NBFAA Member Update for Friday, May 5, 2006

What Can You Do to Protect Your Customers Against VoIP
Working closely with the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, NBFAA won a legislative victory in the House Energy and Commerce Committee during the week of April 24, 2006, related to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Find out what you need to do now to continue to support this important industry effort.

Refresh: Check Out the Newly Updated NBFAA Web Pages
The NBFAA Web site is now better than ever with newly updated materials and pages. Visit www.alarm.org today and see the changes.

Tell Us Your AMPS Story
Do you have a story about an AMPS situation where cell back up helped save lives or avert a dangerous situation? We want to hear from you!

Need a Vacation? How About a Free Vacation?
Anyone and everyone could benefit from a vacation, but how about a free one? You can win a free vacation while gaining greater influence through a larger, more powerful association that promotes, represents and protects your industry. To find out more read the complete article.

NTS Offers Ways to Better Your Business
Ensure your employees are the brightest, the best and the most professional technicians by enrolling them in NTS courses today. Spring into action and visit the Professional Development section on the NBFAA Web site for more information.

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

Upcoming Events
Post your news and events on the NBFAA Calendar and share your information with more than 2400 member companies.

Chapter News

Congratulations to Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
The Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association attained 100 percent membership renewals for 2006. Congratulations to President Howard Richardson, Executive Director Stella McDonald, other state leaders and the entire membership.

Mississippi Alarm Association Schedules Annual Convention
The Mississippi Chapter of the NBFAA will host their 12th annual convention in Jackson, Miss., Aug.16 and 17. The annual convention will include a golf tournament Aug. 16 , a Continuing Education Day, a statewide meeting, and a vendor trade show on Aug. 17.

NBFAA/NHAA Team to Defeat Exclusionary Tactics in NH
NBFAA and the New Hampshire Alarm Association (NHAA) were successful in lobbying efforts to defeat HB 1595, a state licensing bill which had been developed and proposed without any input from NBFAA, NHAA or many others in the low-voltage installation community.

Member News

ADI Teams With Lee Dan Communications
ADI announced it is joining forces with Lee Dan Communications, Inc. to offer an extensive line of intercoms that includes video intercoms, as well as emergency and nurse call intercoms.

The Systems Depot Announces Winner of Tickets to Maui
The winner of the Systems Depot and GE Security Two Tickets to Maui promotion was Dick Harpster of NBFAA member company Central Security Systems.

Tri-Ed Announces Program with XM Satellite Radio
Tri-Ed announced a joint marketing program with XM Satellite Radio that’s designed to enhance the sales and marketing clout of their dealers by offering a free radio to customers who have an alarm system installed.

Member Benefit Spotlight

Paychex
This member benefit is a leading national provider of payroll, human resources, and benefits for small-to medium-sized businesses. Plus, NBFAA members receive an exclusive 15 percent discounted rate.

Industry News You Can Use

Dallas Burglaries Rise Sharply with Verified Response
The City of Dallas has experienced a significant increase in burglaries since adopting a verified response policy for businesses. Burglaries at business locations shot up 17.9 percent during the first month of the program.

Industry Updates on Stats, Ordinances and News
Stay up to date with the latest industry facts and stats.

Industry Product News

Altronix Maxim Series Delivers Access/Power/Controller Integration
Altronix showcased its new Maxim Access/Power/Controller Product Series at ISC West. The company said the new series of branded products offers “maximum” power choices to system designers and installers.

Micro Key Software Introduces Access Control Module
Micro Key Software unveiled the Millennium Series Access Control Module at the ISC West 2006 trade show in Las Vegas. Alarm dealers and central stations with HID’s VertX CS access control platform can now monitor alarms and access control events with existing hardware, software and personnel.

Tri-Ed Releases New, Bigger Products Catalog
Tri-Ed has experienced change and growth since becoming an independent company in early 2005. Indicative of a new and improved Tri-Ed, the distribution company’s newly released 2006 Catalog of Products features more product selections from more vendor partners.

