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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Only 1 Week Left to Take Advantage of Special Offers
One of the most prevailing trials of our industry today is a shortage of qualified technicians. As technological advances work to constantly change the horizon – the challenge to find and attract relevantly qualified people becomes an even more daunting task.
NBFAA has begun a concentrated effort to attract new individuals into the industry. This requires a well laid-out career path and a highly effective awareness campaign.
Support from ADI and our Participating Partners will aid these initiatives by providing funds to support our efforts.
From now until April 27, when you buy any of our Participating Partners’ specially priced products, 5 percent will be donated to the NBFAA for the specific purpose of enhancing the workforce of the future.
Place your order for these products now.
For orders, call (800) 233-6261
For Systems Sales & Support, call (800) ADI-SYS1
Online catalog at www.adilink.com
On behalf of our members and the entire industry - we wish to thank ADI for their willingness to sponsor this program and provide the administrative and marketing tools to turn it into a reality.
Additional thanks go to all of the Participating Partners for their loyalty, support and generosity.
For more information on this program, and to see a list of products from our sponsors, visit www.alarm.org.
April State Legislative Report Online
The April State Legislative Report is now available online in the Members Only section of NBFAA’s Web site.
Each month, NBFAA’s government relations team monitors all 50 states and tracks hundreds of bills that have the potential to impact your business. The team then organizes these bills by state and places them on the NBFAA State Legislative Report providing their current status and a summary of the bill’s intent.
April’s report contains information of the following types of measures:
- 79 bills relating to alarms
- 9 bills relating to automatic contract renewal
- 62 bills relating to licensing
- 8 bills relating to taxes
The NBFAA State Legislative Report is a member benefit. If you are not a member, contact NBFAA today at (888) 447-1689 to discuss your membership options.
Dues Renewal Reminder: Web Site Passwords to Be Deactivated
If you have not submitted your dues renewal you’ll want to do so as soon as possible. All 2006 Web site usernames and passwords will be deactivated on May 1.
To receive the new username and password you must be a current member of the NBFAA in good standing.
New Statistics Posted On Web Site
We have recently added updated industry statistics to www.alarm.org in the Industry Information section.
These statistics can assist you in marketing efforts for your business. Visit the Web site today to see what you might use in communicating to your customers or in the production of marketing materials.
First Line of Defense Finalists Make Deciding Winner a Tough Job
With so many outstanding entries this year for the 2007 First Line of Defense Award, the job of determining the winner was a difficult one for the NBFAA Public Relations Committee.
“We debated, each member voted, and in the end it came down to a very close count,” said committee Chairman Frank Burke, president of USA Alarm Systems in Calif. “I want to congratulate all of the companies that entered. They are a shining example of the valuable service our industry provides to citizens and public safety officials.”
While HSM Electronics ultimately walked away with the top honor, each of the finalists deserves recognition for their tremendous efforts in saving property and lives. NBFAA will be highlighting each of the finalists’ stories throughout the year in various publications, online and in print. Following is the story submitted by Vector Security.
Vector Security’s Persistence Saves Couple's Home
On the evening of July 6, Vector Security’s northern central station, based in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., received a fire alarm signal from the residence of Murray and Elly Miller, long-time residential customers.
Vector Security operator Teri Price received the signal and immediately telephoned the Millers to inquire about the signal before dispatching the fire department. Murray told the operator that no fire condition was being experienced and attributed the activation of the smoke detector to the existence of cleaning chemicals that were being used in the basement after a recent flood.
Concerned with the accuracy of the homeowner’s response, Price said she felt the fire department should be dispatched, even though the customer felt it was unnecessary. Price asked the Millers to leave the home until the fire department arrived.
The Trucksville volunteer fire department was notified and investigated the Miller house. The fire department noted the faintest smell of smoke in the basement and contacted a neighboring fire department from Jackson Township to assist. The Jackson Township Fire Department had at its disposal a thermal imaging camera, capable of detecting a hidden smoldering fire.
