Friday, 14, 2008
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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Attention all Members!!!
 The Tennessee Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA) accepts the 2007 Chapter of the Year Award. Accepting the award (right to left) is LJ Lynes, Stanley Security Solutions; Larry Brooks, ADS Security; TBFAA President Scott Slough, Slough & Associates; TBFAA Executive Director Penny Brooks; John Knox, Life & Property Security Systems; and Cecil Hogan, Security Consultants; all members of the TBFAA. The award was presented to them by NBFAA President George Gunning (back left) and NBFAA Vice President\President-Elect Mike Miller (far right). |
Over the last year have you noticed someone going above and beyond the call of duty? A chapter president who has gone out of his or her way to help out your state association? A specific chapter, an Executive Director, an NTS training instructor or coordinator who has been an invaluable resource over the last year? Have you ever considered framing your chapter newsletter?
Well, it’s that time again to recognize those who have gone the extra mile by submitting your entries for the 2008 NBFAA leadership awards.
The winners of the 2008 awards will be recognized during the NBFAA Summer Conference in Nashville. Each recipient will be honored at a special awards breakfast on June 24.
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 April 18.
Download nominations forms::
- Chapter of the Year
- Chapter President
- Executive Director
- Chapter Newsletter
- NTS Training Coordinator
- NTS Instructor and Chapter of the Year Awards
Then plan to attend the NBFAA Summer Conference to share in the excitement with the winners…It could be you!
Registrations open for upcoming events.
Register Now for the Inaugural ESX
ESX 2008, co-sponsored and co-owned by NBFAA and CSAA, is the only event targeted exclusively to the needs of security integration and monitoring companies.
ESX is all about your success – helping you maximize revenues, profits and company value! To enhance your success, your peers and NBFAA leadership created a training program designed for all levels of security professionals.
ESX 2008 also includes the finest and most inspirational assembly of special events and the latest in electronic security and life safety products. The conference will be Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, June 27 with the expo being open June 26 and 27. NBFAA’s Summer Conference will be held in conjunction with ESX and will begin Monday, June 23. Go here to check out all the NBFAA events that you won’t want to miss.
In addition to substantial discounts to NBFAA members, there is an early bird special if you sign up by May 30. For more information, please visit the ESX 2008 Web site at www.esxweb.com or call toll free (866) 891-7239.
Check out the Updated Free Resources at the Business Library
The Business Library is an online resource for companies that may want additional resources to reference when faced with everyday business quandaries. The Business Library is constantly being updated to stay current in the face of a changing business environment. Recently, four resource report sections were updated and new information was added to reflect the recently passed Economic Recovery Act of 2008. These four updated reports are:
- Auto Leasing: Lease vs. Buy
- Rules on Travel, Autos, Meals and Entertainment Deductions
- 44 Investment Actions to Take Today
- A Roadmap for Retirement Planning
And these are just four of the 16 reports that are available free to NBFAA members.
Check it out today!!!
We Want to See You In Print and Online!!!
We are in the process of putting together a collection of photos of our members. So if you know someone in your company who has a photogenic side that can’t be denied, we’d love to see it. We will be featuring the pictures periodically in Member Update, in Newsline, on our Web site, and some will even be used for our Tribute book.
Electronic photos can be e-mailed to communications@alarm.org or you can mail your submissions to:
NBFAA
2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230
Irving, Texas 75062
2008 Member Only Access Now Activated
Don’t miss out on discounts, free information and other member-only resources. NBFAA recently de-activated the 2007 member-only access codes and the 2008 user ID and passwords are now in effect.
If you’ve received your 2008 Membership Kit, that information was included. If you haven’t renewed yet, do so today so you won’t miss out on the full value of your annual NBFAA membership. If you have any questions about your renewal, or how to gain the most benefit from your NBFAA membership, contact Mike Hampton, NBFAA membership retention specialist at (888) 447-1689 or via e-mail to mikeh@alarm.org.
