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Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006
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In This Issue |
NBFAA NewsPR Efforts Continue to Keep NBFAA Members in Public EyeKeeping the security industry in the public eye and promoting the value of alarm systems to consumers through public relations efforts is one of the ways that NBFAA helps members grow their businesses. In the first six months of 2006, NBFAA produced the following Public Relations results for members:
With press releases, NBFAA informed members about new training opportunities, conventions and significant industry issues, including legislation proposed or supported by NBFAA. We also announced leadership award winners including the Morris F. Weinstock and Sarah E. Jackson awards, and we told readers about a customized insurance seminar; membership benefits and discounts. We told consumers how to secure their homes while on vacation and promoted the value of alarm systems through the public relations efforts on behalf of the 2006 First Line of Defense company. We demonstrated our members’ commitment to partnership with public safety when we shared information about the beneficiaries of the Youth Scholarship Program. (To view archived press releases; to nominate members for the Annual Leadership Awards or to enter your company in the 2007 First Line of Defense program go to www.alarm.org). Through the distribution of press releases, responding to media inquires and interviews, NBFAA was featured in such prestigious newspapers as the, Washington Post, Miami Herald, San Diego Union-Tribune, St. Petersburg Times, New York Daily News, Star-Ledger and countless others. In addition, our consumer tips received coverage in a variety of small newspapers across the nation, including publications in Georgia, Maine, Colorado, Kentucky, Texas and Kansas. Public relations efforts also turn into free advertising for the association’s members. NBFAA would have had to spend nearly $40,000 to purchase an ad in each of the publications mentioned above, which all ran the story How to Burglar-Proof Your Home for free. One of the most direct results of this coverage is that more consumers come to the NBFAA Web site in search of information and, most importantly, in search of members who provide services.
“This just goes to show what a good communications plan and strong team efforts can accomplish. By gaining positive coverage of the industry all NBFAA members share the spotlight and benefit from it,” said Ann Lindstrom, Chairperson of the NBFAA Communications Committee and Director of Corporate Communications at ADT Security Services. “Putting home and business security in front of more than 40 million people greatly enhances our industry recognition with the consumer market.” The NBFAA communications department is responsible for member communications and media relations efforts on behalf of the association and our members. If you would like help with your communications needs contact NBFAA at communications@alarm.org or by calling (888) 447-1689. NBFAA delivers five Mission Components for the benefit of its members, consumers and public safety: By providing these critical components, the association is able to fulfill its mission. Public Relations is one of those components. Other Mission Components include: Government Relations, Professional Development, Industry Affairs and Standards. NBFAA Adds AMPS Sample Letter to Web Site
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established a sunset date of Feb. 18, 2008, for the requirement that cellular carriers provide AMPS service. This sunset date is significant to everyone and could have an adverse impact on the thousands of alarm customers that have analog cellular (800 MHz) communicators installed in their homes or businesses for the purpose of relaying alarm signals. Members are encouraged to explain the AMPS situation to their customers and to begin preparing today for the transition. Members can also encourage their customers to contact their Congressional representatives about this issue. The AMPS sample letters, now available in the Members Only section, can be used to contact customers. Sample customer letters, access to training discounts and other member benefits, state legislative reports and a State Legislative Guide are all available in the Members Only section. Other valuable information, including industry statistics that you can share with customers, model alarm ordinances, Government Relations updates, additional information on AMPS, NBFAA press releases and tips for consumers, are all available in the Information Center at www.alarm.org. If you haven’t been online recently, take a tour and see what you can use to help your business grow. It’s the Bee’s Knees! The NBFAA, Security Industry Association, and the Central Station Alarm Association cordially invite you to attend Razamataz and All That Jazz – The 2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner. The dinner will be held at Cipriani’s 23rd Street in New York City during the NBFAA Fall Conference and will honor the 2006 Triton Award Recipient Charles Darsch and the 2006 George R. Lippert Award Recipient. Reservations must be made no later than October 6. Alarm History 101: The Birth of the NBFAAIt was 1946. The war over, America was turning about-face to a peacetime economy, a rugged transition that brought headaches to many an industrialist, including those in the security alarm field. Bullets, guns and jeeps were available everywhere, but many regions suffered from a shortage of bells, batteries, electric contacts, relays and copper wire – the guts of alarm systems. The larger, established firms survived the famine by using the priority access to alarm supplies that the government had granted them during the war. This left those without access to rationed supplies basically two options: buy systems from the black market at inflated prices and go belly up, or go belly up.
