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In This Issue
NBFAA News
NBFAA Youth Scholarship Winners Announced
For the first time in the history of the NBFAA Youth Scholarship Award program, two students have tied for first place. Jordan Biltoft, Spokane, Wash. and Ryan Patton, Yorba Linda, Calif. were this year’s winners and will receive $5,000 each.
Biltoft, son of Fire Equipment Operator Leigh Biltoft, and a graduate of East Valley High School, plans to attend Eastern Washington University.
A graduate of Esperanza High School in Anaheim, Patton is the son of Charles Patton, deputy sheriff for Orange County, Calif. He plans to attend Stanford University.
Created in 1996 to promote goodwill among the electronic systems industry and public safety officials, NBFAA’s Youth Scholarship program provides college scholarship awards to deserving sons and daughters of police and fire officials. Traditionally the award is split between first and second place winners with first place receiving $6,500 and second place receiving $3,500. Because of the tie, the association’s Communications Committee voted to split the $10,000 evenly between the two winners.
“The California Alarm Association and the Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association are to be congratulated on their winners. This year’s competition was very tough, and it is a testimony to the strong state-wide programs. I recommend that all states participate and take advantage of the goodwill that this program generates for our industry,” said Merlin Guilbeau, executive director, NBFAA. “The bottom line is that we are able to help students achieve their educational goals, while showing support for our public safety partners,” added Guilbeau.
Deadline Extended
American Airlines Joins NBFAA Member Get a Member Campaign
Deadline Extended! |
The winners of the NBFAA Member Get a Member campaign will fly to Las Vegas in coach class on American Airlines. And that’s not the only good news. NBFAA has extended the contest deadline until July 31.
“We are excited to have American Airlines as one of the sponsors of this program, and we are looking forward to a continued partnership with the airline,” said Jorge Rivas, NBFAA director of Chapter Relations, Membership & Events. “We also encourage our members to capitalize on business travel by taking advantage of American Airline’s Business ExtrAA program.”
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 on American Airlines. This vacation can be taken anytime before June 30, 2007.
For more information about the campaign, please visit www.alarm.org. Remember, the more new members recruited, the greater the chance of winning!
NBFAA Reaches 17 Million Consumers with PR Efforts
NBFAA has been mentioned in 144 articles reaching more than 17 million consumers from Feb. 1, 2006, when the association began tracking references in print and online media, through the end of May.
“PR works,” said Georgia Calaway, director of Communication, Public Relations & Marketing, for NBFAA. “We try to present the industry in a positive light as often as possible.”
NBFAA was recently contacted by the Washington Post for information on How to Burglar-Proof Your Home. The article ran on June 1 and reached more than 750,000 readers. The article provided readers with helpful tips to ensure the safety of their home when going on vacation such as having neighbors check the house regularly and investing in an electronic security system.
Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau, was featured May 7 on the Home Innovations radio show on WMAL News Talk 630 in Washington, D.C. Guilbeau gave listeners advice on how to pick an alarm company and the different types of systems available to home owners. He also encouraged listeners to invest in additional safety features such as fire and carbon monoxide detectors and offered tips on how to decrease false alarms.
Other articles have been featured across the nation in established papers such as the Palm Beach Post in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday News, in Lancaster, Pa., and the Daily News in New York City. Articles also appeared on several media Web sites such as WFSB-TV in Hartford, Conn. and WLS-TV in Chicago.
Reminder: NTS to Offer Special One-Day Classes in Texas
A one-day training course for Security Networking 101 will be held in Dallas, Texas, June 26 and in Austin, Texas, June 28.
The classes will be presented by industry expert, SDM editor and security networking author Dave Engebretson.
This training course teaches security industry personnel basic Ethernet and Internet functions, Internet protocol addressing, connection of security devices onto LANs and WANs, and how to test network connections for functionality and bandwidth. Using live network cameras, intercoms and encoders, this training explains all the basics of using networks for security applications.
The cost is $195 per student and group discounts are available! To register for the course, visit www.securitynetworkinginstitute.com or call (708) 212-5150.
Get a Competitive Edge with NBFAA Training
 |
When it comes to your business, having a competitive edge is a key to success. One way to get that edge is through the professional development of your staff. NTS offers both classroom and online courses, including business classes, technical training and licensing support to enhance your staff’s professionalism. Course schedules for 2006 are available in the Professional Development section. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS immediately. |
Please use the following numbers when contacting NTS:
Phone: (866) 636-1687
Fax: (866) 812-3471
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Central Station Training Certified Alarm Technician Continuing Education Courses |
Electronic Access Control Fire Alarm Installation Methods Life Safety Code Course & Workshop Security Networking Institute Understanding Alarm Systems |
NBFAA Calendar Highlights
Check Out the Latest News on Free Web Casts, Meetings and Events
Stay connected to the latest information on industry related-events and dates with Member Update’s NBFAA Calendar Highlights. NBFAA also provides members with an online calendar located at www.alarm.org.
