With a career steeped in the alarm industry, Bryan Lawrence, attorney at Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC and legal counsel for NBFAA, shares best practices regarding contracts and liability strategies with Ron Davis, security industry icon and founder of the Graybeards, in this informative interview.
The August 15 – September 15 State Legislative Report, researched and compiled by the NBFAA Government Relations department, is now available online. The report is located in the Members section under Government Relations at www.alarm.org. To access the report you will be required to log in using your member user login and password.
The report contains subject highlights of bills followed for the months of August and September 2009:
Of particular interest this month, CA S 317, a bill that relates to the disposal of toxic substances and would amend the existing law that regulates the disposal of hazardous waste by the Department of Toxic Substances Control, as well as enact the Smoke Detector Collection Act with non-substantive provisions; MI S 768, a bill that relates to the regulation of certain activities involving automatic fire protection systems; to establish certain licensing and endorsement standards; to provide for certain powers and duties for certain state agencies; to create boards; to create a fund for certain purposes and to impose fees; and to provide for penalties and remedies; MI H 5320, a bill that regulates certain activities involving automatic fire protection systems; establishes certain licensing and endorsement standards; to provide for certain powers and duties for certain state agencies; creates boards; creates a fund for certain purposes and to impose fees; and provides for penalties and remedies: and WI S 190, a bill that relates to renewals and extensions of business contracts, which was amended to provide changes to the definition of “business contract” to specify that a contract for the lease of business equipment is included only if “any of the business equipment is used primarily in Wisconsin” and which provides that the seller may send the reminder notice up to 60 days, rather than 45 days, before the deadline for the buyer to decline renewal or extension of the installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in certain residences.
Questions or concerns regarding the information contained within the report should be directed to our Director of Government Relations, John Chwat at Gov.Info@alarm.org.
We ask that the information enclosed be treated as a member benefit and shared only within your organization.
By participating in meetings and committees, YOU can affect the direction of the association and can influence the direction of the entire security industry. Join us this year at the 2010 Leadership Summit in Fort Worth, Texas as we explore the future of NBFAA.
Meeting with friends for the good of our industry produces an energy that cannot be duplicated through conference calls. It’s also a lot of fun.
This year, the annual Leadership Summit will be held in historic downtown Fort Worth. Featuring three full days of important meetings and networking, the summit will also include valuable seminars.
These seminars include The Future of Communication and Attention in the Age of Social Media by workshop leader Maura Thomas, a workshop on Megatrends 2010: Trends That Will Impact How You Conduct Business by Ron Davis and a special presentation for the board entitled Achieving Board Excellence by Ginger Nichols.
NBFAA has contracted a negotiated rate at the Fort Worth Renaissance hotel for $179 per night.
Registration for the summit is free when completed by Monday, December 14. Late registrations will be accepted through January 5 at a cost of $125. On-site registration will be available for $150. A cancellation fee of $125 will apply for cancellations after December 15.
The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2010 Where Leaders are Made is already living up to its name.
The G-20 Summit, a gathering comprised of the world’s leaders from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the U.K. and the United States, has chosen Pittsburgh for its September 24 and 25 meeting – confirming our choice as the host city of the 2010 ESX.
With every city in the world available to host this historic event, why did the G-20, countries that represent 85 percent of the world’s economy, choose Pittsburgh? According to White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, “It’s an area that has seen its share of economic woes in the past, but because of foresight and investment is now renewed – giving birth… to the jobs of the future.”
That may be the official line but we know they chose Pittsburgh because they can get a sandwich six inches tall packed with meat and cheese and stuffed with french fries and cole slaw at one of the world’s best places to pig out, Primanti Brothers. We also know that they probably want to party at Pure, the nightclub located above Isoldi’s Italian restaurant featuring three-bars, multiple bottle lounges and a glass dance floor.
