|
You are receiving Member Update as a courtesy of the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). If you do not wish to receive future e-mails, please reply to this e-mail with "REMOVE" in the subject line. |
In This Issue
NBFAA News
Executive Committee to Welcome Two New Members
NBFAA’s Executive Committee will welcome two new members; David Koenig of Wisconsin and John Knox of Tennessee beginning the first of July. The two candidates for office faced no opposition and won their seats by acclamation.
|
A partner with Capital Lock, Inc., Koenig has been involved in the security industry since 1981. He has held a number of management positions in firms large and small that have provided a variety of security services. His experience includes sales, system installation, project management, design, budgeting, consulting and business management.
He served as a board member of NBFAA in 1991 to 1993 and 2002 through 2005. He was recognized by NBFAA in 1993 as Professional Alarm Technician of the Year.
Knox, a graduate of the University Of Tennessee School Of Electrical Engineering, is currently serving on the Tennessee Chiefs of Police Association False Alarm Committee. He is the owner of Life & Property Security systems and has served as a board member of NBFAA as the Tennessee representative from 1998 to 2001. He has also served as the president of the Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
Koenig will serve a one-year term as vice president and Knox will serve a two-year term as secretary.
The Executive Committee’s voluntary leadership consists of the president, and four vice presidents in even-numbered years and one vice president-president elect and three vice presidents in odd-numbered years. The committee also includes a treasurer, secretary and immediate past president. The Executive Director and Legal Counsel are ex-officio members.
Effective the first of July the other members of the committee will include: President George Gunning; Immediate Past President, Scot Colby; Treasurer Mike Miller; Vice Presidents Dom D’Ascoli, Counte Cooley and Marshall Marinace; Legal Counsel Bryan Lawrence; and Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau.
June State Legislative Report Now Available Online
Keep up-to-date with the pending legislative issues in your state. The June 2006 State Legislative Report is now available for download.
On a state level, the NBFAA government relations team monitors all 50 state legislatures and reports on bills of interest to our membership. Included in this year’s state legislative review are bills related to educational requirements for licensing and certification, continuing education for existing licenses, apprenticeship education requirements, and direct references to National Training School (NTS) and NBFAA education programs.
On a federal level, the NBFAA monitors all legislation in Congress that might impact education issues, and works with the U.S. Department of Labor which has jurisdiction over national apprenticeship programs.
To access the report, members should go to www.alarm.org and log into the Members Only section. Navigate to the Government Relations and click on the State Legislative Report – June 2006 link on the right side. Click on your state to see industry related legislation you need to know about.
NBFAA Works with Senate on VoIP Language
On Thursday, June 8, the U.S. House of Representative passed H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act of 2006 by a vote of 321-101.
Efforts by the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) and the NBFAA were successful in including the Alarm VoIP Consumer Notification language, which requires VoIP providers prior to installation or number activation to provide “clear and conspicuous” notice to consumers who have alarm systems.
The notice advises VoIP consumers to contact their alarm provider to test their system after installation of VoIP phone service; to notify their monitoring company they have installed VoIP phone service; and that a backup battery should be installed for the alarm system to function.
The AICC and NBFAA were also successful in inserting similar language in the Senate version of the Telecommunications bill, S. 2686, known as the Communications, Consumers’ Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act. The Senate language is slightly stronger and states that a back up battery is required for the alarm system to work. On June 28 the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bill and sent it to the Senate floor for consideration. There is much opposition to the Senate bill and final consideration may be delayed throughout the summer.
Neither the House nor Senate measures included language that would require the same “clear and conspicuous” notice to be included in the packing that accompanies equipment directly sold to a consumer who self-installs VoIP phone service.
Since self installation of VoIP phone services is fast becoming the predominate manner in which VoIP phone services are installed, it is important that notice be included in the packaging of the equipment that is purchased from consumer electronics stores and is being installed. Including a “clear and conspicuous” notice for consumers is not onerous and will provide the consumer with the information they need in order to ensure that they continue to receive uninterrupted alarm monitoring services.
In coordination with the AICC, NBFAA is seeking to include an amendment to S. 2686 giving consumers the information they need to insure that they have uninterrupted protection of their life, health, and property by adding the following language:
IP-Enable Emergency Response Systems – language that would require the same “clear and conspicuous” notice that the bill requires prior to installation or number activation also be included in the packaging of equipment sold directly to consumers for self installation of VoIP phone service.
NBFAA members are encouraged to contact their Senate members and ask them for help in getting this amendment added to the bill. For more information on this issue and a sample letter you can use visit the Government Relations section at www.alarm.org.