Free SIW Webcast: The Convergence of Security and IT
June 21, 2006
Online, 11 a.m. EDT at www.securityinfowatch.com/webcast/convergence/
This free live Web cast offers an insider's view of how networked video solutions can help you achieve your security goals more effectively. Attendees will receive tips on streamlining adoption of these new technologies throughout your organization, plus new approaches to building partnerships with information technology that maximize the value of convergence for your organization.
Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
July 11, 2006
Washington BFAA Fifth Annual Golf Tournament
Elk Run Golf Course
Maple Valley, Wash.
The event honors America’s firefighters and police officers with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the NBFAA Youth Scholarship Program.
Corporate and vendor sponsorships are still needed. For more information about the event or to sponsor, contact Alan Foreman at (206) 328-3288 ext. 722 or e-mail aforeman@washingtonalarm.com.
Tri-Ed Tech Tours to Hit the Florida Coast
July11, 12 and 13, 2006
Fort Myers, Sarasota, Clearwater
Tri-Ed will host three Tech Tours in Florida this July, when the program rolls into Fort Myers on July 11, Sarasota on July 12 and Clearwater on July 13. Remaining tours for June include Seattle on June 27 and Kansas City on June 29.
The one-day event encompasses certified product seminars, a buffet dinner, prize drawings, and a tabletop Expo showcasing Tri-Ed’s vendor partners in this category. They include: Channel Plus, Channel Vision, CCI, DSC, HAI,,ICC, Inter-Tel, Jobsite, JVC, M&S Systems, New Wave Audio, NuTone, On-Q Legrand, Open House, Phoenix Gold, Speco Technologies, X10-Pro, and Xantech.For more information and to register for a Tech Tour, visit www.tri-ed.com.
New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
Aug. 7, 2006
14th Annual NJ Alarm Industry Golf Outing
Bella Vista Country Club
100 School Road East
Marlboro, N.J. 07746
Contact the New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association for more information
at (609) 695-4444.
Mississippi Alarm Association
Aug. 16-17, 2006
12th Annual Convention
Jackson, Miss.
The annual convention will include a golf tournament Aug. 16 at Patrick Farms Golf Club in Brandon, Miss. This year’s fee is $85, which will include the green fee, golf cart, food, beverages and prizes. Contact Ed Trim at (601) 624-5231 or e-mail ed@penningtonandtrim.com for more information.
The convention will also include a Continuing Education Day, a statewide meeting, and a vendor trade show on Aug. 17.
A number of sponsorship opportunities for the trade show and golf tournament 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.
South Carolina Alarm Association
Sept. 27 - 29, 2006
SCAA 2006 Trade Show
Charleston Riverview Hotel
Charleston, S.C.
Attendees will enjoy a golf tournament, training classes, roundtable discussions and trade show. For more information, contact Gabrielle at
(803) 252-0580.
Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
2006 TBFAA Annual Convention & Trade Show
Oct. 11-13, 2006
Park Vista Hotel
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The annual event will also feature a sporting clay tournament, golf tournament, trade show, eight continuing education hours, annual meeting, luncheon, and casino party. For information on exhibiting or dealer registration, please contact Penny Brooks, TBFAA executive director, at TBFAAexdir@aol.com or at (615) 791-9590.
Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
12th Annual Security Show
Mirabeau Park Hotel
Oct. 13, 2006
Spokane, WA
This is the most cost effective opportunity for you to promote your products to a large population of Pacific Northwest Dealers.
- Golf and President’s Reception—October 12
- Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—October 13
- Price: $495 single booth—$825 double booth
(Single booth 8x10, 6’ table— 100 volt electrical service)- Hotel Room: (509) 924-9000
Please mention WBFAA for the $79 rate and to support Washington BFAA.For more information, please contact Stella McDonald, executive director at (800) 248-9272 or e-mail smspokane@sisna.com.
Member News
Micro Key Software Hires Industry Veteran
 Karen Shaver |
Karen Shaver has joined the technical support team at Micro Key Software, a provider of software solutions to the security alarm industry. Karen brings more than 15 years of experience in the security industry to this position. She started her career at ADT as a dispatcher and went on to hold several positions at Security Link and Scott Alarm before co-owning and operating a central station where she used Micro Key Software’s Millennium Series modules.
Wayne Torrens, president, added, “Karen’s thorough understanding of central station operations will be invaluable when our Disaster Recovery Center is utilized. I’m confident Karen will help us continue to deliver amazing service to all of our valued clients.”
