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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Appellate Court Sides with Alarm Industry, Strikes Down $4M Ruling
A significant legal victory for ADT and the alarm industry was recently announced by the appeals court in New Jersey, thanks in part to the active involvement and support of the members of the NBFAA, the New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, and the Central Station Alarm Association.
In its decision, the court stated that the primary question presented in this case was whether an exculpatory clause in a contract for the sale of a burglar alarm system, which requires the buyer to rely solely on its own insurance for any loss from theft, is contrary to public policy and therefore unenforceable in light of a statute that subjects sellers of alarm systems to licensing and regulatory controls. The court concluded that such an exculpatory clause is not contrary to public policy, because it simply allocates responsibility to the buyer of an alarm system to maintain insurance coverage, and the buyer is in the best position to know the value of its property and to insure against any loss.
The court reversed a $4M judgment in favor of the plaintiff, Synnex, and dismissed the case which involved a burglary of computer equipment from a warehouse. The Appellate Court Division concluded that ADT’s performance of the contract with their customer by delivery and installation of the burglar alarm system constituted acceptance of the contract, thus binding both parties to terms of the contract, including the exculpatory clause.
“Although NBFAA was not directly involved in the appeal, we are confident that our request to file an amicus brief, at a minimum, gave the court a better understanding of the industry's view. We are grateful to all of our members who made generous contributions to support this effort making the amicus brief possible,” said NBFAA President George Gunning.
NBFAA, CSAA to Host Electronic Security Expo
The NBFAA and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) have teamed up to host a new joint venture to own and produce the Electronic Security Expo (ESX). Unlike similar events, ESX will focus on the product, technical and management training needs of installing and monitoring companies and the trends toward integration and Internet Protocol (IP) enabled security systems in the commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets.
“Many of you are heavily engaged with access control, video surveillance, identification systems, outdoor protection plus many other forms of protection in addition to your traditional strengths in intrusion and fire alarm systems. This industry-owned event will help you move your company forward faster in the integrated and IP enabled systems realm,” said NBFAA President George Gunning, USA Alarm Systems.
“This conference is designed to give attendees the tools they need to operate in a new, highly competitive market that is seeing more and more outside companies entering the alarm business,” said NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau. “It will showcase new technologies, installation methods, training in both technical and business needs, and more. With this conference, we offer attendees a robust education conference, a tradeshow that is focused on their specific interests and entertaining keynotes and social events to network with their peers.”
Organized by EH Events, producers of the awarding-winning Electronic House Expo show series as well as other fast growing events for the technology and construction industries, the annual event will debut in the Nashville Convention Center, with seminars running June 25-27, 2008 and exhibits June 26-27. More than 150 exhibitors and 3,500+ attendees from across the country are projected at the inaugural event.
As owners and sponsors of ESX, NBFAA and CSAA will host meetings and other association functions in conjunction with the event. They will be integrally involved in the development and delivery of the ESX keynotes, general sessions, and the best education program ever developed for integration and monitoring companies.
The associations will also work with EH to produce special seminars and a recognition program aimed at illuminating best practices of installation and monitoring companies. There will be programs to attract and recognize the next generation of industry leaders. The event will also offer attendees and their guests, opportunities to network and relax during first-class social and entertainment events.
“We are honored to be teaming with the largest and most prestigious security integration and monitoring associations to produce this event,” said John Galante, vice president of EH Events. “Our event focus is differentiated from other conferences and targeted to the real needs of businesses in a competitive market. Our venue is a true destination that offers both family and sophisticated business entertainment options, and great affordability for exhibitors. And our association owners and sponsors’ strong support means exhibitors will gain exposure to top decision makers from the biggest, best and most progressive installing, integrating and monitoring companies in the world. Together, we will build an always-innovative, always-compelling annual event designed to serve the ever changing environment of the systems-integrator.”
NBFAA Teams with ADI to Offer More Member Savings
NBFAA’s first Workforce Development Program was such a great success we decided to do it again.