The camera indeed recognized the existence of a hot spot above the basement ceiling, burning in a floor joist located near a main support beam. Additionally, the fire had made its way to a natural gas line before being 
extinguished by firefighters and the pipe itself showed signs of damage from the fire. The fire was attributed to a problem with the electrical wiring serving a receptacle in the basement. Both responding fire departments agreed that, had the fire successfully burned through the natural gas line, the Miller home would have experienced a significant fire.
“We believe that the facts surrounding the incident itself, along with the superior performance of our central station operators and two local fire departments truly reflect our industry’s core value to those who employ our services,” said Pamela Petrow, executive vice president, Vector Security. “This is also a great example of how an alarm company and a responding authority can work together to help save lives and property.”
In a letter to Vector Security, the Millers wrote, “We extend heartfelt thanks to the dispatchers on duty at the time of our emergency. We were told that in another three to five minutes our home would have been totally engulfed. In addition, a gas line was singed so we know that a catastrophe may have been averted thanks to their quick response and actions. Not only was our home saved, but possibly our lives as well.”
First Line of Defense Program Important to Industry
All of the First Line of Defense stories are important reminders to consumers of the importance of monitored home security systems. Each of these stories will be posted in the consumer section of NBFAA’s Web site to help educate consumers about the life-and-property-saving benefits of our industry. NBFAA will begin accepting applications for the 2008 First Line of Defense Award June 1, 2007. 
More Information.
NBFAA Business Focus Spotlight:
Prepare Your Business for the Next Generation of Convergence
The NBFAA Business Focus training event in Indianapolis will be held June 14 – 17. Designed for business owners, executives and management, NBFAA Business Focus will feature six presenters offering business-focused training courses designed to enhance business insight and management skills. NBFAA will be featuring all six presenters and their topics during the next six issues of Member Update. This week we feature Dan Dunkel, president of New Era Associates.
 Dan Dunkel |
Dunkel’s presentation, Prepare Your Business for the Next Generation of Convergence, will discuss partnership strategy: Who, How and Why? Discover how to evaluate, recruit and manage a successful Information Technology (IT) relationship.
Learn how technology cycles drive sales revenue by leveraging the IT services model. Security convergence will force you to orient to new competition. Find out why Cisco matters, how vendors like IBM are changing the video storage market, and why physical security is now positioned at the executive level.
Dunkel brings more than 22 years of successful sales, management, and executive experience in the IT industry. His firm, New Era Associates, is a privately held consultancy specializing in sales strategy and business partner development between IT and physical security vendors and integrators.
For more information on this event, and to register, visit www.alarm.org today.
2007 Spring Conference Photos Online Soon
Photos from the 2007 NBFAA Spring Conference will posted online soon at www.alarm.org. If you attended the conference, feel free to download pictures for your own use. If you weren’t able to attend this year’s Spring Conference, visit the Web site and see what you missed.
Photos of all the events including the member reception, awards luncheon, golf and skeet event, The Evening Event, NBFAA Emerging Technology Forum and more will be available for download.
Enjoy FAIM Today
Sign up for a Fire Alarm Installation Method (FAIM) course in your area today and receive world-class training in fire alarm services.
This two-day course is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of the installation, service and maintenance of fire alarm systems. Additionally, this course provides the necessary review material to prepare for NICET Level 1 and 2 examinations.
This course follows the structure of NFPA 72 and is based on the 1996 edition of NFPA 72 and NFPA 70. This course will end with the administration of a two-hour, multiple-choice examination. Attendees successfully completing the examination will receive a certificate of course completion.
So Many Training Opportunities, So Little Time
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April has been a busy month for NTS, but it’s not over yet. Be sure to take advantage of these classes and give your company an edge over the competition by offering world-class service from a well-trained staff. 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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Upcoming courses:
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
April 20 – 21 – Manchester, N.H.
April 20 – 21 – Memphis, Tenn.
April 21 – 22 – Starkville, Miss.
April 24 – 25 – Owings Mills, Md.
April 24 – 25 – Boston, Mass.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level I)
April 24 – 26 – Las Vegas, Nev.
April 27 – 29 – Kenner, La.
April 27 – 29 – Nashville, Tenn.
April 30 – May 2 – Tallahassee, Fla.
April 30 – May 2 – Des Moines, Iowa
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
April 21 – 22 – Montevallo, Ala.