In The News

NBFAA News

What Can You Do to Protect Your Customers Against VoIP

Working closely with the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, NBFAA won a legislative victory in the House Energy and Commerce Committee during the week of April 24, 2006, related to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The Committee adopted (by a unanimous vote) an industry Alarm VoIP Consumer Notification Amendment introduced by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).

The amendment requires VoIP providers to notify consumers, prior to installation of VoIP phone service and prior to number activation, that if they have an alarm system they should: notify their emergency response provider that VoIP service is being installed; arrange with their emergency response provider to test their system after installation and; and ensure they have standby power for the VoIP modem.

The next step will be consideration of the bill by the full House of Representatives in May. Members should continue to follow the status of the pending legislation in the House and be prepared to act quickly to support grassroots lobbying efforts.

NBFAA is now asking you to turn your attention to the Senate where Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) is putting together a Senate version of a telecommunications bill—which he hopes to introduce sometime in the next few weeks.

You are urged to directly contact your Senators, especially those who sit on the Senate Commerce Committee, and request that they include the alarm industry VoIP consumer notification language in the Senate version of the telecommunications bill.

We have created a sample letter containing the proposed language to assist you when contacting your Senator. The letter addresses the issue of notification prior to installation and number activation and the need for notice to be included in the packaging of equipment sold directly to consumers. For a copy of the Government Relations e-mail alert , the sample letter and other material go here.

For up-to-date information on the proposed language and other aspects of the VoIP issue, continue to check back often at the Government Relations section in the Information Center at www.alarm.org.

Refresh: Check Out the Newly Updated NBFAA Web Pages

The NBFAA Web site is now better than ever with newly updated materials and pages. Here are some of the improvements we’ve made: The Information Center has been divided into sections with individual pages for Members, Consumers and Public Safety, Government Relations, and Media. We’ve reorganized material on each page and added new material.

This is part of our continual process improvement for the Web site. Visit www.alarm.org today and see the changes. And visit often as we update the Web site every day.

Tell Us Your AMPS Story

Do you have a story about an AMPS situation where cell back up helped save lives?

If so, please contact the NBFAA Communications department at Communications@alarm.org and let us hear your story.

Need a Vacation? How About a Free Vacation?

Anyone and everyone could benefit from a vacation, but how about a free one? You can win a free vacation while gaining greater influence through a larger, more powerful association that promotes, represents and protects your industry. How?

The 2006 NBFAA Member Get a Member campaign rewards members who recruit new members. Every time an individual sponsors a new member, their name is added to a drawing to win a prize. The sponsor who recruits the most new members will win a Grand Prize trip for two that includes a free four day-three night stay at a Las Vegas Hotel of choice, golf for two at the Revere Golf Club, two tickets to a Las Vegas show of choice and two round-trip airline tickets to Las Vegas.*

Sponsors must be a current NBFAA member or work for a current member company to be eligible.

Sponsors in all categories of membership (Regular Members, National Company Members, Multi-Branch Company Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, Life Members, Alumni Members, Honorary Members, Applicant Members, and Public Safety Members) are eligible to participate in the Mission Possible: Member-Get-A-Member Campaign.

To be considered for the Grand Prize and entered into the drawing for other prizes, the sponsor’s new member must be a National Company, Multi-location Company or Regular Member. The campaign began in January and ends June 16, 2006.

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.alarm.org. Remember, the more new members recruited, the greater the chance of winning!

NTS Offers Ways to Better Your Business

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

Upcoming Events

California Alarm Association Conference
May 11-13, 2006
Palm Springs, CA
www.CAAonline.org

Central Station Alarm Association Expo
May 17-21, 2006
Savanna, GA
www.csaaul.org

Silicon Valley Alarm Association
May 18, 2006, 5p.m. – 8p.m.
Fiorillo's
638 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050

New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
May 10, 2006
Central Region Membership Meeting
www.njbfaa.org

Kansas City Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
June 7, 2006
Spring Golf Tournament
www.kcbfaa.com

Kentucky Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
May 18-May 20
NTS Level 1 Alarm Certification Class Hosted by SES

Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
May 6, 2006
CEU for 2005 Code Update

Chapter News

Congratulations to Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association

The Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (Washington BFAA) attained 100 percent membership renewals for 2006. Association president Howard Richardson said they set and met their 2006 goals by getting their dues in on time and collecting 100 percent.