Tri-Ed Program Exceeds Great Expectations
Tri-Ed’s recently unveiled Great Expectations program is exceeding expectations for dealers and manufacturers. Thousands of Tri-Ed customers have already signed up for the program, which rewards them with points for every purchase made at Tri-Ed. It also delivers double points for purchases of products from participating manufacturers. Customers redeem their purchasing rewards points for merchandise, including electronics, sporting goods and travel.
The participating suppliers include DSC, Samsung, GE, Kantech, Altronix, Speco Technologies, System Sensor, Toshiba, Coleman Cable, Inter-Tel, UltraGuard, Wheelock, Jobsite, Testum, New Wave, Open House, Linear, Pelco, M&S Systems, Eureka, Dedicated Micros, HAI and Channel Plus.
Each month, one manufacturer in particular serves as the program’s sponsor, offering special sales and promotions. As the first sponsoring vendor in April, Speco Technologies enjoyed record sales volume with Tri-Ed.
DMP Names New President and Chief Operating Officer
 Bill Jackson |
William E. “Bill” Jackson has joined Digital Monitoring Products (DMP), as the corporation’s president and chief operating officer effective June 12, 2006. Jackson will be the executive responsible for the day-to-day management of the company.
“We have been working toward this goal for some time now and the management team is excited about the great opportunities and possibilities. With Bill in this new position, I will be able to devote my time to key customer relations and product development and research,” Announced DMP owner, Rick Britton.
Prior to joining DMP, Jackson served as President and C.O.O. of PerMar Security Services, a large Midwest central station alarm company with 20 branch offices. Since 2003, Jackson has also served on the Board of Directors of Security Network of America. Previous senior executive positions include AMR Corporation, and The Wackenhut Corporation.
For more information about DMP visit www.dmp.com.
Alarm Lock Announces a New Dealer Rewards Program
Alarm Lock Systems, Inc., a leader in electronic pushbutton standalone locks, introduces a new customer loyalty program. According to Alarm Lock, the program is a way to thank customers for making Trilogy® the fastest growing and best-selling electronic pushbutton access lock in the business. Under the new Alarm Lock Gear Program, every time a customer purchases a Trilogy product they earn points which can be redeemed for free gear.
Now through July 2007, dealers can register, view their point balance, and check out the rewards prizes. Go to www.alarmlockrewards.com for the official rules and point system.
For more information on Alarm Lock’s advanced access and egress solutions, call (800) ALA-LOCK or visit www.alarmlock.com.
Redesigned Web Site Launched by Brink’s Home Security®
Brink’s Home Security recently announced the launch of a redesigned Web site. According to Brink’s, the site’s content and navigation have been greatly enhanced to provide better user experience. The address is www.brinkshomesecurity.com.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve the service we provide visitors to the site. As we revamped the site, we took every opportunity to add features that make it easier to use and incorporate more information on home safety and security needs.” said Dwayne Sigler, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Brink’s Home Security.
The Web site now offers expanded information on services and products. For example, those browsing the site can find information on other Brink’s Home Security business lines like Brink’s Home Technologies (www.brinkshometechnologies.com) and Brink’s Business Security (www.brinksbusinesssecurity.com). Interested home and business owners will find useful information on security services at both sites.
Other links on the page allow potential alarm dealerships to access information on how to become a Brink’s authorized dealer. That site can also be accessed at www.brinksauthorizeddealer.com.
Micro Key Software’s President Exceeds Pledge Goal
Micro Key Software president Wayne Torrens has raised $5,694 for his participation in the Central Florida 2006 Bright House Networks MS-150 ride for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For the last five years Wayne has been involved as a member of the Lockheed Martin team. The team, consisting of 125 members, contributed $64,790 of the $881,000 collected this year.
Wayne has been participating in MS events every year since 1996 and from 2003–2005 took part in both the PGA Tour and Central Florida MS-150 rides. Wayne’s efforts have brought in contributions exceeding $20,000. He is thankful to all that have sponsored him through the years and is looking forward to another record year in 2007.
When asked about this year, Wayne stated, “My goal each year is to raise more money than the previous year in an effort to help find a cure to this sometimes devastating disease. Thanks to my generous sponsors, this year I was able to more than double my fund-raising totals from last year.”
Member Benefit Spotlight
NBFAA’s partnership with DHL brings NBFAA members a full suite of domestic and international shipping services. Plus, members are also eligible for preferred pricing. To find out more, contact the dedicated association hotline or log on to www.membersales.com/nbfaa. |
Industry News You Can Use
DHS Launches New Campaign for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Designed as a call-to-action for business leaders, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign has created the Ready Business Mentoring Initiative. This new initiative is designed to help owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare for emergencies.
