NBFAA has begun accepting applications for the 2010 Youth Scholarship Program which will award $10,000 in scholarships to two children of active duty police officers and firefighters. The first place winner will receive $7,500 to put towards their college education and the second place winner will receive $2,500.

Since the NBFAA Youth Scholarship Program was created in 1996, the association and its affiliated Chartered Chapter Associations have donated more than $300,000 in scholarship funds to students whose parents are police and fire officials.

Eligible students must be between 15 and 20 years old, a graduating high school senior and have been accepted for admission to an accredited college or university. Each eligible student must have a father, mother or natural guardian who is a full-time police officer or firefighter. Students will be required to write an essay titled, “What it means to me to have my parent or guardian involved in securing our community.”

Students residing in a state with a participating NBFAA Chartered Chapter Association must enter through their state-level scholarship program to be considered for the national awards. The winners from each state are automatically considered for the national scholarship. Students who reside in a state without an NBFAA chapter or in a non-participating state should submit their applications directly to NBFAA of which one student will be chosen to compete with the state winners.

Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, extracurricular participation and the essay. The deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2010. For complete scholarship rules and a list of participating states visit NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org and click on Public Safety.

This is a powerful tool for you to use to build relationships with local law enforcement and fire officials. Visit them and make sure that they are aware of this program for their children. You will no doubt earn a feather for your cap!

Ameba Technology was established in 1995 from out of an ISO 9002 certified factory in Taiwan and prides itself on manufacturing an extensive range of high quality and cost effective CCTV Cameras, DVRs, Multiplexers, Monitors and Accessories that are quality assured and CE approved. With our broad range of security products, dedicated technical support and professional sales team, we are committed in providing the best solutions to your security needs. Contact Ameba Technology for more information at (888) 88-AMEBA or visit www.AmebaCCTV.com.

National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) members voted 79 percent to 21 percent to approve the recommendation of their board of directors to change the name of their 61-year-old association to the Electronic Security Association (ESA). The vote came after a summer-long dialogue among leaders and members on the merits of updating the name to more accurately reflect the type of work being performed both by members and the association itself.

The association’s spring 2009 member profile survey showed strong involvement of members in the video surveillance and access control categories, with better than half of members’ installation revenues projected to come from categories other than intrusion and fire alarms by 2012.

In addition, while the association continues to deliver vibrant and essential programs and services for the alarm sector, it has substantially grown and broadened its programs and initiatives for other categories in the past several years. For example:

• Its National Training School (NTS) has broadened the scope of its Level 1 training and certification (required by many states to obtain and maintain a license) to include technical fundamentals on video and access along with alarms.
• NTS has also added classroom courses on Video Systems Technology and Electronic Access Control and will soon introduce online versions of the courses and companion certifications.
• The association is developing Technology Interest Groups (TIGs) for Video Surveillance, Electronic Access Control and Residential Custom Electronics. The most evolved is the Video Surveillance TIG which is planning to develop …
• online applications information and forums,
• online guides for using video for intrusion verification
• online guides for garnering recurring revenue from video surveillance
• a legislative initiative to drive mandates for surveillance similar to those implemented recently in Baltimore County, MD.
• The Electronic Security Expo (co-owned and sponsored by the association along with CSAA) features a large number of video surveillance and access control suppliers and dozens of seminars focusing on these categories.

“We’re excited to have both the leadership and rank and file of the association overwhelmingly behind our new name and the bigger, broader mission it implies,” said Michael A. Miller, president of the Electronic Security Association. “Many of us had fond feelings for the old name and great pride in all the association has accomplished, but the new name not only more accurately reflects the reality of the association, it positions us for dynamic growth in membership and service to the industry.”

NBFAA is pleased to announce the following special introductory offer to members who choose to take advantage of the Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. Member Value Program discount.

Members who sign up a minimum of 100 accounts for the NOTUS® Emergency and Weather Alerting Forecast Service are eligible to offer the full NOTUS Premium package (see details below) for a three-month period FREE OF CHARGE as an incentive for rapid new user adoption. This member discount applies to any new customers signing up for a period of three months.

In addition, members are offered a $250 discount on the setup of a special interactive weather map called iMap, which provides high quality weather data, including nationwide watches and warnings and interactive radar. With iMap you can see severe weather patterns real time, and track weather phenomena, right down to the street level.