“Executive Director Stella McDonald’s duties were to get the notices out early and be prepared to send a follow up notice,” he said. “With the help of our board members and a large credit to Stella, we reached our goal.”

McDonald said the Washington BFAA Board continually strives to meet the needs of their members. “We have expanded our functions, for example with trade shows, classes, golf tournaments and for the first time this year we are having a spring symposium,” she said.

McDonald also credits their Alarm Response Manger Ron Haner for their success. “Ron is very attentive to the members and to the municipalities in dealing with new ordinances. He joins in the appreciation of our members, who are very important to all of us.”

Richardson, who said Stella did 95 percent of the collections, asks, “Are you sure you want to retire?”

Congratulations to Howard, Stella, other state leaders and the entire membership from the NBFAA.

Mississippi Alarm Association Schedules Annual Convention

The Mississippi Chapter of the NBFAA will host their 12th annual convention in Jackson, Miss., Aug. 16 and 17. The annual convention will include a golf tournament Aug. 16 , a Continuing Education Day, a statewide meeting, and a vendor trade show on Aug. 17.

A number of sponsorship opportunities are available, and members from other states are also invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Don Williams, Mississippi Alarm Association (MAA) president, at (601) 410-5205 or Scot Sunquist, MAA trade show chair at (504) 909-6927.

NBFAA/NHAA Team to Defeat Exclusionary Tactics in NH

NBFAA and the New Hampshire Alarm Association (NHAA) were successful in lobbying efforts to defeat HB 1595, a state licensing bill which had been developed and proposed without any input from NBFAA, NHAA or many others in the low-voltage installation community. NHAA and NBFAA consistently urged opposition to this legislation because of the exclusionary tactics used to develop the legislation.

NHAA had recently asked for NBFAA’s assistance to urge members who do business in New Hampshire to contact the State Senate to oppose HB 1595 or any other similar bill. Originally introduced in the New Hampshire State House as a “voluntary” low-voltage electronic systems licensing and certification bill, HB 1595 was amended to be a mandatory licensing bill and sent over to their State Senate.

NBFAA Director of Government Relations John Chwat said, “Although this version of the bill was defeated, we are not out of the woods, we should remain alert and ready to respond until the session ends June 30. Additionally, we expect that New Hampshire will not be the last place that we see this kind of legislation introduced. It is important that our members get involved early and often in their respective states to ensure that the alarm industry is heard when licensing or other legislation that will impact business is being considered. We’ve seen what can be accomplished when members get involved and make their views known.”

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Chwat at (703) 684-7703. Additional information on legislative activity is available on the Web site in the Government Relations section in the Information Center at www.alarm.org and in the Members Only section.

Member News

ADI Teams With Lee Dan Communications

ADI announced it is joining forces with Lee Dan Communications, Inc. to offer an extensive line of intercoms that includes video intercoms, as well as emergency and nurse call intercoms.

ADI will now be able to offer its customers more intercom security solutions that increase their margin opportunity with another added premium line of intercoms. ADI said customers will benefit from the broad offering in the custom communication commercial intercom space, as well as from the flexibility and ease of ordering Lee Dan’s custom communication products.

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The Systems Depot Announces Winner of Tickets to Maui

The winner of the Systems Depot and GE Security Two Tickets to Maui promotion was Dick Harpster of NBFAA member company Central Security Systems.

Harpster was chosen at random to receive an incredible vacation package, including first-class airfare to Maui, a week long stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Maui, and $2,000 in cash.

The giveaway was such a success that The Systems Depot and GE Security hope to partner for more promotions yet this year.

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Tri-Ed Announces Program with XM Satellite Radio

Tri-Ed announced a joint marketing program with XM Satellite Radio that’s designed to enhance the sales and marketing clout of their dealers by offering a free radio to customers who have an alarm system installed.