Beginning July 30th and running through Aug. 24th when you buy any of our participating partner’s specially priced products from ADI, five percent will be donated to the NBFAA for the specific purpose of enhancing the workforce of the future. Members can save more than $200 on cameras and digital video recorders from the following manufactures:
Mike Miller Elected as NBFAA President-Elect
The results of the 2007 Executive Committee elections have been tabulated. Three positions were on the ballot. Mike Miller, vice president and co-owner of Moon Security Services Inc, Pasco, Wash., was named vice president/president-elect. David Koenig, partner, Capitol Fire & Security, Inc, Madison, Wis., was elected for a two-year term as treasurer. Counte Cooley, president of Electronic Sales Company, Gainesville, Ga., was reelected for a third two-year term as vice president. All three board members began their new terms on July 1, 2007.
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An industry executive for more than 30 years, Miller’s involvement with NBFAA includes past chair of both the Public Relations and the False Alarm Committees. He is currently chair of the Budget Committee and co-chair of the Investment Committee. Miller served NBFAA as treasurer of the association from 2000 through 2001 and from 2005 through June, 2007 and is the 2005 recipient of the NBFAA Sarah E. Jackson Memorial Award. His industry involvement at the state level includes serving as president and past president of the Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. Following one year in his role as vice president/president elect, Miller will assume the two-year role of NBFAA president. |
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Koenig has been involved in the security industry since 1981. He served as an NBFAA board member from 1991 through 1993 and from 2002 through 2005. He was recognized by NBFAA in 1993 as the Professional Alarm Technician of the Year. He has served on the NBFAA Executive Committee as a one-year vice president since July 2006. |
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With 49 years in the industry, Cooley has served six years as an NBFAA board member and four years as president of the Georgia Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (GBFAA). Cooley was also involved in chartering the new Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association and was the force behind the association’s successful 2005 New Member Double Bonus Program. Cooley ran against George Bish, project manager, MasTec Advanced Technologies, for the vice president position. |
Start Sending in Your Nominations for the 2007 NBFAA Leadership Awards
Do you know someone who deserves recognition as a chapter president or executive director? Have you been especially impressed this year with an NBFAA chapter or an NTS instructor or training coordinator? Do you believe your chapter newsletter is the best thing since sliced bread?
 NBFAA President George Gunning (right) and Education Committee Chairman Paul Baran (left) present the 2006 NTS Training Coordinator of the Year Award to Danny Northcutt. |
Now is the time to submit a nomination.
The winners of the 2007 NBFAA Leadership Awards will be recognized during the NBFAA Fall Conference. Each recipient will be honored at a special awards luncheon and presented with a commemorative keepsake.
Any NBFAA member can submit a nomination in any or all categories. Tell us who you believe are this year’s best. The deadline to submit your nominations is July 20.
The categories are:
- Chapter of the Year
- Newsletter of the Year
- NTS Instructor of the Year
- Executive Director of the Year
- President of the Year
- NTS Training Coordinator of the Year
Now Accepting Applications for the First Line of Defense Award
Have you ever been sitting around with your family or friends and told them a really great story about how your company's electronic security system helped save a life, avert property damage, or prevent a crime? Well now is your chance to tell that story to the world and win one of the industry’s most prestigious awards.
“This award is a great way to spotlight your company while showing the world the contribution the alarm industry makes in helping to secure our nation’s homes and businesses,” said NBFAA Public Relations Committee Chairman Frank Burke, USA Alarm Systems.
If your story is selected, you and your customer will win a free trip to the awards ceremony, courtesy of NBFAA and SDM. Plus, your story will be featured in NBFAA publications and in SDM Magazine, and your company will receive a local and national publicity campaign.
The First Line of Defense Award is a great way for your company to receive tremendous amounts of recognition for a job well done! If you have questions, contact Georgia Calaway at (888) 447-1689 or by e-mail at communications@alarm.org.