National Goes International
First a move from Washington, DC to larger spaces in Bethesda, Md. and then a recent relocation to Irving, Texas; it seems NBFAA is always on the move. No, the association offices have not relocated, but training programs have crossed the Atlantic.
The National Training School (NTS) visited the Edelweiss Conference Center and Resort June 13 - 15 to present the Level 1 Certified Alarm Technician course to members of the United States Army stationed in Garmish-Partenkirschen, Germany.
Instructors Joseph Hayes and Steve Spodnik, both from New York, delivered the nationally recognized program at a facility used by the Armed Forces for training and relaxation. The three-day course, which included alarm history, basics of technology, controls and communications, false alarm prevention and fire and burglar alarm devices, was well received by the attendees.
The training facility, located at the base of the German Alps, is a center for relaxation and seminars for US military personnel. Additional courses with members of the Army are planned for the future. Hayes and Spodnik were able to include some touring of the historic area, while promoting the benefits of NBFAA membership.
This trip, arranged by NTS, is further proof of the international recognition and value of the security technology training provided by the association. The courses, the instructors, NTS and NBFAA are recognized by state licensing authorities, major corporations, government security and intelligence agencies and now by the US military services. For additional information on NTS courses, check out www.alarm.org.
|
About the NTS Instructors:
Steve Spodnik, vice president of Northstar Security, an electronic security systems installation company in Yonkers, N.Y., has more than thirty years security experience in the public and private sector and has been an NTS instructor for more than 15 years. An avid golfer and outdoorsman, Steve formerly served with the Yonkers Police Department as a homicide and public integrity investigator.
Joseph Hayes, CPP, SET, is principal of All County Security, an independent security and fire protection consulting and design firm located in Putnam Valley, N.Y. Joseph holds industry certifications as a Certified Protection Professional and Physical Security Professional with ASIS International, as well as a NICET Level IV in Fire Alarm Design. Joseph is a private pilot and enjoys flying around the country.
Educational Opportunities Heating Up In and Out of the Classroom
 |
It’s heating up outside, and while you are soaking up the sun, soak up the savings by taking advantage of all your member benefit programs like educational opportunities from the National Training School (NTS). One of our most popular courses, Understanding Alarm Systems, is an eight hour course in a classroom for police officers, ordinance managers and industry staff. |
Students will learn the elements of security technology including system components, detection and response. They will also acquire technical training in sensors, control panels, communications, supervising stations and false alarm prevention. Every aspect of the course is designed to enable salespeople and law enforcement personnel to understand system design.
NTS courses are designed to enhance your staff’s knowledge and professionalism. NTS offers both classroom and online courses, including business classes, technical training and licensing support.
Give your business the edge it needs to succeed, sign up for classes today.
Course schedules for 2006 are available at www.alarm.org 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
Certified Alarm Technician
July 7 – 9 – Memphis, Tenn.
July 12 – 14 – Owings Mill, Md.
July 14 – 16 – Knoxville, Tenn.
July 21 – 23 – Port Allen, La.
July 28 – 30 – Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
July 1 – 2 – LaPlace, La.
July 6 – 7 – Owings Mill, Md.
July 15 – 16 – Montgomery, Ala.
July 12 – 14 – Long Island, N.Y.
July 28 – 29 – Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
Continuing Education Courses
July 18 – Fire Alarm Test and Inspection Course – Atlanta, Ga.
July 19 – 20 – NICET I & II Test Prep Course – Atlanta, Ga.
July 20 – Networking the Alarm Industry, and VoIP and Alarm Systems – Nashville, Tenn.
July 31 – Aug. 4 – Certified Security Project Manager – Toronto, Ontario
Understanding Alarm Systems
July 15 – Monroe, La.
NBFAA Calendar Highlights
Check Out the Latest Events, Meetings and Annual Conventions
Member Update’s NBFAA Calendar Highlights keep you informed of industry events and special dates. NBFAA also provides members with an online calendar located at www.alarm.org. To get your event added send an email to jasons@alarm.org. Be sure to include a description of the event along with the dates.
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. For more information about the event or to sponsor, contact Alarm Foreman at (206) 328-3288 ext. 722 or e-mail aforeman@washingtonalarm.com.
Tri-Ed Tech Tours to Hit the Florida Coast
July 11, 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. 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 http://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
Chapter News
Non-Response – It Could Happen To You!
How would you know if your city or state was considering enacting a non-response ordinance? How would such an ordinance affect your business? How do you prevent it from happening?
Needless to stay, such an ordinance could be damaging to your business and to the customers who rely on your services.
The Idaho Alarm Association (IAA) recently defeated a non-response ordinance proposed in Boise, Idaho that state association president Ken Webster said, “could have been potentially devastating.”
Webster attributed the victory to the NBFAA association resources that were available to him and the excellent communication between IAA and the police department.