Through the exclusive Tri-Ed XM Advantage Program, security installers can differentiate themselves in the marketplace by offering a “Safe – and Sound” – system: Security and XM Radio. The Audiovox XM Xpress satellite radio is free and the other systems are offered at greatly reduced rates.

Another program the company is offering is Great Expectations – a Customer Loyalty Program that rewards customers with points on every purchase made at Tri-Ed.

Customers are encouraged to enroll in the free program and redeem their purchasing rewards points for gifts including electronics, sporting goods and travel. The program began April 1, 2006, for the U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rican markets.

Great Expectations is open to new and existing customers. Those customers who can not accept personal rewards as a matter of company policy can redeem their award points for business related items or donate awards to the charity of their choice.

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Member Benefit Spotlight

(800) PAY-CHEX (729-2439)
www.paychex.com

Let Paychex - a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefits services for small-to medium-sized businesses - relieve you of these tasks! NBFAA members receive a 15 percent discount on payroll processing.

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Industry News You Can Use

Dallas Burglaries Rise Sharply with Verified Response

The City of Dallas has experienced a significant increase in burglaries since adopting a verified response policy for businesses. Burglaries at business locations shot up 17.9 percent during the first month of the program. Despite claims that the program would free up police resources to devote to crime fighting activities, the city also saw sharp increases in robberies, rapes and murders during the same period.

“It is unfortunate that business owners have had to suffer because the city refused to consider other proven methods of dealing with alarm issues that do not eliminate police response,” said Stan Martin, executive director of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC). “A program that was supposed to help police fight crime has instead led to a predictable increase in crime. This is why fewer than 30 of the nation’s approximate 18,000 police departments utilize verified response. Most departments consider responding to alarms to be a core police service and work with the alarm industry and business community to find other ways to deal with false dispatch issues,” he added.

Many city leaders are still on the record saying they plan to impose a verified response program on Dallas homeowners in the near future. “These statistics should be a wake up call to homeowners to contact their City Council representatives,” said Martin. “Otherwise, they will face the same problems business owners are having now as burglars look for victims in communities without police response.”

“The cities with the greatest success in dealing with false alarm issues and maintaining public support take a citizen-oriented approach,” said Martin. Cities such as Olympia, Washington are addressing alarm issues with impressive success. Olympia has reduced false alarm dispatches by more than 70 percent while maintaining police response to alarms. “Dallas can accomplish the same thing by working with the alarm industry and the state legislature,” added Martin.

False dispatches were already showing a downward trend when a citizen’s committee recommended the controversial verified response program. The total number of dispatches to false alarms was down by nearly 60 percent before verified response and there were numerous alternatives that would have continued that trend while allowing the police to continue to protect and serve the whole community. “The average savings of 30 minutes a week per patrol officer under ‘verified response’ is not worth a big jump in crime like this,” stated Martin.

Editor’s Note: NBFAA members have access to SIAC resources through their NBFAA membership. NBFAA is one of the founders of SIAC. For more information about SIAC go to their logo on www.alarm.org.

Industry Updates on Stats, Ordinances and News

Study: 96 Percent of Police See Value in Burglar Alarms
A new study conducted by Security Sales & Integration and sister publication Police has found that 96 percent of the law enforcement community believes the alarm industry is of value to both police and civilians.
Read more…

Spokane Establishes False Alarm Fines
The Northwest city of Spokane, Wash., is coming down with fines on alarm owners who commit false alarms.
Read more…

Housing Authority Brings Down Crime Through Wireless CCTV System
A CCTV system installed in four public housing developments in Rockford, Ill., has played a role in drastically bringing down crime.
Read more…

Police: 70 Percent of Residential Burglars Target Video Game Systems
If residential burglaries in Little Rock, Ark., are any indication, home alarms are not only needed to secure the TV in the living room, but also the Xbox.
Read more…

Industry Product News

Altronix Maxim Series Delivers Access/Power/Controller Integration

Altronix showcased its new Maxim Access/Power/Controller Product Series at ISC West. The company said the new series of branded products offers “maximum” power choices to system designers and installers.

The Maxim Series interfaces with access control panels and powers a multitude of accessories and locking devices. It features 16 independently trigger-controlled outputs that incorporate built-in selectable latching or non-latching fire alarm (FACP) interface.