April 26 – 27 – Owings Mills, Md.
April 28 – 29 – Starkville, Miss.
Life Safety Code Workshop
April 23 – Owings Miss, Md.
Understanding Alarm Systems
April 21 – Lafayette, La.
Continuing Education
April 20 – East Windsor, N.J. – Fire Alarm Testing and Inspection
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Take Advantage of the Association’s First Business Focus Training Seminar
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 for owners, executives and management.
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.
Security Canada East Trade Show
April 25 – 26, 2007
Montreal, QC
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. We are planning a targeted, informative and worthwhile two days. For additional information contact John Chwat at (703) 684-7703 or by e-mail at gov.info@alarm.org. Registration for the NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill is closed. We thank you for your interest and hope you will join us next year!
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OELSSA & IBFAA Multi-State Conference
May 1 – 2, 2007
Concourse Hotel and Convention Center
Columbus, Ohio
The Ohio Electronic Life Safety & Security Association (OELSSA) and the Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (IBFAA) invite you for their first annual multi-state 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 attendees. Wednesday morning, May 2, kicks off with a continental breakfast and open registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Seminars on Wednesday include information on preparing to buy or sell an alarm company, protecting your company’s assets, the latest on voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), network cabling and life safety equipment applications.
Luncheon presentation will provide attendees the latest information about the pending Ohio state licensing legislation and the latest NBFAA benefits for membership. Download registration form.
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
Eastern Washington Chapter
May 9, 2007
Spokane Club
Spokane, Wash.
Spokane Club, Order from Menu
Speaker: Dave Koket, Spokane Fire Department
California Alarm Association
CAA Summer Convention
May 10 – 12, 2007
Hilton Palm Springs Resort
The annual event will feature training, exhibits and networking opportunities. Attendees can enjoy a Lazy Days of Summer Fiesta featuring dinner and dancing. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a golf tournament at the Canyon Country Club private course. For an event program, registration and hotel reservation information, visit the CAA Web site at www.caaonline.org.
Central Station Alarm Association Mid-year Meeting
CSAA Electronic Security Forum & Exposition
May 16 – 20, 2007
Buena Vista Palace Hotel
Orlando, Fla.
www.csaaul.org
2007 AICC Golf Tournament
May 16, 2007
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Orlando, Fla.
Security Canada West Trade Show
May 30, 2007
Richmond, BC
More Information
NEACC Golf
June 6, 2007
Heritage Country Club
Charlton, Mass.
www.neacc.org | Register Now
Northeast Security & Systems Expo
June 7, 2007
Royal Plaza Trade Center
Marlborough, Mass.
For information call Russ Ryan @ 617-489-7518
www.neacc.org | Register Now
NBFAA Business Focus
How Smart Businesses Grow
June 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 for owners, executives and management.
Attendees will hear from six keynote speakers; Keith Davis, senior dealer to builder manager for AVAD LLC; Cathey Rempel, founder and CEO of the Summit 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.
Learn More
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
All State Meeting
June 19, 2007
Seattle, Wash.
Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
PBFAA Annual Convention, 25th Anniversary Celebration
June 20 – 21, 2007
Philadelphia, Pa.
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.
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
6th Annual Golf Tournament
July 10, 2007
Elk Run Golf Course
Maple Valley, Wash.
Mississippi Alarm Association
13th Annual Trade Show & Convention
August 1-5, 2007
Biloxi, Miss.
Imperial Palace
www.msalarm.org
NBFAA 2007 Fall Conference
September 9 – 12, 2007
New York City, N.Y.
This four-day annual event, which will be held Sep. 9 – 12 in New York City, features a Leadership Symposium, which includes a Chapter Workshop, Member Reception, meetings and social events.
2007 Tri Association Awards Dinner
September 11, 2007
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.
2007 ISC East Expo
September 11 – 12, 2007
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York City, N.Y.
Security Canada Atlantic Conference
September 20, 2007
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
More Information
South Carolina Alarm Association
Annual Convention & Trade Show
September 27, 2007
Charleston, S.C.
Holiday Inn, Patriots Point
The event will feature a golf tournament, training classes, roundtable discussions and trade show. Contact Gabrielle at 803-2520580 for more information.