World leaders know that when they get bored, they can sneak out to see the Andy Warhol museum or ride original 1877 cable cars up the Duquesne Incline to see the view ranked by USA Today as the second most beautiful in America. Sure, Pittsburgh is home to 100+ billion-dollar companies and has been called one of America’s most livable cities, but world leaders really want to have a screaming good time at Kennywood, one of only two amusement parks in the country designated as a National Historic Landmark. Or they may want to pause for a moment to enjoy what they don’t have time to appreciate when they’re home – exotic and rare birds from their own countries at the National Aviary.
G-20 attendees wish they could view our personal video tour of Pittsburgh, hosted by Pam Petrow of Vector Security and Russ Cersosimo of Guardian Protection, but we’re reserving it for your eyes only at www.esxweb.com/video.
You can be a part of this international trend to have a working vacation. Join us at the 2010 ESX June 14 – 18 in Pittsburgh: Where leaders are made! For ESX exhibiting information, please contact Shannon Murphy at 508-618-4224, smurphy@ae-ventures.com. Call 877-628-9558 or email info@ae-ventures.com for general inquiries.
Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting NBFAA events in 2010.
NBFAA Leadership Summit: Embracing the Future
Jan 12 – 14, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
This year, the annual Leadership Summit will be held in historic downtown Fort Worth. Featuring three full days of important meetings and networking, the summit will also include valuable seminars addressing industry trends and how chapters can generate non-dues revenue.
NBFAA has contracted a negotiated rate at the Fort Worth Renaissance hotel for $179 per night.
Registration for the summit is free when completed by Monday, December 14. Late registrations will be accepted through January 5 at a cost of $125. On-site registration will be available for $150. A cancellation fee of $125 will apply for cancellations after December 15.
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 and your business.
NBFAA has once again received a negotiated rate from St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. Attendees can receive accommodations at $240 per night.
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. Learn more about Pittsburgh, click here [link to fun facts page]. To view the exciting Welcome to Pittsburgh 2010 video, click here [link to video].
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. Arrangements have been made with the following hotels:
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.
Whether your employees need certification, accreditation, or training online or in the classroom, NTS has the right fit for you!
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
CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICAIN
ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL
FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS
LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE AND WORKSHOP
UNDERSTANDING ALARM SYSTEMS
VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
Are you taking advantage of these cost savings? NBFAA provides you with money-saving opportunities as part of your membership. Go to the Web site often and check out the coupon savings and our member discount programs. If you’re not using these companies, you might be leaving money on the table.
Members, get your discount codes here.
Reward Yourself with the WorldPoints Program
If only everything in life were this simple. With Bank of America’s WorldPoints rewards program, you earn one point for every dollar in net retail purchases you make using the credit card without complications or hassles. Then, easily redeem your points online or by phone.
Enjoy the flexibility of one of the industry’s most robust rewards programs. Use your points to get cash back for: travel on any major U.S. airline with no blackout dates, brand-name merchandise, and gift cards or unique experiential rewards.
Make life easy and earn points faster. Set up your monthly bills to charge to your WorldPoints credit card and use your credit card to pay for everyday purchases. Let your MyConcierge do the work for you. Shop online through the WorldPoints Mall. For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits of this credit card program, call (866) 438-6262.
The Alabama State Fire Marshal has recognized the NTS Certified Fire Alarm Technician as a valid certification for licensing.
The Alabama Certified Fire Alarm Act became law on Aug. 1, 2009 and requires that every business who installs fire alarm systems in commercial occupancies be licensed as a certified fire alarm contractor.
The law requires technicians who work for a certified fire alarm contractor be deemed a Certified Fire Alarm Technician by NTS or to hold a NICET Level II certification. The Alabama Alarm Association worked closely with the State Fire Marshal’s office to have the NTS certification recognized by the state.
Now, Alabama technicians can receive world class certification from NTS without worrying about requirements to receive certification from other sources. To become an NTS Certified Fire Alarm Technician, technicians must complete a two-day Fire Alarm Installation Methods course and a one-day Life Safety Code course and pass the required multiple-choice exams.
