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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Book Early and Save Money on Vegas Hotel Rooms
The 2007 NBFAA Spring Conference (March 25 -29, 2007) is quickly approaching and we want to make sure you have easy access to accommodations that will make your stay convenient and enjoyable
Our block of rooms with the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas are on a first-come first-serve basis. Although they are intended for members who are - or will be - registering to attend our conference – there is no guarantee that rooms will be available for those who wait too long.
We strongly encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible. Rooms are available under the NBFAA block until March 1, 2007.
Guests may telephone directly to the Treasure Island Reservation Department at (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.
Additionally, after registering for the conference – you will receive a link that provides free registration to the ISC West Exhibition.
Please contact us if you have any questions. To learn more about the conference, symposium and accommodations and/or to register now - visit our Web site at www.alarm.org.
Check out the NEW Member Benefit Programs
If you haven’t been to www.alarm.org lately to check out the latest member benefit programs, you should. Many money saving opportunities are just waiting for you to take advantage of them.
These benefits include discounts on education, general liability insurance, group health insurance, financial services, overnight delivery services, Internet services, recruitment services and many more.
Visit www.alarm.org today, go to the Members Only section and click on Member Benefit Programs and start enjoying your exclusive discounts today.
Alarm History 101: The Weinstock Family
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.
The Weinstocks were initially a food industry family until burglaries stirred an interest in alarm services – first for the family butcher shop and then for businesses and homes in Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Diego and Beverly Hills.
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In 1937 brothers Morris and Jack Weinstock founded Morse Signal Devices in Cleveland. Over the following five decades, the company grew into one of the nation’s most prominent companies, both in providing security services and designing and manufacturing alarm systems.
Under the family’s leadership, Morse was issued many patents over the years for transmitters, contacts, foil blocks, ultrasonic motion detectors and a multiplex polling computer, the SPC-5000.
The Weinstocks also played a pivotal role in the major industry trade associations. Morris helped found NBFAA in 1948 and served as association president from 1955-1956. He so impressed his peers that upon his death NBFAA inaugurated a major award in his name. First presented in 1970, the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award is nationally acclaimed as the most prestigious honor in the industry. The family of the NBFAA cofounder and past president initiated the award’s creation to honor Weinstock’s contributions. The award is presented annually at NBFAA’s Spring Conference in Las Vegas. For a list of past recipients visit Conference and Event archive.
One of Morris’s sons, George Weinstock, served as NBFAA president (1973-1975). The California Alarm Association presents a member of the association an award in George’s honor each year for lifetime achievement and service to the industry. This year’s recipient was Frank Burke, president of USA Alarm Systems, Inc.
The other son, Michael Weinstock, served as chairman of three NBFAA conventions and as a director of NBFAA, Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and Security Industry Association (SIA).
Morris and Jack were born in Cleveland, Morris in 1908 and Jack in 1909. A robbery of their father’s store introduced them to electrical protection. After the incident, Morris fashioned a door bell alarm with a button under the meat counter that would ring a bell in the family home behind the shop. In 1928 Morris studied electricity and engineering at the Cooper Union College in New York. After a second theft in 1933, the family bought a burglar alarm that so intrigued the sons that they decided to enter the business.
The alarm enterprise grew swiftly. Morse went into the monitoring business early, initiating direct wire monitoring in 1941. By 1951 the company had 2,000 subscribers, both local alarm and central station. The brothers gained a foothold in the West in 1948 by purchasing the South California Burglar Alarm Company of Los Angeles. Also by acquisition, it entered the San Diego market in 1957.
The family founded an alarm manufacturing company in 1960, known as the Morse Security Group. Mike Weinstock became its president in 1969, supervising successful ventures into multiplex alarm monitoring.
Source: A History of Alarm Security Copyrighted by NBFAA 1979, 1980, and 1991.
CCTV Training Now Offered in the Classroom
Closed circuit television (CCTV) training, once only offered online, will now be taught by NTS in the classroom through a new course called Video System Technologies.
This two-day course will offer students a complete overview of the different components and functionalities of CCTV systems. Students will learn how to properly install systems and how to avoid some of the more common mistakes made by technicians.