Alabama Alarm Association
Annual Meeting and Trade Show
October 10 – 12, 2007
Double Tree Hotel
Birmingham, Ala.
WBFAA Golf and Night at the Casino
Oct. 10, 2007
Spokane, Wash.
WBFAA 13th Annual Trade Show
Oct. 11, 2007
Spokane, Wash.
International Security Conference & Expo
October 17 – 18, 2007
Toronto, Ontario
More Information
Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association
Convention & Trade Show
November 14 – 16, 2007
The Pontchartrain Center
Kenner, La.
More Information
California Alarm Association
Winter Convention
December 6-8, 2007
Crowne Plaza San Francisco
www.caaonline.org
Chapter News
Several Chapters to Hold Summer Conferences, Exhibitions
This summer is shaping up to be a busy one as several NBFAA chapters have scheduled conferences, golf tournaments and membership meetings.
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The Ohio Electronic Life Safety & Security Association (OELSSA) and the Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (IBFAA) invite you for their first annual multi-state convention and exhibition to be held May 1 and 2. |
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The California Alarm Association (CAA) will hold its summer conference May 10 – 12. This annual event will feature training, exhibits and networking opportunities. Attendees can enjoy a Lazy Days of Summer Fiesta featuring dinner and dancing. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a golf tournament at the Canyon Country Club private course. |
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The Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (WBFAA) will hold an all state meeting in Seattle on June 9. The WBFAA will also hold their 6th Annual Golf Tournament on July 10. |
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The Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (PBFAA) will celebrate its 25th anniversary in conjunction with their annual convention June 20 - 21. The 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. |
For more information on these and other events slated for 2007 visit NBFAA’s Event Calendar.
Member News
DMP Welcomes Back Dave Rogers
Dave Rogers has joined Digital Monitoring Products Inc (DMP) as the director of customer care where he will oversee customer service, technical support, and field training.
Rogers has more than 15 years of management experience and has received numerous awards for his performance. Most recently he was sales manager for Atlas Security Service, and he is the former director of international sales development and sales operations for DMP. He was with MCI/WorldCom for 10 years where he served as sales supervisor, human resources recruiter and compensation manager.
Sonitrol Announces 157,000th Apprehension
Sonitrol recently announced its 157,000th apprehension, a statistic unrivaled in the security industry.
Sonitrol was founded nearly 50 years ago but has only been tracking apprehensions since 1977. On average, Sonitrol’s verified audio and video solutions help police apprehend a suspect every 90 minutes, and one out of every five is arrested before they can gain entry to the facility.
Sonitrol’s ability to verify alarm activations – either through impact activated audio technology or monitored video solutions – means they can determine whether a break-in is in progress, or whether a false alarm has occurred. When a Sonitrol alarm is triggered, it immediately relays real-time audio or video to their monitoring center, enabling the trained operators to actually listen-in or watch the site to verify the nature of the event. Once the operator makes a determination, Sonitrol immediately calls the proper authorities to request dispatch on a verified burglary in progress, or resets the system without having to burden the police or the business owner in the event of a false alarm.
Sonitrol’s 157,000th apprehension occurred in Albuquerque, N.M. at the Driver’s Den, a car stereo and electronics store. Sonitrol’s operators heard noises at the back door of the facility and immediately requested police dispatch. When police arrived on the scene, the suspects scattered but were not able to get far. One hid in the ceiling, another ran into a restaurant across the street and two others were found nearby. In all, four were captured, all with extensive criminal records.
To watch KRQE News 13 footage of our 157,000th apprehension, or to listen and watch other break-ins and apprehensions, visit www.sonitrol.com/nabbed.
Honeywell to Acquire Burtek, Expands ADI Business
Honeywell will be acquiring distribution firm Burtek Systems Corporation and the Security Systems Division of Richardson Electronics. The acquisition will cost $80 million, and had been signed as a "definitive agreement" from the companies.
:: Full Story
HSM Electronic Protection Services Receives Sammy Awards at ISC West
HSM Electronic Protection Services, Inc. (HSM) was twice honored during ISC West at the 12th Annual SAMMY Awards.