In 1947 Call put his imagination to work. The alarm industry needed a trade association he figured; he could form one and have it buy his failing supply business. Along more altruistic lines, Call figured that such an association could resolve various supply problems by promoting the standardization of equipment and high levels of quality. It could create a code of ethics to discourage bad business practices. The entity’s manufacturing arm could make products in quantities large enough to permit low prices. The association’s nonprofit status might also keep prices low. His plans set; Call and an assistant drove off across the country to meet with alarm company owners in person. The trip had a rocky start in New York. Call first stopped to visit the Albany Protective Service, but President Peer J. Neumann was out making service calls. “Otherwise,” said Neumann, “I might have been the initial member … At the time, however, I had serious doubts that Ben could ever [succeed].” Call next traveled not to Schenectady and was able to meet the owner this time. This person, however, was too preoccupied with his preparation for a fishing trip to show any interest in joining an alarm association.
Call finally found interest in Cleveland with Morris Weinstock, president of Morse Signal Devices. Weinstock liked the idea enough to agree to pay half of Call’s expenses if the effort failed (the new association would pay if Call succeeded). After meetings with other alarm dealers in Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and New York City produced mixed results, Call returned home. He hired an advertising firm and sent letters inviting 165 independents to join an association; 20 said yes. They decided to hold the first convention in February 1948 at Chicago’s Sherman Hotel, to be hosted by Frank Poulson and Gus Schwartz of Certified Burglar Alarm Systems. This first encounter – conceived as a five-day, friendly affair – turned into an 11-day marathon meeting of suspicious strangers. It marked the first time the owners of many independent firms learned of one another’s existence. With the common experience of fierce competition in the industry, many harbored suspicions that others would steal their trade secrets and perhaps their subscribers. More suspicion focused on the supply dilemma. Many of them needed reliable suppliers but were wary of Call’s scheme of having the association acquire alarm products devices. Call suspected that some of the companies planned to set up their own manufacturing firms. Others like Potter Electric of St. Louis already manufactured alarm devices and feared competition from a trade association, whose nonprofit status and membership base would give it an unfair advantage in the marketplace. At one point, Call even offered to sell his manufacturing tools and dies to the association for one dollar. Such benevolence, Call said, only made the others more skeptical and suspicious of conspiracy. Finally they did agree on an alternative; the association would coordinate bulk purchases from suppliers and invite them to exhibit their systems at association meetings. This compromise was most acceptable to the suppliers, who often balked at filling small orders from single firms. The third convention in Colorado Springs, featured displays by Potter Electric, A.W. Fruth of Chicago, Progress Electrical Supply Company of Brooklyn (which bought Calls manufacturing company in 1948 and later became Ademco), Central Station Signals of New York City and others. In 1950 suppliers were invited to join the association as associate members.
The association grew rapidly in the first years to 56 installing companies by 1951 and 71 by 1953. Because many of the new companies installed fire alarm systems, the association in 1950 adopted a new name, the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association. Networking 101 Courses Offered by NTS The Networking 101 training program provides practical knowledge in the Internet Protocol (IP) programming, network and Internet connection of Digital Video Recorders (DVR), network cameras, and security equipment. Class members will receive complete hands-on demonstration of IP cameras, video encoders, IP intercoms, and network equipment. Learn how IP works, and how to successfully connect the latest in electronic security technology. Sign up today for two one-day versions to address the needs of technicians, sales staff and project managers. Sign Up For Training Courses Today
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Central Station Training Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1) Continuing Education Courses Fire Alarm Installation Methods Life Safety Code Course & Workshop Networking 101 Understanding Alarm Systems NBFAA Calendar HighlightsMake Sure You Register Early for the NBFAA Fall Conference In addition to the NBFAA Fall Conference, NBFAA’s Calendar Highlights also includes special events and annual conventions hosted by CSAs around the country. Check out the events near you in each issue of Member Update and on the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org. To get your event added send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include a description of the event along with the dates.