Upon completion of the 14-hour course and a two-hour test students will receive 1.4 continuing education units.
For more information on the course contact NTS by calling (866) 636-1687 or send an e-mail to nts@alarm.org. For a list of course dates and cities visit the Professional Development section of NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org.
New Year’s Resolution:
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Each year millions of New Year’s resolutions fall by the way side. Forgotten like yesterday’s ham sandwich. This year NTS can help you make and keep one resolution – receive and provide your employees world class alarm industry training. NTS offers opportunities online and in the classroom around the country for you and your technicians to receive world class training with a wide assortment of classes offered throughout the year. Complete course descriptions and schedules are available at www.alarm.org in the Education & Training section. Courses are listed by state and class type. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS. |
Please use the following numbers when contacting NTS:
Send any hard copy correspondence to NTS at the following address:
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Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
Feb. 8 – 9 – Louisville, Ky.
Feb. 10 – 11 – Kenner, La.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level I)
Jan. 11 – 13 – Rock Hill, S.C.
Jan. 12 – 14 – Knoxville, Tenn.
Jan. 18 – 20 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Jan. 19 – 21 – Memphis, Tenn.
Feb. 6 – 8 – Albuquerque, N.M.
Feb. 9 – 11 – Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 13 – 15 – Little Rock, Ark.
Feb. 13 – 15 – Atlanta, Ga.
Feb. 14 – 16 – Elmsford, N.Y.
Feb. 23 – 25 – Bossier City, La.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Jan. 20 – 21 – Lafayette, La.
Jan. 26 – 27 – Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 3 – 4 – Monroe, La.
Feb. 6 – 7 – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Feb. 16 – 17 – Memphis, Tenn.
Life Safety Code Workshop
Feb. 10 – Lafayette, La.
Networking 101
Feb. 6 – North Phoenix, Ariz.
Feb. 8 – Las Vegas, Nev.
Feb. 27 – Detroit, Mich.
Understanding Alarm Systems
Jan. 13 – Bossier City, La.
Continuing Education
Jan. 11 – Memphis Tenn.
Alarmnet 7845gsm (Honeywell), Understanding VoIP (AMG),
Photoelectric Beams – False Alarm Free Detection (AMG)
Feb. 1 – Nashville, Tenn.
Alarmnet 7845gsm (Honeywell), Understanding VoIP (AMG),
Photoelectric Beams – False Alarm Free Detection (AMG)
Feb. 16 – Charleston, S.C.
NICET Test Prep
Feb. 20 – Los Angeles, Calif.
Business Focus
Feb. 22 – Phoenix, Ariz.
Business Focus
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Make Plans to Join Us in Vegas for the 2007 Spring Conference
Join NBFAA for the 2007 Spring Conference which kicks off on March 25 in fabulous Las Vegas. Members will have plenty of opportunities to network and discover more about their association at the many events planned including a member reception, a general session\breakfast, a day of golf and even skeet shooting.
In addition to the 2007 Spring Conference, NBFAA’s Calendar Highlights includes other events members will want to take advantage of including the NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill (May 1 – 2) and the NTS Business Focus: Indy 2007 (Jun. 14-15).
To have an event placed on the calendar please e-mail it to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include the date, time and location of the event and a short synopsis about the event.
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 2007 Meetings
Western Washington Chapter
Jan. 9, 2007
11:30 a.m.
Barnaby’s Restaurant
Price: $20
Speaker: Dan Moore, NW Regional Sales Manager, System Sensor
Dan will have a presentation and demo on Exit Point.
Eastern Washington Chapter
Feb. 1, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Spokane Club
Three representatives from AOT PSC, the company that is assisting the Spokane Police Department with the administration of the false alarm program are going to be in Spokane and will be at this meeting to answer any questions or concerns you may have. This is an important meeting so don’t miss it.
Please RSVP to Stella McDonald at smspokane@sisna.com.
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 owner is welcome to attend.
New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Annual Symposium
Feb. 1, 2007
East Windsor, N.J.
Annual Symposium for Dealers and Integrators
This one-day event features a small trade show, an awards ceremony recognizing NJBFAA members, education programs, networking and more.