Deadline Extended for the First Line of Defense Award
It’s not too late! The deadline for NBFAA’s First Line of Defense program has been extended to April 18.
Instituted to bring light to our industry success stories and give consumers an idea of how valuable an alarm system can be, the First Line of Defense Award is one of the most valuable tools members can use in educating and informing consumers
Although our members work day after day with local law enforcement and fire agencies around the country to save lives, prevent property damage and make the world a safer place to live in, we often forget just how important our work is. Our members’ success stories may seem commonplace, but they represent the positive contributions of our entire industry.
Each year, NBFAA honors one company with the First Line of Defense Award. If your story is the winning entry, you and your customer will be flown out to Nashville to attend the awards ceremony, which will take place in June at ESX. In addition, your story will be featured in NBFAA publications, and your company will receive a local and national publicity campaign.
For more information on the First Line of Defense Award and complete contest rules or to nominate your company, visit NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org or call (888) 447-1689. Go here to download an entry form.
NTS: It’s All About Staying Competitive
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Want to ensure that your business is competitive? Make sure your employees are certified. And for that, look no farther than NBFAA. NBFAA’s National Training School (NTS) offers technical certification training, as well as general business training through both online and classroom courses. This is a great opportunity for you to assure your customers that they are getting the very best by keeping your workforce trained and certified. |
Please use the following to contact NTS:
Send any hard copy correspondence to NTS at the following address:
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Understanding Alarm Systems (UAS)
- April 5 – Lafayette, La.
CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICIAN (Level I)
- March 14 – 16 – Chattahooga, Tenn.
- March 17 – 19 – Columbus, Oh.
- March 18 – 20 – Tampa, Fla.
- March 18 – 20 – Boston, Mass.
- March 19 – 21 – Ofallon, Ill.
- March 25 – 27 – Detroit, Mich.
- March 28 – 30 – Kenner, La.
- April 3 – 5 – Manchester, N.H.
ADVANCED BURGLAR ALARM TECHNICIAN (ABAT)
- April 5 – 6 – Cullman, Ala.
LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE & WORKSHOP (LSC)
- March 29 – Memphis, Tenn.
ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL (EAC)
- March 21 – 22 – Jackson, Miss.
- April 3 – 4 – Cleveland, Ohio
VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (VST)
- March 14 – 15 – Memphis, Tenn.
- April 1 – 2 – Cleveland, Ohio
CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
- March 29 – NH County, Conn.
- April 1 – 3 – Greensboro, N.C.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Join us for the Day on Capitol Hill
- Gain valuable experience
- Represent your business and our industry on Capitol Hill
- Network with your peers
- Have fun
We know NBFAA members work hard, but we also know you like to play hard as well, and the Day on Capitol Hill is no different. We will be offering a variety of events to attend after hours, including a private tour and reception at Honeywell’s corporate office and a night tour of the Washington, D.C. area. The night tour will take you to most of the major national monuments in and around the D.C. area, an event not to be missed. For more details on after hours events go here.
For security reasons we ask that you register as early as possible for the tours. We must have your registration at least 3 weeks in advance to reserve your spot. We have made arrangements for an NBFAA discount for the hotel and the airline tickets, the information can be found below. The deadline to register is April 4.
Hope to see you there!
For a current listing of events for 2008, visit NBFAA’s Event Calendar online.
TBFAA Hosts Skeet Shoot and Club Crawl Following the Big Bash
On Tuesday afternoon June 24, the day before the start of ESX, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. there will be a skeet shooting competition hosted by the Tennessee Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA). Transportation will be provided to and from the Renaissance Hotel. So come try your hand for the first time – or show off your excellent marksmanship!
Thursday night, immediately following the ESX Big Bash, the folks from TBFAA will be leading a Club Crawl. Members from Tennessee have personally selected various bars and clubs in downtown Nashville, and all ESX attendees are invited to ‘crawl’ along the historic Lower Broadway night club district, including the world famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You will be pleasantly surprised at the talent on stage any given night, after all this is where many famous musicians got their start. Party favors will be provided - don’t miss out on all the fun!
