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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Join Us in a Special Evening to Honor America’s Fallen Heroes
NBFAA and the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF) are hosting a special reception and dinner to honor the heroes of September 11, 2001. Attendance is limited, so you will want to reserve your place for this special, once in a lifetime event.
From a venue overlooking Ground Zero, NBFAA and AIREF will honor those lost on September 11, paying special attention to the public safety heroes who gave their lives trying to help those trapped in the World Trade Center. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a $174,000 check to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.
After 9/11, NBFAA and AIREF created a fund, called the Heroes Scholarship, in honor of the police, fire, and Port Authority officials who gave their lives in an effort to save others. The fund was designed to help children of these heroes attend college. For some time, NBFAA and AIREF have been looking for a way to combine our funds with another similar scholarship program, so that the money we collected from our members and the public can impact the greatest number of students. After much research, we selected the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund managed by Scholarship America.
Our honored guests at this distinctive evening will include the president of Scholarship America, Dr. Clifford L. Stanley, Major General (retired), a representative from the New York City Fire Department and Police Chief Michael O'Neill, New York City Police Department, representing Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.
To accept our invitation to attend this distinguished reception and dinner, please RSVP online. You may also download the form and fax it to us.
Only One Week Left to Book Fall Conference Rooms
 :: Schedule of Events :: Register Now! |
NBFAA has reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J. for NBFAA's Fall Conference. In order to receive the lowest rate available, you must mention that you are attending the NBFAA conference. The deadline to reserve your room is August 18. There are a limited number of rooms available and they are going fast. Call the hotel directly at (800) 325-3535 to ensure you get the lowest rate possible. NBFAA's contracted group rate is $245 per night.
These rooms are on a first-come, first-serve basis and once the room block is full, NBFAA cannot guarantee the group rate or availability. So make your plans now; sign up for the NBFAA Fall Conference and reserve your room with the Sheraton.
For more information and to register for the event, visit www.alarm.org or call Jorge Rivas, NBFAA director of chapter relations and events, at (888) 447-1689, ext. 207.
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Congratulations to This Year's Leadership Awards Finalists
Congratulations to the finalists for the association’s annual Leadership Awards! The winners will be revealed during the 2007 Leadership Awards Luncheon on Sept. 10 during the NBFAA Fall Conference.
This year’s awards finalists include:
NBFAA Chapter Newsletter of the Year
The Bellringer (Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association)
The Mirror (California Alarm Association)
Security Alert (New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association)NBFAA Chapter Executive Director of the Year
Jerry Lenander (California Alarm Association)
Beverly Lynch (New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association)
Pat Shea Remes (Connecticut Alarm & Systems Integrators Association)NBFAA Chapter President of the Year
Tim Creenan (New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association)
Jon Sargent (California Alarm Association)
Danette Tizkawski (Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association)NBFAA Chapter of the Year
California Alarm Association
Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
Tennessee Burglar & Fire Alarm AssociationNTS Instructor of the Year
Steve Spodnik (New York)
Woody Woodham (Alabama and Mississippi)
LJ Lynes (Tennessee)NTS State Training Coordinator of the Year
Woody Woodham (Alabama and Mississippi)
Carole McLester (North Carolina)
Penny Brooks (Tennessee)
NBFAA will present the winners with their awards on Sept.10 at the Annual Leadership Awards Luncheon, which is sponsored by Altronix. The NBFAA’s Fall Conference will also feature a Chapter Workshop, Board of Director’s meeting, and committee meetings. Napco is the corporate sponsor of the conference. For more information about the conference please go to www.alarm.org.
Fall Conference Chapter Workshop Speakers Announced
This year’s Chapter Workshop will offer state leaders and members a range of topics that will help their individual businesses, better their state associations and positively impact the industry. Be prepared to be engaged, entertained and informed.
The afternoon will kick off with a preview and demonstration of the new NBFAA Web site and the many new tools available both to chapter leaders and to members.
 Cathy Rempel |
Following that demonstration, Cathy Rempel from The Summit Group will speak about improving visibility, a topic that applies to both individual businesses and state associations. The main focus of this session will be to provide marketing tools and coaching for all participants to truly have something new for their chapters to increase public awareness and, in turn, the demand for member services. Learn how to deliver the right messages, at the right time, in the right place that makes the positive difference to those you serve in the community, your members and your chapter!
The second half of the Workshop will be devoted to Alarm Response Management issues. First, we will welcome Ron Walters, Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) director, for an explanation and discussion of the “Alarm Factor.” This is a fundamental concept that every alarm dealer should know about responsible alarm management. Join us as Ron shares his insight and ideas on this topic.