For details on the NOTUS Premium Package and instructions on how to manage new member sign-ups this discount system, please contact Frank Ryan at:

fryan@wdtinc.com
Office: 919-372-9130
Mobile: 919-619-4656

ABOUT THE NOTUS MARKETING SYSTEM

WDT’s NOTUS Emergency and Weather Alerting Service offers the opportunity for security companies to enhance recurring monthly revenue (RMR) opportunities by connecting their customers to timely emergency weather and other safety alerts, when they need them the most. NOTUS is a white-label, brandable product, requiring no hardware or software to be installed by the security company.

The WDT system provides the following key benefits for security companies:
• A system that boosts customer retention and brand awareness
• A marketing platform that creates daily positive interactions with your customers
• A method to improve customer risk assessments with daily weather conditions and alerts
• A value-added service to increase loyalty and RMR with no hardware costs

As an approved Member Value Program Provider and Associate Member of the NBFAA, WDT’s NOTUS alerting system offers security industry customers access to the widest array of weather, federal emergency watches, warnings and statements available in the market. With the NOTUS system, NBFAA members’ customers can be assured of maximum security and safety for themselves, their loved ones, and their most precious assets, the moment severe weather strikes or when other threats approach their immediate environment.

SIGN UP FOR THIS SPECIAL OFFER TODAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM!

On Tuesday, August 11, members of the New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) voted to remain a chapter of NBFAA.

Throughout the decision-making process, NBFAA reiterated the benefits of being associated with a national association, such as strong representation on Capitol Hill and unified positions on issues impacting the industry. Additionally, supporters of NBFAA voiced their beliefs that NBFAA’s alliance of chapters provided value on the local, state and national levels through networking, support and representation as every NBFAA chapter contributes to the strength of the industry’s ‘collective voice’.

Through their votes, NJBFAA said that they understand the value of being affiliated with a strong partner like NBFAA. Both NJBFAA and NBFAA leadership look forward to the future and to establishing open communications for the benefit of their membership.

“The NJBFAA is pleased this meeting turned out to be a win-win for both organizations. The members have spoken. The leadership for both groups will move forward in an effort to strengthen the relationship, keep the lines of communication open and continue to do what’s best for the dealers,” said Christopher Mack, president of NJBFAA.

“NBFAA is gratified that New Jersey will retain its chapter status in our national alliance. Our strength is our ability to influence issues across the country for the benefit of all members, and the re-commitment of NJBFAA reinforces our ability to do this,” said NBFAA President Mike Miller.

Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting NBFAA events in 2010.

YSP Executive Forum
August 19 – 20, 2009
Aurora, IL
Young Security Professionals will gather in Aurora, IL (right outside Chicago) to share with, and learn from, other Young Security Professionals how best to weather the storm in a worrisome economy. A day and a half of business solutions and operational insights covered through best practice sharing in a non-competitive, open and enjoyable atmosphere. This event is full.

NBFAA Leadership Summit: Shaping the Future
Jan 12 – 15, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
The annual Leadership Summit will once again be held in Texas. This year, the venue will move to historic downtown Fort Worth. A cultural town that is proud of its cowboy heritage, Fort Worth has something to offer everyone looking for a real taste of Texas lifestyle.

AIREF Golf Classic
March 23
Las Vegas, NV
You know you love it – the annual AIREF Golf Classic in Las Vegas. Make sure you’re there to take part in a day of world class golfing with your industry colleagues and golf without guilt – because you’ll be supporting a great cause!

NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
April 27 – 28
Washington, D.C.
The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers NBFAA members an opportunity to sit down with their elected officials and lobby for programs and initiatives to benefit the electronic security industry.

Looking forward: 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference
June 14 – 18
Pittsburgh, PA

The NBFAA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of NBFAA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference.

Electronic Security Expo (ESX) – Where Leaders are Made
June 14 – 18
Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Book your hotel rooms in advance to ensure discounted, convenient accommodations.

Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting NBFAA events in 2010.

YSP Executive Forum
August 19 – 20, 2009
Aurora, IL
Young Security Professionals will gather in Aurora, IL (right outside Chicago) to share with, and learn from, other Young Security Professionals how best to weather the storm in a worrisome economy. A day and a half of business solutions and operational insights covered through best practice sharing in a non-competitive, open and enjoyable atmosphere. This event is full.

NBFAA Leadership Summit
Jan 12 – 15, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
The annual Leadership Summit will once again be held in Texas. This year, the venue will move to historic downtown Fort Worth. A cultural town that is proud of its cowboy heritage, Fort Worth has something to offer everyone looking for a real taste of Texas lifestyle.

