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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Sign up Now for Our Day on Capitol Hill
One of the ways that we can work together as an association is through a collective voice on important industry issues at the national level. By coordinating our efforts and speaking out on the issues, we can make a difference. This year NBFAA is offering you the opportunity to join with others in this effort during the first NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill, May 1 and 2, 2007.
Accommodations
We have reserved a room block for this event at the Holiday Inn Capitol hotel. The hotel room block is limited and the deadline to get the discounted rate is tomorrow April 6, 2007. This is a first-come, first-serve opportunity. Hotel reservations will need to be made directly through the Holiday Inn Capitol Reservation office: Registered attendees will receive NBFAA’s code for the discounted rate of $249 per night and the reservation telephone number.
If you plan to attend, complete the registration form and fax it to NBFAA at (214) 260-5979. For questions, call NBFAA’s Director of Government Relations John Chwat at (703) 684-7703 or by e-mail to gov.info@alarm.org.
Schedule
Plan to arrive by 4:00 p.m. EDT on May 1st and depart the morning of May 3rd.
Day 1: Members of Congress have been invited to meet with NBFAA members during a reception and dinner which will be held Tuesday night at the U.S. Capitol Building. To attend the dinner, we MUST have your name and the names of your guests by April 12. Federal security regulations require that we submit the names of attendees in advance. If we do not have your names submitted by that date you will not be allowed to attend the dinner.
Day 2: Wednesday morning, attendees will be addressed by a Congressman at an NBFAA-hosted breakfast, which will be followed by a briefing and full day of visits on Capitol Hill in support of our 2007 Legislative and Policy Objectives in Congress. The NBFAA Government Relations team will set up the appointments ahead of time. After a day of walking the halls of Congress debrief and relax at a reception hosted by NBFAA.
2007 Legislative and Policy Objectives
The following is a summary of the 2007 Legislative and Policy Objectives:
NBFAA’s 2007 Legislative and Policy Objectives include pushing for legislation to provide government funding for the professional installation of fire alarms in colleges, universities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospices. We will continue to push the belief that “Fire Detection + Fire Suppression = Fire Safety.” We are also advocating for a federal tax deduction for professionally installed security devices in commercial and residential buildings.
Some of the other issues NBFAA will be tackling in 2007 include:
- Municipalities Surveillance Installation – requiring public areas that meet certain criteria to install surveillance cameras in parking losts
- Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
- Government Withholding Tax Repeal Legislation
- FCC Analog mobile Phone System (AMPS) sunset deadline
Join us for NBFAA’s Business Focus in Indianapolis
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In recent surveys members overwhelmingly expressed an interest in business-focused training that would help them take their company to the next level. In response to this interest, NBFAA is introducing the first-ever training event geared toward bettering industry businesses.
This two-day symposium, which will be held June 14 and 15 in Indianapolis, features business-focused training courses designed to enhance business insight and management skills and deliver real-world solution to dealing with industry changes and challenges. Topics are designed specifically for business owners, executives, directors and key individuals focused on smooth and profitable business growth.
The program will consist of a behind the scenes security tour, general session keynote speaker and six breakout sessions each limited to 35 participants. Attendees will have an opportunity to network at a reception on the first night and at a breakfast and lunch hosted by the Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association on the second day.
The six breakout sessions and presenters will be:
- Prepare Your Business for the Next Generation of Convergence
Dan Dunkel, president of New Era Associates - Future Shock: Gazing into the Crystal Ball of Technology
Paul Boucherle, a professional security consultant and president of Matterhorn Consulting Inc. - Growing your Business to the Next Level
Cathey Rempel founder and CEO of The Summit Group - From Satisfied to Delighted: Raising the Bar on Customer and Employee Loyalty
Bob Harris, founder of The Attrition Busters - Growth Opportunities through Residential Development
Keith Davis, senior Dealer to Builder (D2B) manager for AVAD LLC - How to Ensure Success When the Rules of the Industry have Changed
Allan Lamberti, director of U.S. sales for TOA Electronics Inc
Learn more at www.alarm.org. Register Today!
2007 Spring Conference: Tremendous Success
Mark it down as yet another great event put on by the NBFAA. This year members were treated to several new events such as skeet shooting, a general member session and breakfast, the NBFAA Emerging Technology Forum and the Growing Your Business to the Next Level training seminar.
NBFAA’s 2007 Spring Conference began on Sunday, March 25 with committee meetings, the chapter workshop and a member reception.