How to Apply
To apply for the First Line of Defense Award download a copy of the 2008 Application Form and submit to NBFAA at:
NBFAA Public Relations Committee
First Line of Defense Award
2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230
Irving, TX 75062
Download a copy of the complete rules, judging criteria, and additional required forms:
First Line of Defense 2008 Supplemental Forms.
Mark your Calendar for the 2007 NBFAA Fall Conference
 :: Learn More :: Register Now! |
It’s not too early to book your flight to the Big Apple for NBFAA’s annual Fall Conference. Beginning just before the start of ISC East, NBFAA will kick off the Fall Conference Sunday, Sept. 9. The four-day conference will include two days in New Jersey where the Leadership Symposium will be held and two days at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
The NBFAA’s bi-annual Leadership Symposium will feature a Chapter Workshop, Board of Director’s meeting, committee meetings, and the Annual Leadership Awards Luncheon.
The conference will be held at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J. When making hotel reservations, phone the hotel directly - reservations cannot be made online. Please mention that you will be attending the NBFAA Conference. The contracted room rate is $245.00 per night plus taxes. The cut-off date for reservations is August 18, 2007.
Sheraton Suites on the Hudson
500 Harbor Boulevard
Weehawken, NJ 07086
Phone: (201) 617-5600
Reservations: (800) 325-3535
The conference will be followed by the 2007 ISC East Expo event Sept. 11 and 12. NBFAA will welcome members to booth #1266 at the ISC exhibit hall, and host additional committee meetings at the Javits Center.
NBFAA Offers Members Advice in Dealing with the Press
If a reporter calls your business for a comment regarding recent legislation or asks to interview someone for a story, are you prepared to put your best face forward, for your business and for the industry? A new, members-only, Resource Guide from NBFAA can help you prepare for this situation and offers advice to help you use media relations to impact your bottom line.
The recently released Public Relations Resource Guide breaks down dealing with the press into four easy steps:
- Know the Media
- Prepare for the Interview
- Know the Basics
- Take Control of the Interview
The guide explains each step in detail, including what your rights are when giving an interview and how to appear on camera. In addition, the guide offers tips for proactive media relations and gives examples of press releases, industry facts and talking points.
In addition to the Public Relations Resource guide, the NBFAA Resource Guide Center also offers the following guides for members:
- NBFAA Resource Guide to Customer Contracts
- The Business Library (This is a collection of 16 different business reports covering topics such as solving cash flow problems, how to determine the dollar value of a business, auto and equipment leasing and more.)
- “How To” Guide for State and Federal Government Relations
- Errors & Omissions Insurance Guide
NBFAA also recently posted the Business Focus presentation Growth Opportunities through Residential Development by Keith Davis, senior Dealer to Builder manager at AVAD LLC.
These guides and more can be found in the Members Only section at www.alarm.org.
Send in Your Photos and be Featured in NBFAA Publications
 Brinks technician during an installation |
Would you like to see your business or employees featured in Newsline or other NBFAA communications? We are seeking to enhance our communications to members and external audiences with photography of real people doing real jobs.
We particularly need photos of product installations, your business, technicians, and general day-to-day business photos.
Photos need to be high resolution digital quality (300dpi or greater) so that they can be used in the various marketing and communications print publications. Please send your photos to communications@alarm.org. If your photos are too large to send by e-mail, call (888) 447-1689 to get instructions for uploading them to our server.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1) Training Spotlight
Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1), available online and in the classroom, presents an overview of the theory, installation and maintenance of alarm systems, basic electricity, standards, perimeter detection, space detection, fire systems, control panels, communications, closed circuit television, job planning and false alarm prevention.
Open to all, this 24-hour course is designed for staff and business owners who have been employed in the alarm industry for at least three months. Course instructors will review the operation, application, installation and maintenance of commonly used equipment and components and present industry standards and legal requirements.
The classroom version of Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1) culminates with the administration of the two-hour Level 1 exam.
Get the Latest NTS Courses and Schedules for Your State
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Great training opportunities are available all over the nation this summer and fall. Be sure to sign up for training courses in your state early. Complete course descriptions and schedules are available at www.alarm.org in the Education & Training section. Classroom courses are listed by state and class type. Individuals in states where classes are not currently offered, who are interested in receiving training, 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:
Certified Alarm Technician (Level I)
July 17 – 19 – Owings Mills, Md.