To register for ESX visit www.alarm.org and click on ‘Register Now’ on the Home Page
Hope to see you there!
Chapter News
New Officers Announced!!!
Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association
- Mark Lagarde, Metropolitan Electronics
President - Mary Ferguson, Stanley Electronics
Secretary - Bill Hattier, Sonitrol of New Orleans
Treasurer - Conrad Dupuy, Sound Security
Vice President - Ronnie Whiddon, Custom Security Systems
Vice President - Kristin Hebert, Acadian On Watch
Vice President - Mark Serbanic, Brown Security
Vice President - Kay Thorn, Thorn Communication
Vice President - Ron Foreman, Bayou Fire $ Security
Chairman of the Board - Scot Colby, The Alarm Company
Past President - Kathy Brown, SPW Inc.
Associate Member - James Queen, Locksafe Services
Related Industry
Alabama Alarm Association
- Kristi Harris, ESC Central
President - Rod Washington, Priority Security
Vice President – North - Jimmy Houston, TCI Inc.
Vice President – Central - Dana Temple, Silent Security
Vice President – Capital - Justin Merrick, S&S Sprinkler
Vice President – South - Sheila Crews, Electronic Security Services
Secretary - Shelton Mangum, Creative Security
Treasurer - Mark Ponds, Systems by Design
Director at Large - Leon Love, ADS Security
Director at Large - Edmon Nelson, Nelson Electronic Systems
Director at Large - W.Rex Bell, Huntsville Police Dept.
Director – Law Enforcement - Woody woodham, Honeywell
Director – Associate
Maine Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
- Douglas Hansen, Protection Professionals
President - Stephen Haynes, Seacoast Security
Vice President - Ron Spinney, Northeast Security
Secretary - Rich Brobst, Jr., Protection Professionals
Treasurer
Illinois Electronic Security Association
- Chet Donati, DMC Security
President - Paul Hester, Sentry Security Inc.
Immediate Past President - Robert Strom
Past President - Joe Nollinger, ADT
Vice President - Arnold Miller, Sentry Alarms One
Secretary - Steve Hanzelin, Sonitrol
Treasurer - Scott Seibert, Tri-Ed
Associate Committee Director - Jim Hassenplug, Arlington Security Co.
Director - Patrick Devereaux, Emergency 24
Membership Chair - Ed Bonifas, Alarm Detection Systems
Legislative Chair - Joe Romeo, Romeo Security Services
Director - Doug Schumacher, ADI
Associate Director
Virginia Legislature: A Success for NBFAA
This January, NBFAA and the Virginia Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (VBFAA) demonstrated how the NBFAA’s state government relations monitoring, combined with fast action and teamwork, resulted in a major industry win.
NBFAA’s Director of Government Relations John Chwat notified both NBFAA and VBFAA as soon as a bill (HB1436) was introduced by a delegate in the Virginia state legislature that sought to collect fees from alarm and monitoring companies. In addition to the House bill, two Senate bills (SB 41 and SB 329) were also introduced. One of those, SB 329 passed quickly and was sent to the House of Delegates, Appropriations Committee.
It was at this point that NBFAA reached out to major industry officials doing business in Virginia and worked with VBFAA members to lobby the legislature against the bill. Working day and night with VBFAA, NBFAA assisted in strategy and worked with the chapter’s retained industry lobbyist on the scene in drafting a major alert to all VBFAA members, asking them to come to Richmond and oppose the bill. In the end, the bill was defeated.
“Thanks for the head’s up... The legislation is a bombshell that would cost the Virginia consumer a bundle and greatly overload the work of our central stations. We will take this up tomorrow at the board meeting”, said one of the VBFAA past presidents and officers on the day the alert went out.
All three bills sought to collect a fee from alarm company operators of $1.50 per month for every monitored account. Money collected from the account would be used to provide funding for the state’s Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund. The electronic security industry was opposed to the bill because of the added costs and burden to both the industry and consumers.
