|
In This Issue
NBFAA News
Join Us for the 2007 Spring Conference
NBFAA’s 2007 Spring Conference and Chapter Symposium will kick off Sunday, March 25, 2007 with the bi-annual symposium and member reception. In addition to these worthwhile (and fun) events, members won’t want to miss out on the many opportunities for industry-related training, seminars, discussions and networking during both the NBFAA meetings and ISC West.
NBFAA again has a room block at Treasure Island (TI) but rooms will only be available on a first-come first-serve basis, so call today. NBFAA guests may telephone directly to the TI Reservation Department. The toll free number is (888) 503-8999. You may also fax your request to (702) 894-7482.
In order to receive the group rate of $159 per night, you must mention that you are attending the NBFAA conference and pay a deposit prior to the cut off date of March 1, 2007.
Tuesday, March 27, members can choose to Golf Without Guilt at the fourth annual Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF) and NBFAA Golf Tournament. Or non-golfers can go skeet shooting. Both events benefit AIREF, an all-volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to conducting research that benefits the public interest, as well as the interests of the alarm industry.
Registration for the conference, golf tournament and skeet shooting has begun so visit www.alarm.org to register today.
Update Your Information with NBFAA
Keep NBFAA informed when your information changes. We understand that people change e-mail addresses and phone numbers often. When this happens, we ask you to visit www.alarm.org to fill out the member information update form found in the Member’s Only section.
By keeping NBFAA informed you can ensure you will continue to receive important communications concerning the association and the industry.
Congress Ends Session with Tax Law Changes
By Mitch Reitman
S.I.C. Consulting Inc.
Before Congress adjourned, they passed three tax bills. While the focus was on pension and retirement plan issues, the bills contained $70 billion in net tax cuts. If you are one of the many taxpayers that are subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT), you will be pleased to know that the new law increases the exemption amounts for tax years beginning in 2006. The increased exemption levels for 2006 are:
- $62,550 for married taxpayers filing a joint return (and surviving spouses)
- $42,500 for unmarried individuals
- $31,275 for married taxpayers filing separate returns
You may also claim the dependant care credit, the credit for the elderly and disabled, the Hope Scholarship Credit, and the lifetime learning credit without the amounts being subject to the AMT. These exemptions do not apply to credits for alternative motor fuel and hybrid vehicles. If you are expecting to take these credits, and may be subject to AMT, watch out for this trap.
The new law is only effective for one year. Unless Congress further extends the exemptions they will revert back to the amounts that applied prior to the 2001 tax year.
Mitch Reitman is an associate member and is with S.I.C. Consulting, Inc.
He can be reached at (817) 698-9999.
CE Pro Magazine, Detex Welcomed as Newest Associate Members
NBFAA recently added two new associate members to its roster.
 |
CE Pro Magazine CE Pro magazine is the leading trade publication that covers the installation and integration of the electronic home in its entirety, including home networking, whole-house automation, distributed audio, home theater, lighting control, energy management, telephone systems, security, closed circuit television, and fire detection. CE Pro is the first dedicated trade publication in the electronic home field and boasts the largest audited circulation. Visit www.cepro.com. |
 |
Detex Detex is a manufacturer of life safety and security door hardware. We specialize in architectural panic hardware, including many electrified options (alarms, delayed egress, latch retraction, switching, etc.), alarmed exit control locks, exit alarms, and other electrified loss prevention solutions. Detex’s Integrated Door Security Systems for egress and access control offers kitted door security solutions for delayed egress, access controlled doors, electric dogging with central control and automatically operated doors. Visit www.detex.com. |
Alarm History 101: Reconnecting Families
Editor’s Note: The Alarm Industry has an illustrious and interesting history going back more than 100 years. Many do not know the history of the industry that they have chosen as a profession. Because of this we have decided to include a brief look in Member Update at some of the events that have shaped the alarm industry into what it has become today. Alarm History 101 provides information on the path the industry has taken and of the ideas that have impacted it. If you have questions about our industry’s history you would like answered send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org.
Recently NBFAA was contacted by Owen Kaser from Canada in response to the very first Alarm History 101 story published in Member Update. The story, titled Guns and Safes, featured an invention by Edward T. Clegg of North Harpersfield, N.Y.
 Deluxe Alarm Gun Battery - The proprietor would place his safe on top of this 1870 alarm gun. A robber's attempt to move the safe would trigger eight guns, two in each direction - probably shooting him in the foot. |
Clegg was the creator of the ultimate gun alarm. Clegg abandoned the one-gun approach in favor of eight. He sidestepped the arming issue by locating the barrels outside the safe – within a platform on which the safe rested. His gun alarm did not kill criminals – it disabled them at the ankles. Within the platform was a complex of gears, gun barrels, hammers and wheels.