Monday quickly followed with the Chartered Chapter meeting and a member luncheon highlighted by a keynote address from Anthony Swoope, administrator for the Office of Apprenticeship of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Board of Directors meeting closed out the day.
Tuesday brought the windiest and coldest day of the conference – the same day attendees were scheduled to be outdoors enjoying either the 4th Annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Without Guilt tournament or the first-ever Shootin’ Skeet event. Despite 30 mile per hour winds, harsh dust and sleet, participants still managed to have a fantastic time.
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The day was capped off with The Evening Event which saw the awarding of the prestigious Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award and the Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award to Chris Cage of Brink’s Inc. and Greg Kessinger of Safe Harbor Security Inc. respectively. The raffle winners were also awarded their prizes during The Evening Event. Paul Baran of Bosch was the winner of the golf raffle while Joseph Hayes of All County Security Inc took home a new shotgun in NBFAA’s first-ever shotgun raffle. |
Wednesday began the ISC West Expo during which several NBFAA committee meetings were held. After their meetings, members were invited to browse the show floor and stop by NBFAA’s booth where refreshments and seating were available.
The general member session\breakfast and the NBFAA Emerging Technology Forum held on Thursday were yet more new events hosted by NBFAA. Attendees were treated to a full breakfast before hearing about home automation and remote access. This year’s presenters were: Jordan Serlin, president of Cenuco, and Bob Diamond, CEO of Xanboo.
Friday, the final day of the show, was filled with a five-hour training session on Growing Your Business to the Next Level presented by NBFAA in coordination with Cathy Rempel, CEO and founder of The Summit Group. The seminar was exclusively designed for business leaders who wanted to increase accountability and alignment, make their jobs easier, their companies run more smoothly, and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage and profitable growth.
Visit NBFAA’s Conference Highlights section of www.alarm.org in the coming weeks to view and download photos of the events.
Don’t Be Left Out of the IP Game, Networking 101 Can Keep you Competitive
This one-day training program from NBFAA's National Training School (NTS) provides practical knowledge in 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 demonstrations 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. NTS offers two versions of the one-day course; one for technicians and the other for sales staff and project managers.
For a complete listing of class dates in your area visit
Look What the Easter Bunny Brought – NTS Training
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Our Easter eggs aren’t filled with money or candy. No sir, this year we’ve filled them with several training opportunities for you and your staff. This season take advantage of business and technical training. 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. |
Upcoming courses: Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Certified Alarm Technician (Level I) Electronic Access Control Fire Alarm Installation Methods |
Life Safety Code Workshop Networking 101 Practical Electronics Understanding Alarm Systems Continuing Education |
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Registration Opens for NBFAA’s Business Focus
Learn how smart businesses grow at NBFAA’s Business Focus in Indianapolis. Registration for the event has already begun. Those wishing to attend should visit our Web site at www.alarm.org and register today.
This two-day event, which will be held June 14 and 15 in Indianapolis in cooperation with the Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, features business-focused training courses designed to enhance business insight and management skills.
In addition to NBFAA’s Business Focus, Calendar Highlights includes other events members will want to take advantage of, including the NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill (May 1 – 2).
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 along with a short synopsis about the event.
WBFAA
Western Washington Chapter
April 10, 2007
Tukwila, Wash.
Barnaby's Restaurant
16401 West Valley Hwy
Tukwila, WA 98138
Phone: (425) 251-8341
Price: $20
NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
May 1 – 2, 2007
Washington D.C.
NBFAA Government Relations Committee is planning a spring 2007 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. We are planning a targeted, informative and worthwhile two days. For additional information contact John Chwat at (703) 684-7703 or by email at gov.info@alarm.org. Registration deadline is April 12, 2007.
Download a registration form.
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Setting the P.A.C.E. in the Midwest
2007 Professional Alarm Convention and Exhibition
May 1-2, 2007
Columbus, OH
OELSSA (the OBFAA) and the IBFAA invite you to join us for our annual convention and exhibition. A golf outing and the popular NTS Networking 101 class will be held on Tuesday, May 1, followed by a casual Welcome Reception for early arriving attendees. Wednesday kicks off with a continental breakfast and open registration beginning at 7:30a.m. Seminars on Wednesday include information on preparing to buy or sell an alarm company, protecting your company’s assets, and the latest on VOIP, network cabling, life safety equipment applications.