2007 Spring Conference
Mar. 25 – 30, 2007
Las Vegas
Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
This five-day annual event to be held Mar. 25 -29 in Las Vegas, features a Leadership Symposium, which includes a Chapter Workshop, Member Reception, meetings and social events. Take advantage of networking opportunities with the NBFAA board of directors, leaders of many state associations, committee members, and members at large.
4th Annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Without Guilt Tournament & The Evening Event
Mar. 27, 2007
Las Vegas
Troon’s Revere Golf Club
The fourth annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Without Guilt Tournament will tee off on Mar. 27, 2007 the Tuesday before the start of the ISC West Expo. Participants are encouraged to relax and enjoy a day of golf at the Troon’s Revere Golf Club — voted best Las Vegas golf course. The tournament will be followed by The Evening Event, where the prestigious Morris F. Weinstock award and the Sara E. Jackson Award will be presented. An open bar reception will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Treasure Island’s Kahunaville.
NBFAA’s Shootin’ Skeet 2007
Mar. 27, 2007
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Gun Club
Golfing not really your thing? Want a little more bang for you buck. Well, join NBFAA at the first ever Shootin’ Skeet 2007. Watch future Member Updates for more information on this event as it becomes available or visit www.alarm.org.
2007 General Session\Breakfast
Mar. 29, 2007
Las Vegas
NBFAA will host a membership general session and breakfast on Thursday, Mar. 29. Immediately following the general session, this new event will feature a keynote speaker or industry panel (TBA) for current and prospective members.
NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
May 1-2, 2007
Washington D.C.
NBFAA Government Relations Committee is planning a spring 2007 NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill May 1 and 2. This will be very helpful for our federal government relations initiatives and will allow us to address a variety of issues that will be “in play” at the beginning of 2007. We are planning a targeted, informative and worthwhile two days to serve as a model for an annual event. All members are encouraged to attend.
California Alarm Association
2007 Summer Convention
May 10-12, 2007
Palm Springs, Calif.
Hilton Palm Springs Resort
NTS Business Focus: Indy 2007
Jun. 14 – 15, 2007
Indianapolis
University Place Conference Center & Hotel
This two-day event to be held Jun. 14 and 15 in Indianapolis and in cooperation with our chartered state chapters, features business focused training courses designed to enhance business insight and management skills. Topics are designed specifically for company owners/executives, upper management and management. Training sessions will be complemented by a keynote/general session, a luncheon and a reception. The event will take place at the University Place Conference Center & Hotel situated on the Indiana University-Purdue University Campus.
2007 Fall Conference
Sep. 9 – 12, 2007
New York City
This three-day annual event to be held Sep. 9 – 11 in New York City, features a Leadership Symposium, which includes a Chapter Workshop, Member Reception, meetings and social events. Take advantage of networking opportunities with the NBFAA board of directors, leaders of many state associations, committee members, and members at large.
California Alarm Association
2007 Winter Convention
Dec. 6-8, 2007
San Francisco, Calif.
Crowne Plaza
Chapter News
Industry News from the Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
The Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (Washington BFAA) would like to inform its members of several important issues in the state of Washington.
Comments from Ron Haner, Washington BFAA Alarm Response Manager:
Are we doing the best for our customers when, at the point of sale, we fail to inform them of the key requirements of their local alarm ordinance and make sure that they register their systems when it is required? Were the alarm owners, who are the subject of this article, let down by their alarm company, or do you feel it solely the responsibility of the alarm owners to inform themselves of the local laws? Does your company’s level of customer service and customer retention include providing this type of information? Does your company actually submit the registration information for your customer?
Go to the Ordinance section of www.washingtonbfaa.org for a listing of most ordinances in the northwest.
Des Moines Police Department Reminder:
Members with clients in Des Moines, Wash. are reminded to submit their quarterly report listing their clients. Reports are due this month.
City of Spokane, Wash., Registering Alarm Sites:
The Spokane Police Department is asking for the cooperation of all alarm companies doing business in the City of Spokane in providing their Spokane Client List to the city’s False Alarm Reduction Program for registration purposes in compliance with the Spokane Alarm ordinance.
