NBFAA in the News
Recent Press Releases
Association News
Executive Perspective: Members Urged to Prepare
One of my roles as your Executive Director is to represent you at industry meetings and events. Last week I attended an Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) meeting in Washington D.C. where representatives from the member organizations discussed a number of issues of importance to NBFAA members. Most significant of the issues discussed was the status of the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) sunset date, currently expected by February 2008.
In December, we asked you to complete a survey regarding AMPS. Subsequent to that survey, we sent your responses on to AICC for use in comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The AICC comments were filed with the FCC on Feb. 21, 2006. (A copy of the comments is posted in the Information Center under Government Relations at www.alarm.org.) Thanks to all who responded. Taking time to complete the survey added valuable data to our industry efforts.
The bottom line is that AICC requested a two-year extension of the sunset date based on the relative unavailability today of replacement radios and the more than one million truck rolls that would be necessary to replace the existing AMPS radios by February 2008.
What we want members to know is this: Though we have requested an extension, this is an uphill battle that may take Congressional support and a multi-faceted approach, and most importantly, we want you to understand that you should be taking action NOW to prepare your business for this change. Don’t wait until the last minute in the hopes that we will be successful in our attempts to get the deadline extended. Act now!
Additional information about AMPS, including our fact sheet that was developed by Government Relations for use in lobbying efforts, is also available online. I urge you to check out the resources we have made available for you, to write your Senators and Congressional representatives and to begin preparing for this upcoming transition.
Finally, you can help yourself and the industry by letting us know about situations involving cellular backup where that technology helped prevent loss of life or property, or situations where an AMPS system is currently monitoring critical infrastructure. Send your stories or information to Communications@alarm.org.
2006 Elections on the Horizon
A letter regarding the upcoming elections for NBFAA vice-president and secretary positions was mailed to members with information on the upcoming nominees.
Regular, multi-location or national company members in good standing may also nominate a
member (write-in nomination) for consideration. For a nominee to be included on the election ballot for vote, the following conditions must be met:
- The candidate must have served on the Board of Directors or as a Committee Chairperson for one year and must be the primary or alternate representative of a regular, multi-location, or national member company in good standing.
- The candidate must receive a minimum of 10 endorsements from the primary or alternate representative (voting member) of a regular, multi-location, or national member company in good standing.
- All nominations must be received in writing and on the letterhead of a regular, multi-location, or national member company in good standing no later than April 16, 2006.
- All endorsements must be received in writing and on the letterhead of a regular, multi-location, or national member company in good standing no later than April 16, 2006.
- The potential candidate must submit his/her acceptance of the nomination in writing on their member company letterhead to NBFAA headquarters no later than April 16, 2006.
Nominations must contain the following information:
- Nominee’s name
- Nominee’s phone number
- Office for which nominee is being endorsed
- Nominator’s name
- Nominator’s phone number
Nominations should be mailed to:
NBFAA Office
Attention: NBFAA Elections Committee
2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230
Irving, TX 75062
Fax nominations will also be accepted at (214) 260-5979. However, e-mailed nominations will not be accepted.
The positions will be voted on by the membership at the annual meeting in Irving, Texas, on June 15, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. CDT. All positions will take office July 1, 2006.
Make Your Vote Count: Ballots Due Now
At the January Strategic Summit, the NBFAA Board of Directors discussed and voted to present a proposed name change for the association, an issue which the association has been studying and researching since 2000. The board had previously approved the concept of a name change as part of the 2003 strategic plan.
Ballots have been mailed to the primary voting contact of each member company on the proposed name change. Ballots are due tomorrow, March 24!
Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association would replace the current NBFAA name.
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.
Remember, ballots are due tomorrow! You may still submit your ballot by fax at (214) 260-5979 or mail by tomorrow. The ballot must be postmarked March 24, 2006.
For more information, contact NBFAA at (888) 447-1689.
Communicate With Us: NBFAA Communications Survey
NBFAA Communications is working hard to keep you informed and up to date on issues through a number of communications products. To better understand what you want to receive, we are asking you to complete a brief Communications survey.
It takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and your comments will help shape the programs we deliver for you. Go here or visit the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org, click on the link: “We want to hear from you!” and then complete the open survey. The survey will be available until the end of March.
To find out the results of the Web site and AMPS surveys, look for the next Newsline. The Communications survey results will be published and available online beginning in April.
If you have comments or suggestions, please send them to Communications@alarm.org.
Members Receive Discounts for New NTS Training Course
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A one-day complete training in fiber optic theory, cabling, connector installation, splicing, testing and troubleshooting will take place Friday, March 31, in Chicago. Learn how to connect CCTV cameras, access control, and network security devices to fiber optic links. NBFAA/NTS CEU's and Fiber Optic Association Technician certification testing includes:
The course, located near Chicago O'Hare Airport, will be presented by Dave Engebretson, SDM Technical Editor and industry networking expert. |
For more information visit: securitynetworkinginstitute.com.