July 19 – 21 – Salt Lake City, Utah
July 25 – 27 – Cincinnati, Ohio
July 25 – 27 – Brookfield, Wisc.
July 27 – 29 – Port Allen, La.
July 27 – 29 – Hattiesburg, Miss.
July 27 – 29 – Nashville, Tenn.
Electronic Access Control
July 19 – 20 – San Diego, Calif.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
July 13 – 14 – Knoxville, Tenn.
July 21 – 22 – Kenner, La.
Networking 101
July 24 – Oklahoma City, Okla.
July 26 – St. Louis, Mo.
Practical Electronics
July 13 – Little Rock, Ark.
Understanding Alarm Systems
July 14 – Monroe, La.
Video Systems Technologies
July 17 – 18 – San Diego, Calif.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Book Your 2007 Fall Conference Hotel Rooms Today to Receive Savings
NBFAA will kick off the Fall Conference Sunday, Sept. 9. The four-day conference will include two days in New Jersey where the Leadership Symposium will be held and two days at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J. When making hotel reservations, phone the hotel directly - reservations cannot be made online. Please mention that you will be attending the NBFAA Conference. The contracted room rate is $245.00 per night plus taxes. The cut-off date for reservations is August 18, 2007.
For more information on this and other events, visit NBFAA’s Event Calendar online.
Chapter News
New York Adds ‘Teeth’ to Alarm Licensing Law
Capping a 15-year-long effort by the New York Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NYBFAA) to stem widespread unlicensed activity, the state has passed a bill to punish individuals who install, service or maintain security or fire alarm systems without a license.
:: Full Story
Member Benefit Spotlight
Security America Risk Retention Group, Inc. |
Security America Offers Affordable E&O Insurance Exclusively to Members 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. Security America also recently announced a new option for added insurance coverage under a new umbrella policy with up to $4 million over primary coverage. (See recent press release.) |
Industry News You Can Use
Kirkland, Wash. Alarm Registration Program Brings Positive Results
It’s been a little over one year since the Kirkland, Wash., City Council enacted a false alarm program and the results are in. As expected, a decrease in the number of false alarms has the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) feeling appreciative of alarm owners who have taken the time to register with the city.
The new requirements became effective on July 1, 2006 and require alarm owners to register with the city and provide for monetary fines should there be multiple false alarms within a 12-month period. In 2005 KPD responded to 2,574 false alarms. In the first 12-month period following the program’s implementation, 1,360 false alarm calls were dispatched; a 53 percent reduction from the previous year. A majority of the 2006-2007 false alarms were from commercial properties and police service was suspended at eight properties due to multiple false alarms.
“These are such positive results,” noted Police Chief Stan Aston. “This means that the community has taken responsibility for its part of this program and that our officers have been able to spend their time responding to priority calls for service.”
Member News
Honeywell Welcomes Safety Technologies Inc as an Authorized Dealer
Honeywell announced it has selected Medina, Ohio-based Safety Technologies Inc as a Honeywell Authorized Dealer for Commercial Security Systems. Safety Technologies provides integrated security solutions such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), access control, and fire and theft systems for commercial businesses.
Honeywell’s Authorized Dealer Program for Commercial Security Systems supports mid-range commercial and industrial security customers by offering tailored marketing support, targeted sales opportunities and technical training programs. The program is designed for dealers with expertise in intrusion and fire, video surveillance and access control.
Safety Technologies, founded in 2001, offers integrated security solutions for the commercial business market. Its products and services include CCTV, burglar and fire alarms, access control systems and personal duress systems.
DMP Welcomes Jeffrey McAleer as New Vice President of Sales
 Jeffrey McAleer |
Jeffrey McAleer has been named vice president of sales at Digital Monitoring Products (DMP).