Luncheon presentations will provide attendees the latest information about the pending Ohio state licensing legislation and the latest NBFAA benefits for membership, introduce our 2007 scholarship winners and close our Habitat for Humanity Tool drive. Over 35 suppliers will participate in the exhibition on Wednesday afternoon/evening which includes dinner.
Download registration form.
WBFAA
Eastern Washington Chapter
May 9, 2007
Spokane, Wash.
Spokane Club, Order from Menu
Speaker: Dave Koket, Spokane Fire Department
2007 CAA Summer Conference
May 10-12, 2007
Palm Springs, Calif.
Hilton Palm Springs Resort
CSAA Mid-Year Meeting
May 15-20, 2007
www.csaaul.org
2007 AICC Golf Tournament
May 16, 2007
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Orlando, Fla.
NBFAA Business Focus: Indy 2007
Jun. 14-15, 2007
Indianapolis, Ind.
University Place Conference Center & Hotel
This two-day event which will be held June 14 and 15 in Indianapolis, in cooperation with the Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, features business focused training courses designed to enhance business insight and management skills.
Attendees will hear from six keynote speakers; Keith Davis, senior dealer to builder manager for AVAD LLC; Cathey Rempel, founder and CEO of theSummit Group; Bob Harris, founder of The Attrition Busters; Allan Lambert, director of sales for TOA Electronics; Dan Dunkel, president of New Era Associations; and Paul Boucherle, a professional security consultant and president of Matterhorn Consulting Inc.
The event will take place at the University Place Conference Center & Hotel situated on the Indiana University-Purdue University Campus.
WBFAA All State Meeting
June 19, 2007
Seattle, Wash.
PBFAA Annual Convention
25th Anniversay Celebration
June 20-21, 2007
Philadelphia, Penn.
The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn on Arch St. For registration information call (800) 458-8512. PBFAA will also host a dinner cruise on the first night on the Spirit of Philadelphia and recognize all of the past presidents and past board members who have helped build such an active and successful association.
WBFAA 6th Annual Golf Tournament
July 10, 2007
Maple valley, Wash. (Seattle area)
Elk Run Golf Course
2007 NBFAA Fall Conference
Sept. 9-12, 2007
New York City, N.Y.
This three-day annual event to be held Sept. 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.
2007 Tri-Association Award Dinner
Sept. 11, 2007
New York City, N.Y.
The Lighthouse on Chelsea Pier 61
The 2007 Tri-Association Award Dinner Committee has announced that it has begun accepting nominations for the 2007 Triton Award. Any member of the NBFAA, Security Industry Association (SIA), and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) may nominate an individual for consideration. The deadline for nominations is March 9, 2007. If you have any questions regarding the award nomination process, or the 2007 Tri-Association Awards Dinner, please contact Leigh McGuire at lmcguire@siaonline.org or call (703) 647-8493.
WBFAA Golf and Night at the Casino
Oct. 10, 2007
Spokane, Wash.
WBFAA 13TH Annual Trade Show
Oct. 11, 2007
Spokane, Wash.
California Alarm Association
2007 Winter Convention
Dec. 6-8, 2007
San Francisco, Calif.
Crowne Plaza
Chapter News
Multi-state Conference Slated
The Ohio Electronic Life Safety & Security Association (OELSSA) and the Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (IBFAA) have scheduled a multi-state convention and exhibition to be held in Columbus, Ohio, May 1-2.
This is the first time that a multi-state conference has been held in the Midwest The convention, Ohio’s 24th, will be held at the Concourse Hotel and Convention Center, and will feature a golf outing on Tuesday, May 1, and the popular NTS Internet Protocol (IP) Networking 101 training course followed by a casual welcome reception for early arrivals.
On Wednesday, May 2, a continental breakfast and open registration start the day. Seminars on Wednesday include information on preparing to buy or sell an alarm company, protecting your company’s assets, and the latest on voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), network cabling and life safety equipment applications.
Wednesday’s luncheon will be highlighted by a keynote address from Ohio State Representative Joseph Uecker, sponsor of the proposed Ohio Licensing Law for Electronic Life Safety Providers.
Indiana attorney Marc Katz will be on hand later in the day to discuss contracts, terms, limitations and other legal matters that can affect attendees’ businesses.
To register for the event visit http://www.secureohio.org/2007convention.html.
Ohio Chapter Seats New President
Ray Jones is looking to improve on an already successful chapter program as he assumes the reigns as president of the Ohio Electronic Life Safety & Security Association (OELSSA).