NTS Providing Educational Advancements for Your Staff
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In addition to NTS classroom training, there are more than 2500 online courses available. Visit the Professional Development section on the NBFAA Web site to find out more. Please use the following numbers when contacting NTS: Course schedules for 2006 are available in the Professional Development section: www.alarm.org/nts/. |
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Certified Alarm Technician Understanding Alarm Systems |
Fire Alarm Installation Methods Electronic Access Control Security Networking Institute |
NBFAA Calendar Highlights
2006 Spring Conference Information and Dates
The 2006 NBFAA Spring Conference and CSA Symposium is just around the corner, but do you have the latest information for all the events? Go to www.alarm.org for conference highlights, schedules and registration information, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for the following NTS event held in Vegas:
NICET Level I and II Fire Alarm Course Offered
NBFAA and NTS will offer a two-day test preparation course for the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level I and II Fire Alarm, April 7-8.
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.
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.
To register for the course download a registration form or call NTS toll free at (866) 636-1687. NBFAA members receive a discounted rate.
Secure Your Spot to Golf Without Guilt
It’s not too late to sign up for a day of Golf Without Guilt. The third annual tournament is still registering players.
Join the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF) and NBFAA on April 4, 2006, the Tuesday before the start of the ISC West Show and Expo at the Revere Golf Club.
Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit AIREF, an all-volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to conducting research that benefits the public interest as well as the interests of the alarm industry.
Don’t let this great opportunity pass you by!!!
Member News
Brink’s New Facility to Complement National Support Center
Brink’s Home Security, Inc, a national security alarm company, recently opened its new National Customer Contact Center in Knoxville, Tenn.
The facility opened with 60 full-time employees, with staffing expected to grow to approximately 300 employees, and will provide customer care and alarm monitoring services.
For the third year in a row, Brink’s has been recognized for call center customer satisfaction excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Call Center Program.
The new facility will complement Brink’s Home Security’s National Support Center in Irving, Texas. The new center will provide additional capacity and enhance backup capabilities for Brink’s.
Bosch Earns New Certification from ISO
Bosch Security Systems’ Fairport location has achieved ISO 14001:2004 certification from BSI, Inc., an environmental management systems registrar.
The ISO 14001:2004 standard is an internationally recognized environmental management system standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). To be certified to the standard, companies must implement an environmental management system (EMS) that covers activities from staff training to product design and development to purchasing and delivery of products and services.
Both of Bosch Security Systems’ U.S. locations, Fairport, NY and Lancaster, PA, now have ISO 14001:2004 certification.
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
SIAC and SIMS Teach How to Reduce False Alarms
Alarm organizations are working together to reduce unnecessary calls for police dispatch. Last month, the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) teamed up with Security Information & Management Systems, Inc. (SIMS) to train alarm dealers and operators on how to reduce false dispatches across North America.
This was the second year SIAC and SIMS have worked together in a proactive education effort. More than 75 alarm dealers and central station operators attended the SIMS conference in Richardson, Texas.
NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau presented at the conference along with SIAC Executive Director Stan Martin.
Martin focused on the success of Enhanced Call Verification (ECV). ECV is the practice of calling twice to verify whether a break-in has occurred before a call is placed to police. It has proven to reduce false dispatches across the United States and Canada.
“I thank SIMS’ President Ken Utley for inviting me to speak on this key alarm industry initiative,” said Martin. “Even with a full agenda, SIMS made time for this important cause. It’s clear that the industry wants to reduce dispatches and I’m proud of the effort we’re all making.”
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(Left to right) Irv Fischer, national treasurer of CANASA, Stan Martin, SIAC executive director, Ken Utley, SIMS president, Ralph Sevinor, NBFAA chairman of the historical committee and vice president of CSAA, Ivan Spector, national secretary of CANASA and a CANASA representative for the Security Industry Association board. |
Industry Product News
ADI Teams With TattleTale to Offer Wireless Security System
ADI announced it will join forces with TattleTale Portable Alarm, the maker of the TattleTale wireless alarm system, to offer a portable security system with wireless sensors.
The TattleTale alarm system is a complete alarm system in one compact unit that uses a wireless data link to send the alarm signal. The unit contains an alarm panel, cell radio, PIR, wireless receiver, siren/strobe, and battery back up and tamper. Customers can choose from 16 wireless sensors that work both indoors and outdoors, and can be placed up to 2,000 feet from the command unit. Because the alarm features are integrated into a single unit, no installation is necessary and it can be moved easily from location to location.
In The News
NBFAA in the Headlines
Saving Customers from Carbon Monoxide
SDM- March 13, 2006
A policy of offering carbon monoxide detection and other services to alarm customers saved two lives.
:: Full story
Connecticut Alarm and Systems Integrator Association Names Tech of the Year
SecurityInfoWatch.com-March 15, 2006
HSM’S Aaron R. Czapiga recognized by peers in Connecticut security business
:: Full story
National Training School Announces Schedule to Give Alarm Pros IT Training
Securitysales.com-March 22, 2006
:: Full story
Recent Press Releases
NTS Announces 2006 IP Networking Classes
for Dealers and Security Integrators
:: 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.
All content © National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)
2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230 •Irving, TX 75062
Toll Free (888) 447-1689 • Local (214) 260-5970 • Fax (214) 260-5979