Altronix also showcased an extensive selection of low voltage power solutions. Whether designed for indoor or outdoor use, rack or rail mounting, or Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC) expansion, Altronix said their products make it easy for installers and system integrators to distribute and manage power to meet virtually every need and industry required specification.

Micro Key Software Introduces Access Control Module

Micro Key Software unveiled the Millennium Series Access Control Module at the ISC West 2006 trade show in Las Vegas. Alarm dealers and central stations with HID’s VertX CS access control platform can now monitor alarms and access control events with existing hardware, software and personnel.

The Access Control Module integrates seamlessly with Micro Key’s already integrated Accounting, Central Station, Service Tracking, and Communications Modules. Having a single database eliminates redundant data entry tasks and the dependency on multiple systems. The data is automatically synchronized between central station and access control systems.

Tri-Ed Releases New, Bigger Products Catalog

Tri-Ed has experienced change and growth since becoming an independent company in early 2005. Indicative of a new and improved Tri-Ed, the distribution company’s newly released 2006 Catalog of Products features more product selections from more vendor partners.

In order to serve all of its customers’ installation needs, Tri-Ed has expanded its lines in every product category – Access, Intrusion, Fire, CCTV, Structured Cable, Home Automation and, particularly, Sound & Communications.

As Tri-Ed continues to add new product lines to keep pace with market demands, they’ve also added more training programs on their applications and capabilities, the company said. Some of the training opportunities available through the independent distributor include Technology Tours, the recently rolled out Home Solutions Technology Tour and Counter Days.

In The News

NBFAA in the Headlines

High-tech Protection by Mark Walsh, Daily News Writer
New York Daily-April 23, 2006
When selecting a system, the NBFAA recommends getting on-site assessments and price quotes (in writing) from three or four installers.
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New Hampshire Installer Licensing Bill Dies in State Senate
Security Sales & Integration-April 21, 2006

A bill that would have established licensing and certification for electronic systems installers in New Hampshire has died without a vote in the state's Senate.
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President and CEO of IASG Resigning
Security Sales & Integration-April 25, 2006

IASG's board of directors has tapped longtime industry leader and former NBFAA President John Mabry as non-executive chairman with the task of restructuring corporate management.
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Mississippi Establishes Licensing for Installers
Security Sales & Integration-April 21, 2006

With the signature of Gov. Haley Barbour, Mississippi has established licensing for those who install electronic protection services.
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Harvey Eisenstadt Honored with 2006 President’s Award from NBFAA
Boschsecuritynews.us-April 2006

Harvey Eisenstadt, National Account Manager, was presented with the 2006 President’s Award from the NBFAA at the NBFAA Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas.
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Paul Baran from Bosch wins NBFAA award
Buildingtalk.com-April 2006

Bosch Security Systems announce that Paul F. Baran, its Corporate Security Consultant, has won the NBFAA 2006 Sara E. Jackson award.
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American Alarm Saves Customers Lives, Averts Silent Killer
Biz.yahoo.com-April 26, 2006

NBFAA honored one of their member companies for the life-saving efforts of a persistent salesman.
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Recent Press Releases

American Alarm Saves Customers Lives, Averts Silent Killer
NBFAA distributed a press release last week via a national wire service featuring the 2005 NBFAA/SDM First Line of Defense winner American Alarm & Communications, Inc. The press release was featured on several news sites including Yahoo and Google news.
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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

NBFAA News

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

Chapter News

Member News

Member Benefit Spotlight

Industry News You Can Use

Industry Product News

In The News

NBFAA News

What Can You Do to Protect Your Customers Against VoIP

Refresh: Check Out the Newly Updated NBFAA Web Pages

Tell Us Your AMPS Story

Need a Vacation? How About a Free Vacation?

NTS Offers Ways to Better Your Business

NBFAA Calendar Highlights

Upcoming Events

Chapter News

Congratulations to Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association

Mississippi Alarm Association Schedules Annual Convention

NBFAA/NHAA Team to Defeat Exclusionary Tactics in NH