The last hour of the Workshop will be devoted to a panel discussion about Alarm Response Management Committees at the state level. Glen Mowrey (Chief Ret), law enforcement liaison from SIAC, will moderate the discussion of ‘best practices’ with subject matter experts from the industry and law enforcement. They will explore the success that states are having by partnering with their state association of chiefs of police to reduce false dispatches.
NBFAA Brings Industry Leaders Together to Offer Total Business Solutions
NBFAA, Tri-Ed and The Summit Group have aligned to offer the industry comprehensive business training. Courses are focused on realistic, yet powerful, solutions to real life situations for owners, sales managers, customer service representatives, and installers. The first session will be offered Sept. 17 at Tri-Ed’s Boston branch, located at 392 University Avenue in Westwood, Mass.
Alarm dealers and systems integrators may also sign up for sessions to be held in Milford, Conn., Sept. 19, Garden Grove, Calif., Oct. 2, and Dallas, Oct. 16. All sessions will take place at Tri-Ed’s branch offices in those cities.
The one-day training is divided into three main components, leadership, sales, and customer service, all of which will be certified by NBFAA’s National Training School (NTS) for continuing education units (CEU). The leadership training course, worth .3 NTS CEUs, will provide practical solutions to increase a company’s bottom line and streamline processes. The sales training portion, worth .3 NTS CEUs, aims to increase results for sales and business development professionals, and the customer service training section, worth .1 NTS CEU, seeks to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and growth. In addition to the benefits this training will deliver, Tri-Ed is also giving special discounts on product purchases to all dealers who attend the class.
“NBFAA has been offering world-class technical training for more than two decades now. It’s time we also began focusing on training industry professionals on how to be better business men and women,” said NBFAA Executive Director, Merlin Guilbeau. “With Tri-Ed’s and The Summit Group’s support, this new training program will deliver solutions to boost sales, improve customer service levels and make an impact on the bottom line.”
To register for a session, visit www.alarm.org. For more information on this innovative industry training, visit www.tri-ed.com, www.alarm.org or www.summitsg.com.
Support Tomorrow’s Workforce and Save on Select Products from ADI
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 to 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. Our first special product sale in April was a success thanks to our prior Participating Partners.
From now until Aug. 24, when you buy any of the current participating partners specially priced products, five percent will be donated to NBFAA for the specific purpose of enhancing the workforce of the future. Special thanks to our current participating partners:
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.
For more information on this program and to see a list of products from our Participating Partners, visit www.alarm.org.
NBFAA has also developed an apprenticeship program that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for deployment in all 50 states. If you are interested in establishing an apprentice program in your area, call your local NBFAA chapter or NBFAA directly at (888) 447-1689.
Networking 101 Courses Offered by NTS
The Networking 101 training program provides practical knowledge in the Internet Protocol (IP) programming, network and Internet connection of Digital Video Recorders (DVR), network cameras, and security equipment.
Class members will receive complete hands-on demonstration 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. Sign up today for two one-day versions to address the needs of technicians, sales staff and project managers.
Fore a complete listing of dates when training will be held in your area visit:
www.alarm.org/nts/courses/network_adi.html.
Sign Up For Training Courses Today
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Give your company the competitive edge it needs. Have your salespeople and technicians sign up for the many NTS training courses being offered – both online and in the classroom. Complete course descriptions and schedules are available at www.alarm.org in the Professional Development 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:
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
Aug. 18 – 19 – Gulfport, Miss.
Aug. 21 – 22 – Beltsville, Md.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level I)
Aug. 17 – 19 – Opelika, Ala.
Aug. 17 – 19 – Kenner, La.
Aug. 17 – 19 – Memphis, Tenn.
Aug. 21 – 23 – Tulsa, Okla.
Aug. 22 – 24 – Albany, N.Y.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Aug. 11 – 12 – Bossier City, La.
Aug. 23 – 24 – Beltsville, Md.
Aug. 25 – 26 – Gulfport, Miss.
Life Safety Code Course & Workshop
Aug. 11 – Knoxville, Tenn.
Aug. 20 – Beltsville, Md.
Networking 101
Aug. 14 – Albany, N.Y.
Aug. 16 – Baltimore, Md.
Practical Electronics
Aug. 24 – Tulsa, Okla.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Premier Chinese Dance Company to Perform at Tri-Association Awards Dinner
The international renowned artists of the Chinese Cultural Dance Company, America’s premier traditional Chinese dance company, will transport guests to a world of colorful myths, historical drama and timeless beauty at the Festival of Lanterns, the 2007 Tri-Association Awards Dinner. In addition to traditional and folk dances, the troop will perform the classic Chinese ribbon dance.