“Had we not been proactively communicating with the police department we wouldn’t have even known about it until it happened,” he said. “Catching it early is the best way to influence.”
Webster offered these tips to prevent such an ordinance from being adopted in your area.
Communicate…
Webster recommends companies and associations stay close to the authorities and to proactively communicate with the police department. Webster said his association learned of the ordinance proposal from a casual comment at an informal meeting.
Team up with NBFAA and its member associations…
Once he learned of the proposal Webster immediately called NBFAA and with the help of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition, began working on a solution that would better solve the problem.
“Just through this network of associations we were able to pull vast amounts of useful information,” Webster said.
Offer alternatives…
Webster presented city officials with alternatives to non-response such as Enhanced Call Verification methods and the use of CP-01 alarm panels which he said better solves the problem of false alarms.
Enhanced Call Verification is a process by which central monitoring stations call two or more numbers before dispatching police. CP-01 is an industry standard developed by the Security Industry Association to help reduce false alarms created by user error which experts say is the leading cause of false alarms.
Boise officials listened to the industry professionals and ultimately adopted each of their recommendations to reduce the number of false alarms, instead of enacting a non-response ordinance. Those recommendations included the requirement that all new installations use only alarm control panels which meet the CP-01 standard; prohibiting the use of systems that have entry/exit delays of less than 45 seconds; and requiring central monitoring stations to make two off-premise calls prior to calling police dispatch. Other requirements such as fines for users and alarm companies were also adopted.
“City officials were willing to listen to alternatives and we were able to bring facts and logic into an otherwise emotional situation,” Webster said. “We went from something that could have been potentially devastating to something that was completely workable.”
Member News
DMP Names Steve Powell Director of Corporate Services
Digital Monitoring Products (DMP), a manufacturer of advanced alarm, monitoring and Internet protocol ready security systems announces the hiring of Steve Powell as director of Corporate Services.
Formerly the owner of Atlas Communications, a telecommunications and Internet service provider, Powell now supervises communications, computer networking, facilities expansion, and buildings and grounds maintenance.
The director of Corporate Services position is newly created to consolidate oversight of non-production facilities management at DMP.
SentryNet is Taking a Bite out of False Dispatches
SentryNet adopted enhanced call verification (ECV) at both of their Underwriters’ Laboratories listed central stations on Feb. 1, 2006.
SentryNet will call two phone numbers to verify an alarm condition before dispatching the authorities. When available, the second number called is often the cellular number of the homeowner or business manager, since most false dispatches occur while turning the system on or off. Panic, hold-up and other user-initiated alarms will still be handled in the traditional method.
“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,” said David Avritt, president of SentryNet.
“Our purpose is to help alarm users manage their systems to obtain the greatest public safety value,” sad Stan Martin, SIAC executive director. “We do that by working with alarm companies and law enforcement agencies, developing educational programs that take full advantage of the proven crime deterrent capabilities of alarm systems while working aggressively to reduce invalid requests for services. Implementing ECV serves the community by conserving resources and is part of being a responsible dealer and business citizen.”
SentryNet takes multiple approaches to reduce false alarms. The company produces continuing education and industry update programs for their participating dealers. Bi-weekly e-letters and quarterly newsletters offer a forum for education and sharing of best practices.
Buchanan Ingersoll Joins Forces with Klett Rooney
NBFAA’s legal counsel, Bryan Lawrence will be part of an even larger law firm when Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corp. and Klett Rooney Lieber & Schorling Professional Corp merge to form Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Professional Corp., effective July 1, 2006.
The deal will likely boost the combined firm to become one of the 80 largest law firms in the U.S. with estimated gross revenues of $265 million and a head count of more than 525 attorneys and government relations professionals.
Brink’s Announces New Location
With rapid population and housing growth in the Southern California market, Brink’s Home Security opened a new office to ensure it continues to meet high service standards for customers.
“We found that opening a new office in Riverside gives us greater coverage in the area and allows us to more effectively service our customers,” said Bob Raymond, Calif. regional director for Brink’s Home Security.
Approximately 20 new employees will be hired in the next 12 months to meet the demands of an expanding customer base in the area.
Member Benefit Spotlight
Mass Marketing |
Provide affordable employer-paid health insurance benefit packages for your employees through Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants. Call Ed Sturczek for a customized quote offered to NBFAA member companies both large and small. You can also access information via their Web site at www.mmicinsurance.com. |
Industry News You Can Use
New Castle County Passes False Alarm Law
The News Journal
The New Castle County, Del. Council unanimously approved a new law that punishes property owners with security systems that send out repeated false alarms.