Finalists in of 13 categories, HSM was awarded the top two awards: the Integrated Marketing Program of the Year and the Integrated Commercial/Industrial Installation of the Year. HSM won the Integrated Marketing award for the second year in a row and was the only multiple award winner at the evening awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
Sponsored by Security Sales & Integration, the magazine annually honors security dealers and integrators who exemplify professionalism and provide the finest example of excellence in their sales, marketing and installation endeavors.
AlarmKey Produces Dealer, Integrator Video
AlarmKey produced its first video aimed directly at system integrators and dealers. The video, Choices with AlarmKey, highlights the many options dealers have when doing business with AlarmKey.
Watch the video on YouTube.
Member Benefit Spotlight
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Paychex Offers Members Help with Human Resources Services Let Paychex - a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefits services for small-to medium-sized businesses - relieve you of these tasks! NBFAA members receive a 15 percent discount on payroll processing. |
Industry News You Can Use
One Year Review of ‘Verified Response’ Shows No Progress
Non-response to business burglar alarms continues in Dallas with no improvement in the fight against crime or productivity. The City of Dallas Public Safety Committee reviewed the information and even the proponents agreed there was less progress than projected since the idea passed by a narrow margin of 8-5 a year ago.
:: Full Story
False-Alarm Bill Could Be up for Vote
With the Democrats back in the majority, the Nassau legislature may vote on a much-delayed false alarm bill this evening.
:: Full Story
Alarm Malfunctions May Cost More than Peace and Quiet
Homeowners shelling out hundreds of dollars for alarm systems may want to invest in a little practice time as well.
:: Full Story
Member Product News
Altronix Expands Offering with New Integrated Products
Altronix Corporation continues to enhance its line of integrated products with the introduction of new models at ISC West 2007.
New additions to Altronix’s established line of integrated products include the HubWay 22 Video/Data/Power device, the Maxim 33 Access Power Controller, the StrikeIt 1 Panic Device Power/Controller and the AL1002UL2ADA 10 Amp NAC Power Extender with Wheelock sync protocol.
The HubWay22 Video/Data/Power device provides centralized unshielded twisted pair (UTP) video, RS422/RS-S485 data and distributed camera power over a single category 5 or higher cable for distances up to 1000 feet to help simplify closed circuit television (CCTV) installations.
Designed to offer a practical and efficient approach to power management, the Maxim33 Access Power Controller interfaces with access control panels and routes power to a variety of access control devices.
The StrikeIt 1 Panic Device Power/Controller operates up to two 24-volt direct current panic hardware devices individually or simultaneously. It is designed to handle the high current surge that panic hardware locking devices demand.
Additionally, Altronix continues to enhance its core product lines with new product introductions like the AL1002UL2ADA 10 Amp NAC Power Extender which integrates critical alarm features and generates sync protocol from leading manufactures including Wheelock, eliminating the need for a separate sync module.
For more information call toll free 1-888-258-7669, e-mail info@altronix.com or visit www.altronix.com.
NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA In the News
NBFAA Plans Day on Capitol Hill
SecurityInfoWatch.com
The NBFAA, a national organization which represents the interest of companies installing, servicing and monitoring security, fire and other life-safety systems, has planned its 2007 Day on Capitol Hill.
:: Full Story
Recent Press Releases
Cage and Kessinger Earn Weinstock and Jackson Awards
The NBFAA presented the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award to Chris Cage, general counsel for the U.S. division of Brink’s Inc. and the Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award to Greg Kessinger, owner of Safe Harbor Security during The Evening Event at the association’s 2007 Spring Conference in Las Vegas.
:: Full Story
George De Marco Honored by NBFAA President
George De Marco of California was presented the NBFAA President’s Award by NBFAA President George Gunning for his dedication to the association.
:: Full Story
This Release was featured on:
HSM Electronic Protection Services Earns First Line of Defense Award
HSM Electronic Protection Services (HSM) was presented the 2007 First Line of Defense Award by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and SDM Magazine for their persistence and dedication in helping police apprehend three would-be thieves that had broken into a Houston Sports Authority store after hours.
:: Full story
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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If you have questions, comments or concerns about Member Update, please contact the Communications Department.
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2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230 •Irving, TX 75062
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