To assist with the account registration process, an Excel spreadsheet formatted with all the required fields of information is available to you from the city. To receive the spreadsheet, send an e-mail to Spokane@publicsafetycorp.com and the form will be provided by return e-mail.
It is important that you ensure that all of your customer alarm sites are registered. To be eligible for a police response an alarm site must be registered with the city. A police dispatch to an unregistered site is subject to a fine to the alarm company for failure to comply with the ordinance.
Please direct any questions to (509) 525-3501 during normal business hours.
Member News
Tri-Ed Pennsauken Hosts Grand Opening Celebration
 Former Philadelphia Eagle Bill Bergey presents the Grand Prize game tickets to Paul Pennachi of Preferred Security |
Tri-Ed Distribution continues to expand its locations, staff, product offerings, and value-added services. The company’s latest grand opening was celebrated at its new Pennsauken, N.J branch on Nov. 29, 2006.
More than 30 of the industry’s leading manufacturers displayed their latest product offerings and their support of Tri-Ed. Former Philadelphia Eagle Bill Bergey took part in the celebration which included refreshments, raffles, and in-store specials. Prizes included MP3 players, gift cards, and a grand prize of two 40-yard line tickets to the Eagles Monday night football game against the Carolina Panthers.
Buzz Jackson, branch manager of Tri-Ed’s Pennsauken location said, “We had a great turnout, and appreciate the support of our dealers and our vendors. Tri-Ed is happy to be able to serve its broad base of customers in the Philadelphia area.”
Tri-Ed Training Events Continue
Tri-Ed is please to offer Kantech certification training in January at several of its branch locations. This two-day Kantech Dealer CE Training is an access control overview and will be given Jan. 18 and 17 at Tri-Ed’s Milford, Conn. Phoenix, San Diego and Dallas locations. It will again be offered at Tri-Ed’s Denver branch on Jan. 23 and 24 and at the Charlotte, N.C. branch on Jan. 24 and 25.
This intensive two-day course represents an opportunity to learn the basics of access control and become a factory authorized dealer of this popular brand of access control systems.
The course fee is $500. Each participant will receive a demo kit valued at $818 and a manual valued at $25. Every one who completes this course will be certified to use the software provided. Two additional staff members of the same company may also participate in the training at no extra charge.
To register, please call your local Tri-Ed branch at (888) 874-3336 or visit www.tri-ed.com for more details.
Vector Security Announces Three Strategic Acquisitions
Vector Security, Inc. has announced the completion of three acquisitions – one in Columbus, Ohio and two in Virginia – that are expected to increase the company’s presence in a number of strategic markets and expand its access to a key ancillary services market.
The first acquisition announced by Vector was Custom Security, Inc. of Columbus. The acquirement increases vector Security’s residential and commercial customer base presence within the area, while allowing the company to retain key personnel, including Andy Conti, who will become Vector’s area manager of sales and operation. In addition to attaining greater customer density, the acquisition will also increase Vector’s opportunities in a key, high-security commercial market and provide additional business opportunities for Vector’s National Accounts Division.
The second acquisition announced by Vector, and the largest of the three, was Security Concepts/National Security of Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, Va. This acquisition was comprised of two separate security companies owned by Ron Smullen, and allowed Vector to establish a new branch office location in that area which will be affiliated with Vector’s Richmond, Va. District. Vector retained 30 key personnel in both sales and operations positions, including Smullen, who will become the manager of the newly established Vector branch office.
The final strategic acquisition announced by Vector was a Williamsburg, Va. based provider of home integrated systems, WiredUp. The company, owned by Matt Kurdziolek, is highly active in the high tech audio visual services market to both residential and commercial clients, and will help Vector increase its presence in the audio visual market. Kurdziolek will continue to manage this newly established Vector Security office.
With these three taken into account, Vector’s total acquisitions number six for the year.
Stanley Works to Buy HSM Electronic Protection
In what surely is the biggest news to hit the street in the alarm industry, The Stanley Works announced December that it intends to purchase HSM Electronic Protection Services (HSM) for a whopping $545 million.