Clegg is an ancestor of Kaser’s who was unaware of his great-great-grandfather’s invention. According to Kaser, family rumors and an obituary hint that Clegg also commanded aboard the famous Flying Cloud clipper ship.
In the early days of the California gold rush, it took more than 200 days for a ship to travel from New York to San Francisco, a voyage of more than 16,000 miles. In 1851, however, a clipper called the Flying Cloud made the same journey in only 89 days, a headline-grabbing world record that the Cloud itself beat three years later (and that would not then be broken until 1989).
Kaser said there is no other evidence to support that Clegg commanded this ship and thinks it more likely that he served on a small whaling schooner of the same name.
Before his death in 1910, Clegg built clockwork boat models. They wound with a key and the mechanism made a model boat rock on a sea of painted canvas. One of the clockwork boats was given to Kaser’s grandfather and is now owned by his uncle.
If NBFAA members have similar stories about the history of the industry, or if you know of a museum that has Clegg’s gun alarm displayed please forward that information to communications@alarm.org and we will forward it Kaser.
Source: A History of Alarm Security Copyrighted by NBFAA 1979, 1980, and 1991.
2007 Course Schedule for IP Networking 101 Online
NBFAA Members can now register for IP Networking 101 courses for the 2007 calendar year.
This 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.
Participants receive complete hands-on demonstrations of IP cameras, video encoders, IP intercoms, and network equipment.
For of list of class dates and places visit www.alarm.org today.
Ho-Ho-Ho Merry Certification
  |
Please use the following numbers when contacting NTS:
Send any hard copy correspondence to NTS at the following address:
|
Give your technicians the gift of certification with many training opportunities slated for 2007. With training, your technicians and staff can work more efficiently and effectively while giving you a leg-up on the competition.
Complete course descriptions and schedules are available at www.alarm.org in the Professional Development section. Courses for the remainder of 2006 and 2007 courses are listed by state and class type. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS.
Upcoming courses:
Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1)
Dec. 18 – 20 – Fairfax, Va.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
It’s the End of the Year, Send in Your 2007 Calendars
It’s that time of year again. The Holiday season is upon us with the New Year lurking right around the corner. If you haven’t sent in your 2007 events calendar do so today. Your events will be listed online at www.alarm.org and in Member Update.
To have your event added, send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include a description of the event along with the dates.
Check out the events near you on the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org.
Micro Key Software Users Conference
Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2006
Sheraton Studio City Hotel
Orlando, Fla.
Micro Key Software will hold its 14th annual users conference at the Sheraton Studio City Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The conference, to be held Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, is focused on how to increase efficiency and profitability. Sessions will include training on the enhancements requested at previous conferences, revealing 2007 product plans, user forums, and much, much more. Although sessions are geared toward users of Micro Key’s software, any alarm dealer, central station manager or owners is welcome to attend.
New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Annual Symposium
Feb. 1, 2007
East Windsor, New Jersey
Annual Symposium for Dealers and Integrators
This 1-day event features a small trade show, an awards ceremony recognizing NJBFAA members, education programs, networking and more.
California Alarm Association 2007 Convention Dates
May 10-12, 2007: Hilton Palm Springs Resort
Dec. 6-8, 2007: Crowne Plaza San Francisco
NBFAA Day in Washington
May 1 – 2, 2007
Washington D.C.
Chapter News
Frank Burke Honored at CAA Winter Conference
 Frank Burke, of USA Alarm Systems, Inc., was honored as the 2006 George A. Weinstock award recipient. |
During the California Alarm Association (CAA) Winter Conference, Frank Burke, president of USA Alarm Systems, Inc., was honored as the 2006 George A. Weinstock award recipient.
Burke has been an active member of the security and fire alarm industry for 25 years and has held leadership positions in local, state and national industry associations. In 1980 he completed a successful career in law enforcement and entered the security and fire alarm industry. Since then he has spent many years helping to bring professional status to the alarm industry.
Burke was one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and a director and president of the Inland Empire Alarm Association. He was instrumental in the unification of the 10 local associations scattered throughout California, bringing them under the banner of the CAA.
As president of the CAA, Burke introduced the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Youth Scholarship Program to California.
Aside from his involvement in the state and national alarm associations, Burke is active as president of USA Alarm Systems, a Monrovia, Calif., full service integration company. He is a political science graduate from California State University, Fullerton. Aside from any association or company business his passion is golf and upland game hunting with his two sons, Ryan and Chris.
Member News
DICE Forms Client Care Department
DICE Corporation reorganized its support and project management staff to form the DICE Client Care Department. Under the direct supervision of Philip DuPont, the Client Care Department will bolster DICE Corporation’s focus and commitment to provide continuous excellent client service.
Through input from the DICE Users Group, the DICE Client Care Department was created to efficiently handle the vast majority of the client calls received. By improving response time, reducing contacts, providing quicker resolutions, DICE Corporation will meet and surpass the support standards of each and every person running with DICE.