 Beth Cain |
“This will reoccur in the 2009 Session,” Chwat indicated, “but it showed how quickly, competently and effectively NBFAA worked with members in Virginia and the industry to address a problem bill and meet its challenge.”
“We are so grateful to NBFAA for bringing these bills to our attention. We have to plan how to get rid of this problem because it will be BACK,” added VBFAA Vice President Beth Cain, Cain Security Systems.
Member Benefit Spotlight
Did you know that your NBFAA membership gives you automatic discounts that you and your company can use? This month we are featuring Alarm Debt Liquidation Group.
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Alarm Debt Liquidation Group Can Help You Collect on Overdue AccountsThe Alarm Debt Liquidation Group, a division of Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, specializes in the collection of overdue accounts receivable for the alarm industry. Using their extensive knowledge of both the alarm industry and the collection process, they’re able to consistently achieve high recovery rates, contributing to the profitability and growth potential of their clients. Contact ADLG for specifics on NBFAA discounts and exclusive member benefits |
Industry News You Can Use
Glen Mowrey Honored by the NCACP
 Featured in the photo, pictured left to right, are Chief Don Fisher, President, NCACP; Chief John Hodges, President-Elect, NCACP; Glen Mowrey, SIAC National Law Enforcement Liaison; Ken Gill, CEO, CPI Security Systems; John Shocknesse, Customer Service Manager, CPI Security Systems. |
The North Carolina Association of Chief’s of Police (NCACP) has awarded Glen Mowrey the 2008 Outstanding Service Award, the Security Industry Alarm Association (SIAC) announced recently. To be considered for the NCACP Outstanding Service Award, candidates must have made significant contributions to the association and to law enforcement as a whole. The award was presented at the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Ashville, North Carolina.
The North Carolina Association of Chief’s of Police (NCACP) has awarded Glen Mowrey the 2008 Outstanding Service Award, the Security Industry Alarm Association (SIAC) announced recently. To be considered for the NCACP Outstanding Service Award, candidates must have made significant contributions to the association and to law enforcement as a whole. The award was presented at the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Ashville, North Carolina.
“Glen Mowrey is the first non-active chief of police to receive this award in our 32-year history,” stated Chief Don Fisher, NCACP President. “Glen gives willingly of his time to help any law enforcement agency and is known nationwide for his many valuable efforts. This award could not have gone to a more deserving person.”
Fisher concluded, “It is not just one thing that set Glen apart from the other nominees, but it was a combination of things. He never turns down an agency or a chief with a need or concern, and this award is well past due.
Experts Say Most Common Smoke Alarms Slow to React
The Baltimore Sun
After every fatal fire in Baltimore, including a blaze that took the lives of three children Friday, fire officials remind neighbors of the importance of smoke alarms.
Full Story
Member News
Rathjen Promoted to DMP Central States Regional Sales Manager
 Jeff Rathjen |
Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has promoted Jeff Rathjen to serve as the company’s Regional Sales Manager for the five-state central region. Jeff will be responsible for developing new sales and providing on-going service to the DMP authorized dealers in his region.
“Jeff brings an especially strong background to his new assignment” said Vice President of Sales, Jeff McAleer. “He came to DMP with solid sales experience, and in previous positions here had the opportunity to develop detailed knowledge of both the manufacturing and operation of our products. We’re very excited to have Jeff caring for DMP customers here in the Central States Region. I know he’s going to be very successful.”
Select Security Announces Renovation Completion
Select Security recently announced that their relocation to, and renovation of, 241 N. Plum Street has been a success and has allowed them to remain in Lancaster City.
The move brings Select Security to a building rich in history and dating back to the mid-1800s when it was just a two story brick building known as the Penn Locomotive Works. More recently, it was part of the former A.B. Rote steel company complex, and in 2001 it was acquired by Yale Electric. Select Security now occupies the 42,000-square-foot property, and is looking forward to internal growth while still being a part of the excitement of Lancaster City.