The Ready Business Mentoring Initiative includes mentoring guides which are designed to teach business owners and managers about affordable ways to better protect their businesses.
In addition, the Ready Campaign collaborated with the Education Disaster Extension Network (EDEN) to create presentation materials to support the Ready Business mentoring guides. These materials assist business and community leaders in hosting and delivering business preparedness workshops and training sessions.
DHS, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. leading business organizations, will distribute the Ready Business mentoring guides and other materials as the 2006 hurricane season approaches.
The Ready Business mentoring guides include:
- Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Sample Plan
- Business Emergency Supply Checklist
- Insurance Discussion Form
- Computer Inventory Form
- Testimonials and a list of additional resources
To learn more go to the Ready.gov Web site; also see the Citizen Corps Web site
New State Law Helps Reduce Alarm Dispatches
On July 1, 2006, the state of Florida will become the first in the country to activate a state-wide law requiring Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) to help reduce the number of dispatches for police departments. ECV is the process by which an alarm monitor must call a second phone number if the first call is not answered to help determine if a dispatch is warranted. This effective policy is currently used in more than 100 municipalities across the country.
ECV is a proven tool in reducing false alarm dispatches. Protection One, a Washington alarm provider, saw a 48.7 percent reduction in false dispatches after implementing ECV this year. The policy also helped Vector Security reduce its annual dispatches by 42 percent on the east coast last year.
By calling a second number such as a cell phone, alarm companies can often disqualify alarms as false. Doing so prevents the unnecessary dispatch of police to the scene. Because the policy frees time for officers to respond to other calls, both the Florida Police Chief’s Association and the Florida Sheriff’s Association actively supported the legislation.
In addition to the law enforcement community and state Attorney General’s office, members of the fire, business, electrical and security industries support the bill as well. For years, Glen Mowrey, Ron Walters and Stan Martin have worked with the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) to promote the policy.
“Not only does ECV help law enforcement by reducing unnecessary dispatches, it also helps reduce the amount of alarm fines people pay,” said Martin, SIAC’s Executive Director. “Everyone benefits.”
Both Florida’s House and Senate unanimously approved the legislation, HB1351. Governor Jeb Bush signed it into law on Friday, June 9, 2006.
SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations—NBFAA, the Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)--representing one voice for the alarm industry on alarm management issues. SIAC’s primary charter is to significantly reduce calls for service while strengthening the lines of communication with law enforcement professionals and end users. For more information, contact www.SIACinc.org.
Industry Product News
Continental Access Introduces CardAccess® 3000 v2.3 Software
Continental Access, a NAPCO Security Group company, is pleased to introduce version 2.3 of the CardAccess 3000 Software.
The CardAccess® 3000 Software (CA3000) is a fully featured access control software package that has been designed to take advantage of cutting edge technologies to provide solutions from standalone entry level through networked world-class enterprise systems. According to Continental, the scalable architecture and flexibility of the CA3000 software provides a system that utilizes secure MSDE/MSSQL technology and open database information sharing with CA ExchangeDB Import and Export features.
Visit www.cicaccess.com to learn more about Continental’s family of products.
NAPCO FREEDOM™ Receives a SIA Product Achievement Award
FREEDOM, the first code-free wireless alarm system, from NAPCO Security Systems, Inc., debuted at the ISC West conference in Las Vegas and received the “Product Achievement Award for Wireless” from the Security Industry Association (SIA).
According to NAPCO, FREEDOM is as simple to use as locking and unlocking the door’s existing deadbolt. False alarms are virtually eliminated because there are no exit/entry delay countdowns and there are no arm/disarm codes to memorize.
Visit www.napcosecurity.com to learn more.
In The News
NBFAA in the News
Burglars Beware…This House is Armed!
Sierra Sun, Sierra, Nevada
:: Full Story
Make your house safe from burglars
By Terri Sapienza
The Washington Post
A story in the Washington Post which ran June 1, 2006 was also carried in other newspapers (and online). The Seattle Times ran the story on June 10. The Clarion-Ledger in Mississippi ran the story on June 2; the Contra Costa Times in California ran the story on June 3. Other links for additional coverage are provided below. If you would like to see similar articles in your local paper, take advantage of free public relations information from NBFAA. Contact communications@alarm.org today for more information.
- Washington Post
- Seattle Times
- Clarion Ledger
- Contra Costa Times
- Bradenton Herald
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Fort Wayne Jounal Gazette
- Redding
- Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
- South Coast Today
- Heraldnet.com
Speak now or hold peace on NFPA 731
Security Systems News
Security integrators and installers have until tomorrow, May 26, to submit a proposal telling the National Fire Protection Association what they think should be changed, omitted or added to NFPA 731.
:: 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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