Alarm Company Owner Organizes Food Drive
Security Sales & Integration
24-7 Security Inc., a Yonkers, N.Y.-based alarm company, has organized a food drive to help needy families during the holidays.
:: Full Story
Member Benefit Spotlight
MBNA |
Lower Your Credit Card PaymentsReplace one of your high-interest credit cards, lower your payments, and show your support for our association by applying for an NBFAA logo credit card from MBNA. This member benefit credit card program features a low-initial interest rate and various financial investment products. |
Industry Product News
Napco’s Freedom™ F64 Code Free Security System Is Now Available
NAPCO Security Systems, Inc. is proud to introduce the Freedom™ F64 Code-free Security System that eliminates false alarms and maximizes account retention. Freedom is the first code-free system that turns on and off automatically just by using existing deadbolt locks.
Designed with simplicity in mind, Napco eliminated security codes and entry/exit countdowns to achieve stress free and false alarm free operation. Napco technology uses a standard deadbolt with a patented lock sensing tab inserted into the lock hole. Deadbolt and door open status are wirelessly transmitted to the lock receiver on the multifunction keypad.
Learn more about Freedom’s ease of use, false alarm prevention, easy installation, kits and components, and account retention at www.napcosecurity.com. Napco is offering the first system completely free, and will help install it onsite. Sign up to take the Freedom F64 Free System Challenge at http://www.napcosecurity.com/freesystem.html.
Security Integrator to Distribute Teenager Repellent
SecurityInfoWatch.com
There was quite some buzz in 2006 about the Mosquito Ultrasonic Teenager Deterrent Device, owing largely for its ability to a "teenager repellent." Now, it seems, that device is making its way into the security arena.
:: Full Story
Industry News You Can Use
Police Chiefs Association Urges Support for New Alarm Panel Standard The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has passed a resolution that encourages local ordinance writing authorities such as city and county councils to adopt a new standard for alarm control panels. |
Vallejo, Calif., Considers False Alarm Issue The Vallejo (Calif.) Times-Herald reports that the false alarms have so troubled the city police department that the city council is now considering adjusting the false alarm fine system. |
Irving, Texas, Creates New Alarm Ordinances On November 16, 2006 the Irving City Council approved a revision to the existing municipal Alarm Ordinance. The new Alarm Systems Ordinance goes into effect on January 1, 2007 with an administrative thirty day non-enforcement "grace period" extending through January 31, 2007. This period is designed to allow for proper citizen notification and education on the new ordinance provisions. |
In Dallas, Police Say Verified Response Policy Works A news report by Dallas CBS 11 News reporter J.D. Miles gives a mixed look at verified response in the city of Dallas. The city went to a partial verified response policy earlier this year to cut back on what city leaders saw as a high number of police hours being dedicated to false alarms. |
Sparks, Nev., Council to Consider Ordinance to Curb False Alarms The Sparks City Council will consider a new ordinance to cut down on false burglar alarms. |
Being Taxed by Taxes Complete this sentence: Two certain things in life are death and…yes, taxes. Sure you hate them but are you stuck with them even if it means your business will suffer? |
Middletown, R.I., Police to Levy Fines for False Alarms Middletown, R.I., police will now be fining residents whose alarm systems habitually issue false alarms, according to a newspaper report. |
Ohio Town Passes False Alarm Ordinance to Punish Habitual Violators The Edgewood, Ohio, city council has passed a new ordinance aimed at reducing false alarms and 911 dispatches, according to a report in The Community Recorder. |
Proposed Bill Permits Long Island Police to Ignore False Alarms The Nassau County (Long Island) legislature is considering passing a bill that would keep owners of unregistered burglar alarm systems from receiving police assistance in the event of an alarm, according to a newspaper report. |
DHS Urges Americans to Practice Emergency Preparedness As the world counts down to a new year, nearly half of all adults in the country will make at least one New Year's resolution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is urging Americans to make a resolution to prepare themselves, their families and their businesses for emergencies. |
NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA in the News
CSAA, NBFAA, and NJBFAA Ask for Industry Help
Security Sales & Integration
A pending court case with the New Jersey Appellate Division has caught the attention of security industry associations.
:: Full story
Recent Press Releases
How to Have a Safe and Sound Holiday Season
With the holiday season approaching, most Americans turn their thoughts to home, family and friends. To make sure that you stay safe and sound this holiday season, the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) recommends the following home safety and security tips:
:: Full story
This release was featured on:
- Huntington Herald Dispatch
- Yahoo! News
- Forbes.com
- Send2Press
- TXCN-Texas Cable News
- Quote.com
- The Seattle Times
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Investors Business Daily
- Long Beach Press-Telegram
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
If you do not wish to receive future e-mails, please reply to this e-mail with "REMOVE" in the subject line.
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