U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp Announces New Monitoring Platform
U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp, (USA) a contract monitoring leader for over 25 years recently announced the successful deployment of a revolutionary monitoring platform, SIMULTANEOUSLY across all three of its monitoring centers located in New York, Connecticut and Minnesota.
 Bart Didden |
“Alarm monitoring is changed forever! Retail alarm service providers who want to embrace change and be acknowledged as different, professional and innovative in today’s marketplace have the Stages TM solution from USA,” said USA President Bart A. Didden. “It is information management, how, when and where the customer wants, needs and expects it. The Stages TM system is built on modern standards and is able to accept tomorrow’s technology as it becomes available in a comprehensive seamless manner without the need for complicated interfaces to make it compatible with older systems.”
The 11 month development project was a partnership between USA and Secure Global Solutions (SGS), of Irvine, Calif
Tim Creenan Takes over the Reins as IQ Board Chairperson
 Tim Creenan |
Tim Creenan of Buffalo-based Amherst Alarm was elected chairperson of the IQ Certification Board at the board's January meeting
Creenan's goals in his new leadership role are to grow membership and increase awareness and knowledge of the IQ Program. He also plans to continue strengthening the bond between the alarm industry and public safety officials by working to reduce unnecessary dispatches. As part of the IQ code of ethics, certified companies agree to adopt specific quality management and alarm control measures on every alarm system they install.
Member Product News
ADI and D-LINK Systems Offer IP Connectivity Solutions
ADI, a leading global wholesale distributor of security and low voltage products, has announced an agreement with D-Link Systems to offer dealers IP connectivity solutions for residential and small business applications. These products will help dealers provide completely networked environments, and offer remote maintenance, monitoring and control of security systems.
“We are pleased to offer our IP networking solutions through ADI, adding value and our expertise to ADI's large and established dealer base,” said Tom Paterniti, VP of distribution and business development for D-Link Systems, Inc. “As video surveillance, access control and intrusion systems migrate to IP over Ethernet, we are positioned to help dealers embrace this new technology and build strong, networked security environments.”
The Systems Depot Utilizes Microsoft Dynamics AX
The Systems Depot Inc., headquartered in Hickory, N.C. faced rapid growth over the past 5 years resulting from huge demand in distributing its security related low voltage products. Upgrading its outmoded Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system became a top priority to enable it to stay ahead of the system requirements to manage its 20 percent plus annual growth.
The Systems Depot team recognized it needed to integrate several separate systems into one flexible and customizable system that would help it manage the inventory requirements of 11 separate branches spread throughout the east coast, including North Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, Florida plus California, Texas and Oklahoma.
Carole Anderson, marketing manager, stated, “Our people are focused on providing our customers with the necessary tools to improve their business. Qualified customers have the ability to access their account checking on orders, invoices, manufacturer’s data sheets and much more. Our living catalogue is kept up to date by a Web-based interface that allows our vendors such as GE, Tyco, Napco and Honeywell to update their information and images continuously.”
NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA in the News
House Passes Bill Promoting Professional Installation of Fire Alarm Technologies at Universities
Security Products
Recently the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Higher Education Act, by a vote of 354-58, that included language from H.R. 1409, the College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act introduced by Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y.
Full Story
Members in the News
Apx and Brink’s Settle Lawsuit
Security Systems News
Brink’s Home Security, based in Irving, Texas, and ApxAlarm of Provo, Utah, settled a lawsuit on Feb. 25, according to Dave Simon, spokesman for Brink’s Home Security.
Full Story
California County Sues ADT, May Have Industry Repercussions
security Systems News
A Contra Costa county district attorney and an industry attorney agree that security dealers should keep an eye on a lawsuit filed last week, which claims ADT is violating California and federal laws because its contracts do not disclose all potential consumer costs.
Full Story
Recent Press Release
Center for Campus Fire Safety Lends Support to NBFAA
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association’s (NBFAA) balanced approach to fire and life safety received a boost recently with the endorsement of the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS).
Full Story
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230 •Irving, TX 75062
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