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Member Benefit Spotlight
Security America Offers Affordable E&O Insurance Exclusively to Members
Security America |
Reduce your premiums by purchasing your general liability/errors and omissions insurance through Security America Risk Retention Group. Security America's coverage is specifically tailored to meet the needs of electronic life safety, security and systems professionals. Join other NBFAA member companies that have saved thousands of dollars on their annual premiums by taking advantage of this member exclusive coverage. Visit www.securityamericarrg.com for more information. |
We Want to Hear From You
If you’ve already been taking advantage of the wonderful member benefit programs, we want to hear what you think. Please take a moment and fill out this seven-question survey and help provide you with the services you want and need.
Also, if you’ve been impressed with the professionalism and services offered by one of NBFAA’s member benefit programs, please e-mail a testimonial for use in publications like this one to communications@alarm.org.
Industry News You Can Use
PDQ Award Submission Deadline Extended
The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) has extended the submission deadline for the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) awards. Monitoring and/or installing alarm dealers in the U.S. and Canada must mail an application postmarked by Jan. 15, 2007.
SIAC and the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) have created the PDQ program to promote cooperative best practices, to reduce unnecessary dispatches and give officers the most complete information when responding to alarms. SIAC is looking for companies that exemplify an all out effort to reduce false alarms from implementing enhanced call verification (ECV) to utilizing CP-01 compliant control panels, training customers and working closely with law enforcement. The best overall collaboration will be honored with the North American PDQ Award for 2007, co-sponsored by Security Sales & Integration and Honeywell Security.
SAMMY Awards Deadline Extended
Security integrators and dealers only have until Jan. 12 to enter Security Sales & Integration magazine’s 12th Annual SAMMY Awards. The program provides security professionals the opportunity to showcase their installation, sales and marketing achievements for industry-wide recognition.
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Controversial Alarm Ordinance proves Successful
Police in Des Moines, Wash., received criticism for establishing an alarm ordinance; however, new information shows the changes have greatly reduced false dispatches and as a result, police resources have been reallocated to address important community issues.
The changes supported by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) began to take effect in the middle of 2005. Now that the first full year has ended with 2006, false dispatches are down by 65 percent (compared to numbers in 2004). False dispatches dropped nearly 57 percent in the last year alone.
"We know change was hard on some people, but hopefully these numbers will prove it was worth it," said Officer Barry Sellers, Master Police Officer and alarm administrator for the City of Des Moines. "False dispatches were such a problem before, they likely interfered with our response to real emergencies. Now we have more resources for proactive police work such as addressing traffic problems as well as prostitution and drug areas."
Among the key changes implemented is a policy known as Enhanced Call Verification (ECV). According to ECV, if a monitoring company cannot verify an alarm with one phone call, they must call a second number before dispatching officers to the alarm. Des Moines also now requires property owners to register their alarm with the city as well as pay fines for more than two false dispatches within 12 months. In addition, all new alarm control panels must now conform to higher technology standards that reduce false activation. New alarm users must also become familiar with their equipment for seven days before requesting police dispatch.
"Des Moines has worked hard to maintain quality police protection and alarm response that its citizens have come to expect," said Ron Haner with SIAC. "The city's new ordinance was developed with the alarm industry's input and includes our recommended 'Best Practices' that have proven to be effective across the country."
Alarm companies must change their business practices as well. According to the new ordinance, alarm providers must designate a company contact person to provide police with a quarterly report listing all customer contact information as well as registration numbers when requesting police dispatch.
When Disaster Strikes: Lessons for the Alarm Industry
I write this "Live" from the 10th Annual Trade Show, Convention & Golf Tournament of the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association to let you know that New Orleans is open for business and looking for a few good technicians.
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Wisconsin City Implements Stricter False Alarm Penalties
Appleton, Wis., police officers are spreading the word about the community’s new false alarm ordinance, when went into effect on Jan. 1, according to a newspaper report.
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Irving, Texas Creates New Alarm Ordinance
On November 16, 2006 the Irving City Council approved a revision to the existing municipal Alarm Ordinance. The new Alarm Systems Ordinance went 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.