McAleer brings to DMP a broad range of operations, customer service, and sales experience in electronic security, physical security, fire protection services, and central station management. As vice president of sales, McAleer will be the company’s senior sales executive and will lead DMP’s regional sales managers, as well as its efforts in vertical markets.
ADI Welcomes 200th Dealer to its SNAP-IT Program
ADI recently announced it has signed Skylink Electronic as the 200th dealer to its SNAP-IT Program. With the help of ADI’s SNAP-IT Program, Skylink Electronic plans to move into the light commercial market and generate new sales opportunities.
Open to all ADI customers, the SNAP-IT Program provides dealers with the resources to become all-in-one solution providers and win sales opportunities in healthcare, retail, legal, hospitality and general small businesses. Program benefits include superior products, direct vendor access, cutting-edge marketing materials, support, dedicated training and the convenience of shopping at over 200 ADI branch locations.
For more information on ADI’s SNAP-IT Program, please visit www.mysnapit.com.
Member Product News
Napco Introduces NapcoAccess
Napco Security Systems Inc introduced the new NapcoAccess access control system, which with or without Napco Gemini Alarm Systems.
The full line consists of NAX-200X controllers, AccessPro software and badger video badging software. AccessPro software can handle up to 10,000 cardholders or 256 access groups per badge. It also features custom personnel fields, 128 schedules, 50 holidays as well as built-in system configuration templates for quick stare. Information technology (IT) friendly for security professionals, this complete access control unit supports up to five workstations and also comes with badge creation software (NAX-BADGE) with easy to use templates.
Napco offers two two-door starter kits complete with readers and cards, one NAX-200X panel, AccessPro software and a serial communication cable for computer to panel connection. Moreover, each kit supports network communications using optional NAX-ENET Ethernet adapter. NAX-KIT-A features 50 Gemini proximity cards and two GEM-PX proximity readers with light-emitting diode (LED) indicators enabling users to know alarm system status before arming/disarming. The GEM-PX reader comes with unique alarm system status LEDs on face, which allows users to access the door and disarm the system with a card.
NAX-KIT-PX starter kit features two human interface device (HID) Proxpoint Plus proximity readers. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, this item can easily be mounted on metal without performance loss. Furthermore, HID Proxpoint Plus proximity readers feature a beeper and multicolor LED, which can be host and/or locally controlled. The kit includes 50 HID Prox Card II cards. These clamshell cards have a dependable read range and include an external number for easy identification and control.
To learn more about this product and the two starter kits, please visit www.napcosecurity.com.
NBFAA and Members in the News
Recent Press Releases
Enhanced Insurance Coverage Now Available through Security America
Security America Risk Retention Group (Security America RRG) announced today that companies have a new option for added insurance coverage through the availability of an umbrella policy with up to $4 million over primary coverage.
:: Full Story
This release was featured on:
NBFAA & CSAA Team With EH Events to Launch Electronic Security Expo
The NBFAA and Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) announced today the formation of a new joint venture to own and produce the Electronic Security Expo (ESX). ESX will focus as no other event before on the product, technical and management training needs of installing and monitoring companies and the trends toward integration and Internet Protocol (IP) enabled security systems in the commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets.
:: Full Story
This release was featured on:
NBFAA Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to Children of Police, Fire Officials
There is nothing quite like seeing dreams come true, but that’s just what happened recently thanks to the NBFAA. Through the association’s Youth Scholarship Program, NBFAA members awarded $20,000 in college scholarships to three children of police and fire officials.
:: Full Story
NBFAA Announces 2007 Election Results
The NBFAA today announced the results of the 2007 Executive Committee elections. Three positions were on the ballot. Mike Miller, vice president and co-owner of Moon Security Services Inc, Pasco, Wash., was named vice president/president-elect. David Koenig, partner, Capitol Fire & Security, Inc, Madison, Wis., was elected for a two-year term as treasurer. Counte Cooley, president of Electronic Sales Company, Gainesville, Ga., was reelected for a third two-year term as vice president. All three board members began their new terms on July 1, 2007.
:: Full Story
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For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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