AIREF Golf Classic
March 23
Las Vegas, NV
You know you love it – the annual AIREF Golf Classic in Las Vegas. Make sure you’re there to take part in a day of world class golfing with your industry colleagues.

NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
April 27 – 28
Washington, D.C.
The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers NBFAA members an opportunity to sit down with their elected officials and lobby for programs and initiatives to benefit the electronic security industry.

Looking forward: 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference and Electronic Security Expo
June 14 – 18
Pittsburgh, PA
2010 ESX Promo Video

The NBFAA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of NBFAA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference.

Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Book your hotel rooms in advance to ensure discounted, convenient accommodations.

NBFAA is pleased to announce that Tri-Ed, SDM and Secure-i, along with NBFAA Executive Strategic Partners, GE Security, Honeywell, ADI, Altronix and Security America Risk Retention Group, have committed to sponsoring the NBFAA Young Security Professionals (YSP) Executive Forum scheduled for August 19 – 20 in Aurora, IL, a suburb of Chicago.

The sold out Executive Forum will include a day and a half of business solutions and operational insights covered through best practice sharing in a non-competitive and open atmosphere. Young executives, ages 25 – 45, will have the opportunity to talk with, and learn from, other YSPs as well as mentors Mel Mahler of ADS Security and Ed Bonifas of Alarm Detection Systems how best to weather the storm in a worrisome economy. The forum will be hosted by Alarm Detection Systems headquartered in Aurora.

YSP sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact Tonja Jenkins, Associate Executive Director, at tonjaj@alarm.org or call her at (888) 447-1689.

When electronic security industry leaders are ready to buy, they turn to the Security Industry Marketplace to cut through the clutter of traditional search engine results. Imagine blending Google with the Yellow Pages. Now imagine a green alternative to printed directories. It’s all there with these online guides.

Within the Security Industry Marketplace, online searchers easily locate products and services unique to our industry without the clutter of a general Internet search engine. Users have the option of performing keyword-driven searches, or a category-specific search. Both methods produce the most industry relevant results on the Web. The electronic Security Industry Marketplace is updated continuously, unlike a printed directory that is often outdated by the time it is printed. And the way leaders have to multi-task these days, it is more convenient to toggle from the online guide to spreadsheets and other web data than it is to refer back to print directories.

The Security Industry Marketplace includes Request for Information (RFI) functionality. This feature allows users to contact participating suppliers with a click of their mouse.

A new Firefox search application, which is now an integral part of the Security Industry Marketplace, allows industry professionals to incorporate the guide’s search engine into their browser’s tool bar. This makes the guide accessible anytime the Firefox browser is open, regardless of what Web site the user may be visiting.

Online Supplier Directories (OSDs) are emerging as the preferred method of searching within the business sector. Unlike traditional search engines, OSDs focus on a small niche of products and services, producing extremely relevant search results for the end user. By nature, OSDs service a specific industry and are usually maintained by seasoned veterans in the industry, such as associations like NBFAA.

“General search engines are leaving business professionals with much to be desired,” said Dan Maitland, president of Irving, Texas-based MultiView Inc., a technology company that partnered with NBFAA to develop the Security Industry Marketplace “The obstacles created by these search engines result in failure to find critical content and information needs. These obstacles are overcome by the association’s vendor search, ultimately increasing productivity in businesses that rely on this type of search.”

If you are an industry supplier not currently listed in the Security Industry Marketplace, our members will miss your company as they research the suppliers prominently displayed in this one of a kind, industry-specific search environment. A completed listing will make your company stand out from the competition. Packages start at just $395 for an entire year. If you’d like more information on advertising options, visit www.alarm.org to download the media kit.

If you haven’t joined NBFAA’s official LinkedIn group, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Our NBFAA LinkedIn group is a place for members to gather and socialize in a friendly and safe virtual environment. Members can post pertinent news, discuss topics and get to know one another.

Almost 500 members and growing, our LinkedIn group is your opportunity to gain insight from other industry professionals across the nation.

Join our LinkedIn group now.

August is a great month to provide NTS training for your staff. But then again, any month is a great month to stay competitive by giving your staff the world’s best training.

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.alarm.org in the Education & Training section. Individuals in states where classes are not currently offered, and who are interested in receiving training, should contact NTS.