Free IP Reader Technology Webinar
Chapter NewsCalifornia Chapter Announces 2007, 2008 Convention DatesThe California Alarm Association (CAA) announced its convention dates for 2007 and 2008. CAA has also set the date for its 2006 Winter Convention in 2006. The 2006 CAA Winter Convention will be held December 7 – 9 at the Crowne Plaza in San Francisco, Ca. Information on hotel reservations and special rates can be found at the CAA Web site at www.caaonline.org. The 2007, 2008 convention dates are as follows:
Leadership Awards Deadline ApproachesThe NBFAA is calling on its members to send in nominations for the 2006 Leadership Awards. The August 31 deadline is rapidly approaching so if you know someone who deserves recognition as a state leader let NBFAA know today. The winners of the 2006 NBFAA Leadership Awards will be recognized during the NBFAA Fall Conference and Chartered State Association (CSA) Symposium. Each recipient will be honored at a special awards luncheon and presented with a commemorative keepsake. The categories for awards are:
CSA Newsletter of the Year NTS Instructor of the Year CSA Executive Director of the Year CSA President of the Year NTS Training Coordinator of the Year Any NBFAA member can submit a nomination in any or all categories. Go to the Web site today to tell us who you believe are this year’s best. And plan to attend the 2006 Fall Conference and CSA Symposium to share in the excitement when we announce the winners! Utah Alarm Association in the News
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Where’s the Beef? At Tri-EdTri-Ed cooked up a lot of hot fun in the summertime with a sizzling special that rewarded customers with beef from Omaha Steaks when they purchased DSC products. Fare included filet mignon, top sirloins, boneless strips, and steak burgers. One lucky customer, Richard Miranda of SOS Alarms in Upland, California also walked away with a free BBQ grill to cook them up on. “The Omaha Steaks promotion is just one more way Tri-Ed reaches out to reward its customers and exceed their expectations,” said Tri-Ed’s Chief Operating Officer Pat Comunale. “The promotion was a great success.” |
![]() Vaughn Wells, Tri-Ed’s Riverside, California Branch Manager (right) presents the BBQ grill to winner Richard Miranda of SOS Alarms in Upland, Calif. |
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Bosch Security Systems, Inc. now offers a new line of high security indoor passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors that features sensor data fusion technology, which enables data comparison from all the detector’s sensors to significantly reduce false alarms. The new Professional Series detectors are ideal for a variety of indoor commercial and retail applications such as banks, jewelers and warehouses.
The detectors feature up to five different sensors within each unit as well as a highly sophisticated microprocessor that gathers data from each sensor and, via a proprietary algorithm, determines whether an alarm is necessary or not. This virtually eliminates false alarms, while improving catch performance by 35 percent over traditional motion detectors.
The detectors include other advanced features that contribute to the reduction of false alarms. Active white light suppression eliminates false alarms caused by bright light sources, such as car headlights. To deliver consistent performance at all operating temperatures, dynamic temperature compensation automatically adjusts the detectors’ sensitivity relative to room temperature, to more accurately detect the unique signature of human body heat.
The new Professional Series detectors are available through Bosch Certified Security Dealers, who can be found on the company’s Web site at www.boschsecurity.us under the Dealer Locator link.
Digital Monitoring Products announced the release of its Two-Way Wireless 1124 PIR (Passive Infrared) 360° Motion Detector—a wireless intrusion detector used in ceiling mount applications with DMP 1100D/1100X Wireless Receivers. The special hard lens offers wide coverage patterns—even at low mounting heights—and is especially immune to sunlight, halogen lights and fluorescent lights.
The 1124 ceiling-mount PIR offers 360°/65.6-foot diameter coverage when mounted on a 10-foot high ceiling and provides protection from intruders using a fully sealed sensor chamber. For added reliability, the 1124 provides bi-directional temperature compensation. It includes a built-in tamper switch and selectable high/low sensitivity.
Central station monitoring is the lifeblood of all successful security companies. A security company that does not offer it is like a plumber who only works on copper piping - everywhere he goes, he leaves good money lying on the table.
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Women in Security Electronics (WISE) have planned a special networking at this year’s ASIS convention. The event is open to all security professionals.
The event will be held Monday September 25 from 4:30-6:00 pm in the Security Management Ad Club room at the San Diego Convention Center.
Registration is not required and there is no cost for the event. There will be houer douvres and a cash bar. Attendees will have the opportunity to catch up with WISE and learn of some future plans.
The networking event will also honor the sponsors that believed in WISE from the start and encouraged the organization along the way. Sponsors include GE, HID, Tech Systems, Pelco, Henry Brothers Electronics, PSA, ISS, Diebold, Dedicated Micros, Altronix, Security Management magazine and ASIS.
Prospective members and sponsoring companies can learn more about the benefits of membership, upcoming events, and sponsorship levels by visiting the Web site at www.womeninsecurityelectronics.com.
Gunning Aims to Make Mark as NBFAA President
Security Sales & Integration
George Gunning took control as president of the NBFAA on July 1, along with a new executive committee. Gunning is the first NBFAA president from the western U.S. in more than 30 years.
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NBFAA Advises Members on How to Work with Legislators
SecurityInfoWatch.com
There are a number of bills currently pending in the U.S. Congress that have the potential to affect our businesses. As Congress heads into its August recess, our Government Relations team reminds members that now is a great time to get involved.
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Corner Lots
Richmond Times Dispatch
All the talk about homeland security is getting more people to secure their homes. No security system makes your home completely burglar-proof. But a system can reduce your chances of being burglarized and give you peace of mind.
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NBFAA Invites Public Comment on SBSS-01, Remote Supervising Stations Standards
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) has announced that the public review period for the NBFAA Standard for Remote Supervising Stations (SRSS-01) will begin tomorrow and remain through Sept. 25, 2006.
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