Jones began his career 29 years ago working for Buckeye Protective Services, a company his father started. Now he and his brother run the company. He has been an active member in the association for more than 10 years serving as a past board member.
His main goal is to get state licensing passed by the Ohio legislature, something Jones says his association has been working on for many years. Jones says he’s also very interested in NBFAA’s newly approved apprenticeship program and hopes to implement it in his state.
Editor’s Note: Keep an eye on this section in upcoming issues of Member Update as we introduce you to new presidents in South Carolina and Tennessee.
Member News
North American Video Expands Team with 40 New Staffers
North American Video has added more than 40 new employees to date in 2007 bringing the company total to 98 full time integration specialists.
Appointments include a new director of Internet Protocol (IP) systems and special projects, a director of healthcare installations and a new human resources director in addition to project managers and technical personnel. The new appointments reflect North American Video’s continued growth and immersion in emerging networked system technologies.
Member Benefit Spotlight
Smokey Mountain Internet Services, Inc. |
IT Problems Got You Down? Smokey Mountain Can HelpPromote your company with a Web site or Internet marketing campaign through Smokey Mountain Internet Services, Inc., a full-service Internet company dedicated to the electronic life safety, security, and systems industry. Services include world-class Web site development, award-winning Web site design, Web site hosting, Internet marketing, graphic design for all types of media, and much more. Call Smoky Mountain or e-mail web@smnet.net for NBFAA member-exclusive special discounts. |
Industry News You Can Use
New Ordinance will Impose $25 Fine for Three or More False Alarms
Crying wolf one too many times will cost Knoxville property owners under a new city ordinance aimed at reducing the number of false alarms, which police and fire officials say is straining their budgets.
:: Full story
Battling False Alarms
If you spend hundreds of dollars to have a burglar alarm in your home or business, you expect police or a sheriff’s officer to respond when it goes off, right? Think again. You may live in a city or county where law enforcement ignores burglar alarms.
:: Full story
SCORE Co-sponsors Small Business Week 2007
SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrate America’s entrepreneurial spirit during Small Business Week 2007 events in Washington, D.C., April 23-24. SCORE will serve as the lead co-sponsor for the fourth year in a row.
The two-day conference will focus on small business accomplishments, including disaster recovery, procurement and entrepreneurial success. SCORE’s Chapter of the Year will be announced, as well as the National Small Business Person of the Year.
In addition, more than 100 outstanding small business owners from around the country will be honored for their success. These awards will cover a wide range of business products, services and innovations offered by America’s entrepreneurs.
Member Product News
Honeywell Releases Internet Connection Module for Vista Panels
Honeywell recently announced that its Internet Connection Module (ICM) is now compatible with the VISTA alarm panel series, one of the security industry’s leading and most widely used product lines. Using a Web interface, ICM for VISTA allows users to control security systems from any personal computer or mobile device such as a laptop, PDA or cell phone.
The ICM for VISTA allows customers to control their security systems remotely and view Internet protocol (IP) cameras via the Web. The device also can be easily networked with other ICMs that control lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) functions. It can help customers reduce energy costs through capabilities such as controlling thermostats remotely.
The technology also offers email notification, a feature that automatically sends emails to customers to alert them from non-critical events, such as a child disarming a security system upon returning home from school or a liquor or gun cabinet being opened.
Micro Key Software Announced New Web-Interface Module
Micro Key Software, a provider of software solutions to the security alarm industry, recently announced a new Millennium Series module, WebView. Alarm dealers, central station clients, and end users can now access, search and modify, via the Internet, their customer account information on any Web-enabled computer.
WebView provides alarm dealers and central stations access to all account information while giving clients and end users limited access. Central Stations and alarm dealers can search, sort, and segment their account database using various criteria such as store or account number, alarm history, contact name, etc. Online reports can be created and database information updated or modified using any Web-enabled computer. Customers can access their own data and modify their password or contact information.
The module is intelligent enough to recognize the type of user based on sign-in and will automatically set permissions. For example, chain stores that have store-based, regional, and national requirements will be able to setup access permissions based on identification and need. Therefore, a regional manager can have access to data on a regional basis while a store manager may only be able to access information for the store they manage.
New Product Showcase Winners Announced at ISC West
The Videofied VIA-Pro Intrusion Alarm from RSIalarm Inc., White Bear Lake, Minn., was named “Best of NPS” at the Security Industry Association’s 2007 New Product Showcase (NPS) held last week in conjunction with the ISC West Show in Las Vegas.
:: Full Story
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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