ADVANCED BURGLAR ALARM TECHICIAN
• Aug. 19 – 21 – Syracuse, NY
• Aug. 21 – 22 – Memphis, TN
• Aug. 23 – 24 – Brookfield, WI
• Aug. 25 – 26 – Lincoln/Omaha, NE

CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICAIN
• Aug. 5 – 7 – Miami FL
• Aug. 13 – 15 – Mobile, AL
• Aug. 14 – 16 – Kenner. LA
• Aug. 14 – 16 – Nashville, TN
• Aug. 26 – 28 – Raleigh, NC

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS
• Aug. 8 – 9 – Boosier City, LA
• Aug. 27 – 28 – Lincoln/Omaha, NE
• Aug. 28 – 29 – Birmingham, AL

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
• Aug. 22 – 23 – Lafayette, LA

Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting NBFAA events in 2010.

NBFAA Leadership Summit
Jan 12 – 15, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
The annual Leadership Summit will once again be held in Texas. This year, the venue will move to historic downtown Fort Worth. A cultural town that is proud of its cowboy heritage, Fort Worth has something to offer everyone looking for a real taste of Texas lifestyle.

AIREF Golf Classic
March 23
Las Vegas, NV
You know you love it – the annual AIREF Golf Classic in Las Vegas. Make sure you’re there to take part in a day of world class golfing with your industry colleagues.

NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
April 27 – 28
Washington, D.C.
The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers NBFAA members an opportunity to sit down with their elected officials and lobby for programs and initiatives to benefit the electronic security industry.

Looking forward: 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference and Electronic Security Expo
June 14 – 18
Pittsburgh, PA

The NBFAA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of NBFAA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference.

Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Book your hotel rooms in advance to ensure discounted, convenient accommodations.

Weather Decision Technologies (WDT) is a global leader in providing state-of-the-science weather detection, now casting, and forecasting systems and services to our partners and customers. WDT’s NOTUS Emergency and Weather Alerting & Forecasting Service provides a new tool to increase RMR by providing branded Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Weather alerts to your customers for their exact location along with daily branded forecasts.

• Create daily positive interactions with your customers
• Improve customer risk assessments with daily weather conditions and alerts
• Provide a great value-added service
• Increase your RMR and overall marketing impact with no hardware costs

To learn more about their products and services, visit http://wdtinc.com/.

With 53 employees, Stoner Inc is the smallest business to ever win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. A small, family-owned company located in Lancaster County, PA, Stoner was founded more than 60 years ago by Paul Stoner, an orphan, chemist and entrepreneur who started the company by making printing inks. Today, the company manufactures more than 300 specialized cleaners, lubricants and coatings for the plastics, automotive, retail and electronics industries. Orders received by 5:00 pm EST are shipped same day with free delivery, and all products manufactured are guaranteed – eliminating risk. Our GUST family of products are known in the safety and security industry as the most powerful air dusters, saving technicians time and money by getting the job done right. Visit www.criticalcleaning.com to find out more about their products and services.

Michael Stainbrook, first place winner in NBFAA’s Youth Scholarship Program recently sent a letter to NBFAA that we would like to share with you. Michael was recently honored at the Electronic Security Expo for his accomplishment and was presented with a $10,000 scholarship. As part of his award, NBFAA paid for him and his family to attend ESX, including airfare and a two-night hotels stay, to take part in the ceremony. Below is a letter he sent to NBFAA after the event.

I wanted to thank you and the NBFAA staff once again for the outstanding opportunities that you have given to me. Through the Youth Scholarship Program, I will attend Ohio University with minimal out-of-pocket expenses this year. This program has truly been a Godsend to my family. My room and board for my freshman year have been covered in full, and I can now attend school with peace of mind.

However, the blessings that I have received from NBFAA do not stop here. Due to the generosity of your agency, my parents and I were able to enjoy scenic Baltimore, Maryland. We explored the National Aquarium, Maritime Museum, and the Sports Legends Museum as well as Babe Ruth’s birthplace. This time with my family was very enjoyable, especially because I will be leaving home in early September for school. Thank you for allowing my family this meaningful time together. Thank you so much for covering our airfare and hotel expenses to make this possible.

I will be sure to inform NBFAA of my successes in the future, for your organization has played a major role in making my goals possible. I look forward to informing you of my future achievements and promise to represent NBFAA well during my college years. I will continue to work hard towards my goal of becoming a journalist.

Thank you again for all that you have made possible for me.

Sincerely,
Michael Stainbrook
St. John’s Jesuit High School ‘09
Ohio University ‘13

Michael Stainbrook (right) accepts an award and a check for $10,000 from NBFAA Public Relations Committee Chairman Dave Simon (left) for his first place finish in the Youth Scholarship Program. Michael’s parents, Steven and Christine (center), were also on hand for the ceremony.