The rhythms and sounds of old China and western classical traditions will also be brought to life by the Drum Spirit of China; whose members include Julliard trained musicians as well as traditional Chinese instrumentalists. The sounds of multiple drums, zithers and lutes combine to speak a unique language.
Join industry peers from across the security industry for an evening of engaging networking, spectacular food and captivating entertainment at the 2007 Tri-Association Awards Dinner. Make your reservations now to attend the Festival of Lanterns’ on September 11, 2007 at The Lighthouse in New York City.
For more information on this and other events, visit NBFAA’s Event Calendar online.
Chapter News
New Jersey Chapter Honors Youth Scholarship Winners
The New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) recently honored the winners of its annual Youth Scholarship Program. First place, and a check for $1,500, went to Megan Crawley of Sea Girt, N.J. Crawley was also the third place winner of the NBFAA National Youth Scholarship Program which awarded her an additional $2,500 scholarship. NJBFAA second place winner, Frank Manno, received $1,000.
 NBFAA Vice President Marshall Marinace presents Megan Crawley, her parents standing behind her, with a $2,500 check from the NBFAA for her third place victory in the NBFAA Youth Scholarship Program. |
 Mr. and Mrs Manno (Left and Right) look on as NJBFAA President Casey Guagenti presents their son, Frank Manno, with a $1,000 check for his second place victory in the NJBFAA Youth Scholarship Program. |
CAA to Award Alan L. Pepper the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award
 Alan L. Pepper |
The California Alarm Association (CAA) has named Alan L. Pepper, partner in Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP Corporate and Business Transactions practice group, as the 2007 recipient of the George A. Weinstock Award for Lifetime Achievement and Service to the Security Industry.
The award, which will be formally presented to Pepper at the organization’s annual Tribute Dinner during the 2007 CAA Winter Convention in San Francisco in December, honors individuals for their exceptional service to the security and alarm industry.
“Alan’s recognition by the California Alarm Association for his contributions to the Security Industry is well deserved,” said Thomas P. Lambert, managing partner at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp. “His specialized legal counsel and representation of the CAA and security companies throughout the country has helped to shape that industry.”
Pepper is a frequent speaker before security industry trade associations and was a principal author of the California Alarm Company Act. He also represented the Western Burglar & Fire Alarm Association in several telephone rate cases which resulted in millions of dollars in reduced private telephone line charges for the industry. Pepper is also the chairperson of the legal committee for the Central Station Alarm Association
Member Benefit Spotlight
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Industry News You Can Use
Reports Show Electronic Access Control, Biometric Sales to Grow
Driven by the threat of terrorism, the need for securing business assets and employees and a stringent legislative environment, the market for electronic access control systems is set to reach $6.1 billion by 2010, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts Inc.
:: Full story
The End of an Era: Tom Few Sr., Founder of Criticom, Dies at Age 60
Thomas Few Sr., a security industry leader and founder of Criticom International, died at home on July 19 at the age of 60 after a year-long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and five children: Tom Jr., Robert, Suzanne, Jeffrey and Kathleen and two granddaughters, Morgan and Madison.
:: Full story
Fontana, Calif., Turning to Verified Response Policy
The Fontana Police Department wants to cut down on the number of false burglar alarms by implementing a policy that requires the alarm to be verified before officers respond to homes or businesses. The department commissioned a Cal State San Bernardino study on the issue.
:: Full story
NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA in the News
NBFAA, CSAA Team Up To Produce Electronic Security Expo In 2008
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) recently announced 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 IP enabled security systems in the commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets.
:: Full story
Extreme CCTV Launches NBFAA-Approved License Plate Capture Course
Security Products
Extreme CCTV recently announced its CEU-certified training course “Mastering the Art of License Plate Capture.”
:: Full story
Recent Press Releases
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Course Now Available Online
From the comfort of their own home or office, industry professionals can now receive even more training online from NBFAA’s National Training School (NTS), the nation’s leader in alarm training and certification. Graduates of the Certified Alarm Technician (Level I) course can now seek their Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician (ABAT) training online.
:: Full story
NBFAA, Tri-Ed and The Summit Group Align to Offer Total Business Solutions
NBFAA, Tri-Ed and The Summit Group have aligned to offer the industry comprehensive business training. Courses are focused on realistic, yet powerful, solutions to real life situations for owners, sales managers, customer service representatives, and installers. The first session will be offered Sept. 17 at Tri-Ed’s Boston branch, located at 392 University Avenue in Westwood, Mass.
:: Full story
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NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
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