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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 in 2006 to cut back on what city leaders saw as a high number of police hours being dedicated to false alarms.
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Dallas Store Owners Find Fault with Verified Response
Verified response, a policy where alarm signals must be confirmed as a crime or suspicious activity before police will be dispatched, made its way to Dallas last year. Now, some Dallas store owners are telling local TV news that they’re not happy with the situation.
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Change Considered for Tulsa Police on Burglary Alarm Responses
False alarms are costing money and wasting time for the Tulsa Police Department, which is again considering changing how it responds. That’s because the police calls triggered by machines – almost always turn out to be false.
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Member Product News
DMP Releases 1100 Series Key Fob Support for Various Panels
Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) announced that 1100 Series Two-way Wireless Key Fob support is now available for XRSuper^, XR20, and XR40 control panels, permitting up to eight 1100 Series Key Fobs per panel for code-free system control.
Available in three versions, four, two and one-button wireless key fobs have nine programming options and a light-emitting diode (LED) that immediately confirms that the system has been armed or disarmed or that a panic signal has been sent. Kew fob transmitters are portable, water resistant, and designed to be clipped to a keychain or lanyard. DMP’s 1100 Series Key Fobs operate using a 3.0 volt universal lithium coin-cell battery (included).
DMP Signs on for CP-01 Compliance
Digital Monitoring Products announced on Dec. 21 that all panels in their burglary control line-up meet ANSI/SIA CP-01 False Alarm Reduction Standards.
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NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA in the News
Company Gives Owners Keys from Cyberspace
East Valley Tribune, Arizona
For some future Gilbert, Ariz. residents, the idea of making a house call could take on a whole new meaning. Forget to set the thermostat? Want to check in on the kids while you’re at the office? It’s as easy as surfing the Web.
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NBFAA to Offer Members Training in Networks, Networked Devices
Security Sales & Integration
The NBFAA announced the addition of a new course to its 2007 technical training curriculum.
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Alarm Dealer on Mission to Help Others Catch Tax Break
Security Sales & Integration
Little did Mike Miller know that when the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was enacted, a little windfall would be heading his way.
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NJ Court Decision Could Affect Liability Limitations
Security Systems News
At the December California Alarm Association convention, held Dec. 6 through 9, industry leaders were beating the drum to raise awareness about Synnex vs. ADT, a New Jersey court case they say could leave alarm companies nationwide open to liability lawsuits.
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Members in the News
Former NBFAA President Appears on Fox News Programs
Former NBFAA President Bart Didden recently appeared on two Fox News programs, discussing his court battles dealing with eminent domain.
On Dec. 28, Didden, president of U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp., sat down with Alan Colmes and Mike Gallagher, fill-in for Sean Hannity, of the Hannity & Colmes show and discussed his case against the Village of Port Chester, N.Y. Didden also appeared on FOX & Friends the next week on Jan. 2.
“Anyone who’s seen Hannity & Colmes knows the two rarely agree,” Didden said. “But on my issue they were in complete agreement.”
The dispute began when Didden and business partner Dominick Bologna purchased 35,000 square feet of property with plans for placing a CVS Pharmacy on the property. The problem was, a portion of the land they bought later became part of a blighted redevelopment zone.
Even though Didden and his partner had obtained approvals from the local planning board he still needed to get the approval of a private company that had been selected by Port Chester officials to control all construction inside the renewal zone.
Didden said the company, G&S Port Chester, told him he’d have to pay them $800,000 or give G&S a 50 percent stake in the CVS before he could build on land he already owned.
After Didden refused, the Village of Port Chester condemned his property and seized it by eminent domain the very next day. The land was turned over to G&S who, according to The Christian Science Monitor, plans to build a Walgreens.
Didden, with the assistance of The Institute for Justice, has taken the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. A conference of the justices will convene on Jan. 12 to discuss whether or not to take up Didden’s case. He said he should know by Jan. 16.
Of his television debut, Didden stated it was fascinating to watch how stations operate a television studio and produce shows.
To view broadcasts of the Hannity & Colmes and FOX & Friends click on the following links.
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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