NBFAA presented the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award to Ralph Sevinor of Wayne Alarm Systems and the Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award to Rick Simpson of Vector Security during the Weinstock/Jackson Awards Ceremony at ESX on June 22.

Ralph Sevinor: 2008 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award Recipient

During his tenure in the security industry, Sevinor has willingly embraced tasks with uncommon grace and humility. As the 2008 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award winner, he exemplifies the qualities and characteristics the award was designed to recognize.

First presented in 1970, the Morris F. Weinstock Memorial Award is nationally acclaimed as the most prestigious honor in the industry. The family of the NBFAA co-founder and past president initiated the award’s creation. In memory of Weinstock’s contributions to the industry, this award is presented in grateful appreciation for outstanding individual achievement and continued efforts on behalf of the association and the industry.

Sevinor has been involved in the electronic security industry longer than he’s been able to legally drive. Starting his career while still enrolled in junior high school and the age of 14, his first system was installed in his parents’ home after it was burglarized.

His love for electronics and everything electrical led him to a technological solution for his parents’ peace of mind and thus was born his company, Wayne Alarm Systems. Today, Wayne Alarm Systems grosses approximately $7 million annually, employs 84 “team members” and has its own UL- and FM-listed central station.

A member of NBFAA since 1978, Sevinor currently serves on the NBFAA Board of Directors and is the co-chair of the NBFAA Historical Committee. This year, he raised his level of participation to new heights through his recent election to the NBFAA Executive Committee. In addition to his work on committees, Sevinor has been instrumental in raising non-dues revenue for NBFAA. In conjunction with ADI, he created the Promotional Products Program which generated more than $36,000 for the association.

He is an ardent historian, collecting and cataloging some of the industry’s oldest artifacts, and is an active participant in shaping local alarm ordinances that are not only effective in reducing false dispatches but are fair for municipalities, alarm companies and consumers.

Sevinor’s dedication to the alarm industry, his distinguished performance for the betterment of the industry, his leadership roles on both national and state association committees and his tireless support of NBFAA led to his nomination and ultimate selection as this year’s Weinstock award winner.

Rick Simpson: 2009 Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award Recipient

The 2008 Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award was presented to Simpson for his outstanding leadership as chair of the NBFAA Standards Committee.

The Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award is named in honor of the 1950-51 NBFAA President and is presented annually to an NBFAA committee chairperson who has displayed outstanding leadership.

Simpson began his career in inventory control with Vector Security in 1984 and for the past 25 years, has moved up the corporate ladder as a dedicated employee. His position as vice president of technical compliance made him an excellent choice to chair NBFAA’s Standards Committee.

Since taking the Standards Committee reins in 2008, Simpson has worked on recruiting qualified members for participation in the committee’s efforts and has added four new members representing alarm manufacturing and installing companies.

His committee’s primary focus on the development process for building and security/fire alarm codes helped convince the International Code Council (ICC) to overturn two recommendations, resulting in a big win for the security industry and public safety. Simpson continues to be diligent in the matter of code development, ensuring that NBFAA is involved in any code discussions that could impact members’ businesses.

Share a festive evening with friends at the 2009 Tri-Association Awards Dinner, to be held Wednesday, October 28 at Chelsea Pier 61 in New York City.

Alan Forman, president of Altronic Corporation, will be honored with the George R. Lippert Memorial Award and John Murphy, president of Vector Security, will receive the Triton Award.

Each year, NBFAA, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA) honor two members of the security industry at the fall Tri-Associaton Awards Dinner. The Lippert Award, which was first presented in 1989, recognizes outstanding contribution to SIA and the security industry, while the Triton Award, which began in 2004, recognizes industry statesmanship and efforts to promote good working relationships among the three associations.

The Tri-Association Awards Dinner brings more than 200 executives together for a high-powered networking, exceptional entertainment and to salute accomplishments of industry peers.

This year’s theme is The Gilded Age, a time of industrial and economic growth in the United States. The gala theme looks at the beginnings of that era, including structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge (1883), which represents new technology – the largest suspension bridge of that time. The Statue of Liberty (1886) dramatizes the political and economic opportunity available to U.S. citizens and Ellis Island (1892) the mass migration from all parts of the world embracing opportunity.

For more information, contact Wanda Brown at wbrown@siaonline.org.

Register Now