:: Full story
Retailers’ Concerns of Organized Retail Crime Continue to Grow
Regardless of company size or type, loss prevention executives can agree on one thing: organized retail crime continues to be a major problem and concern across the retail landscape. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2006 Organized Retail Crime survey 81 percent of loss prevention executives indicated their companies have been a victim of organized retail crime.
Almost half, 48 percent, of those polled also said that there has been a slight increase in activity since last year. Nearly everyone surveyed, 93 percent, said they were concerned about organized retail crime activity and the problem for them is getting worse, not better. Of those polled, 41 percent said organized retail crime was a significant or severe issue, compared to only 30 percent of respondents last year.
Chemical Security Bill Advances in Senate
A bill mandating security standards at the nation’s chemical plants last week was approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, a move that would give the Department of Homeland Security the power to shut down facilities that fail to meet federal standards.
According to a statement from the committee, if passed into law, the bill would give the Department of Homeland Security the power to establish and enforce mandatory security standards at U.S. chemical facilities to guard against potential terrorist threats, reported United Press International.
The department would establish risk-based and performance-based criteria for plants, which would be required to conduct vulnerability assessments and write site security and emergency response plans that would be subject to approval by the homeland security secretary.
While the chemical industry praised the bill, environmental groups immediately criticized it for not including language requiring chemical facilities to use safer alternatives to dangerous chemicals.
(Source: United Press International)
Carrollton Toughens False-Alarm Ordinance
The Dallas Morning News
False alarms are going to start costing Carrollton, Texas residents and business owners more. The city council revised the alarm ordinance to allow police to charge for each false alarm after the third in a year, rather than after the fifth. And a new tiered fine system means that the more false alarms a resident or business owner piles up, the higher the fine will be.
:: Full story
U.S. Electronic Security Expected to Reach $15.5 Billion in 2010
The U.S. market for electronic security products and systems will advance 6.9 percent per year to $15.5 billion in 2010 according to a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
Growth will be spurred by a high perceived risk of crime and a belief that public safety officials are overburdened. Advances will also be driven by the sustained preoccupation with security matters that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Technology developments that enhance the accuracy, ease of use and speed of operation of security systems will also bolster spending, particularly on upgrading existing security systems. The falling prices of many high-end electronic security components have also enabled security products to achieve greater market penetration.
Access controls are expected to post the strongest growth through 2010 because of technological innovations that allow them to employ an increasingly sophisticated array of clearance options and because they can effectively replace guards. Advances in this product group will be led by biometric access controls, which will grow more than tenfold over the next decade, reaching $3.6 billion in 2015.
Most markets for electronic security systems will register healthy growth. Above average gains are expected in the industrial, offices and lodging, financial institutions and services sectors. In 2005, the trade and distribution market accounted for the largest share of electronic security system sales outside of the consumer market with 15 percent. However, the industrial market, which had 13 percent of total sales in 2005, is expected to surpass trade and distribution by a small margin to become the largest non-consumer market for electronic security products by 2010.
In The News
NBFAA in the News
Home Security Without a Trace
Newsday
Wireless is becoming the standard in the security industry.
:: Full story
How to Choose a Home Security System
Indystar.com
Even when you lock your doors at night, you may not be keeping danger out of your home.
:: Full story
American Alarm Wins Award
The Arlington Advocate
American Alarm and Communications has earned the 2006 First Line of Defense Award, presented annually to only one company in the United States by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) in conjunction with SDM Magazine, the alarm industry's leading trade journal.
:: Full story
Recent Press Releases
NBFAA recently distributed two public service press releases via national wire services. The releases will be available for members to download and customize with local information for submission to hometown newspapers. The information in the releases can also be used by members in customer newsletters or other outreach programs. For more information contact NBFAA Communications at communications@alarm.org.
When the Family’s Away the Thieves Will Play
NBFAA Offers Tips to Securing your Home
It’s no secret thieves do not take vacations. In fact, according to crime statistics, burglaries actually increase in the summer. To help protect your property, the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) has created a simple 4-point checklist.
:: Full story
This Release was Featured on:
- Forbes.com
- Sys-Con Media
- Hoovers
- DallasNews.com
- DentonRC.com - Texas News feed
- Inside TXBiz.com
- KRON 4 – San Francisco
- National Hispanic Corporate Council
- Yahoo
Youths Tie for NBFAA Youth Scholarship Award, Split Prize
For the first time in the history of the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (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.
:: Full story
This Release was Featured on:
NBFAA and NTS Announce the Availability of New Courses
The National Training School Signs Bedrock Learning as New Training Partner
The NBFAA and the National Training School (NTS) announce the availability of new courses through an agreement with Bedrock Learning.
:: Full story
This Release was Featured on:
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