The certification is valid for one year and technicians are required to complete 1.2 continuing education units (CEUs) each year to maintain certifications – the equivalent of 12 classroom hours.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to the technicians, dealers and contractors in our state,” said Kristi Harris, president of the Alabama Alarm Association. “Now, technicians have a choice when it comes to state approved training. NTS has more than 100 instructors nationwide and offers classes both online and in the classroom to help technicians get the training and certification they need to keep their licenses current.”
To be approved for a license, the contractor must also have a NICET Level III Technician in a position of responsibility. The level III technicians are able to do the layout of the fire alarm systems but a professional engineer or architect should perform the design of the system to be considered for installation.
The Certified Fire Alarm Act gives every business three years to be in total compliance with the provision of the act. New employees of a fire alarm contractor have 12 months to become an NTS Certified Fire Alarm Technician or attain the NICET Level II certification.
NBFAA lists NTS course information and schedules on www.alarm.org. Contact NTS directly at (866) 636-1687 to get more information on certification.
The Inland Empire Alarm Association, a regional chapter of the California Alarm Association, will hold a dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. on September 29 at Mexicali Grill in Riverside, CA.
Morgan Hertel will be on hand to speak about Access Control of IP. If you will be attending please contact Violet at (951) 255-0413 or info@inlandempirealarmassociation.org.
Time and Location:
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 p.m.
Mexicali Grill
1690 Spruce St.
Riverside, CA 92507
The California Alarm Association (CAA) has begun accepting registrations for the 2009 CAA Winter Convention and Western States Security Conference.
The event will be held December 10-12 at the San Francisco Hilton. A special room rate is available for $129 per night with group code CAA.
A preliminary schedule, registration forms and hotel reservation information can be found on CAA’s Web site at www.caaonline.org.
Atlanta consumers chose Broadview Security, the next generation of Brink’s Home Security, for the 2009 Consumers’ Choice Award (CCA) in the categories of Home and Business Security Alarm Systems. It was the third consecutive year Atlanta consumers selected the company for this recognition.
The award is based on a survey of residents and businesses in Greater Atlanta responding to a questionnaire on customer satisfaction. The Consumers’ Choice Award, established in 1986 to identify and promote business excellence, utilizes a unique survey that asks consumers to choose the best of their city.
Consumers’ Choice Award commissioned independent research firm Survey Sampling International (SSI) to administer this year’s survey, with results of the study provided to CCA.
“What makes this award unique is that recipients are selected by consumers, rather than a panel of judges,” said CCA Chairman Dr. Jeffrey Chernoff. “Based on the criteria of value, professionalism, service and any other issue they may wish to consider, respondents are asked to select the company that most merits the Consumers’ Choice Award for business excellence. Winners are identified for each industry category based on their responses.”
“Broadview Security is honored to be recognized by consumers in this regard for the third year in a row. This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our employees every day to ensure the safety and security of our customers.” said Carole Vanyo, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations for Broadview Security.
For more information about the Consumers’ Choice Award, please visit www.consumerschoiceaward.com.
Micro Key Solutions has added another key employee to its ever-growing staff of security and business professionals. Gina Wetherington joins Micro Key as a Business Development Representative.
Gina, a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing, has over six years of sales experience. She joins Micro Key after serving as the sales and marketing director for a local custom homebuilder, where she nearly doubled the company’s sales to $22 million.
“I believe you must be passionate about the products and services that you are selling and find that to be the case with the sales staff here at Micro Key Solutions. I’m joining a well-established company and staff that share my philosophy of building and maintaining relationships with its clients. I’m looking forward to leveraging the relationships I’ve built in my previous position with security alarm dealers, systems installers and integrators,” stated Gina.
“Gina’s heart is in sales and building long-term relationships. Her understanding of solution selling fits perfectly with Micro Key Solutions’ marketing and sales strategies. We’re confident that Gina will bring benefit to the company and our clients,” said Victoria Ferro, sales manager.
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