The spotlight is on Katie Bally this week. Katie talks to Ron Davis, founder of GraybeardsRus, about the process of selling her business and her role with the Davis Marketing Group.
ESA commends the California Alarm Association (CAA) and its officers, members and counsel for securing a blanket exemption from SB 340, a bill that prevents automatic contract renewals. Because of their work, no alarm contract changes will be required.
SB 340 prevents automatic contract renewals and requires any business making an automatic renewal or continuous service offer to clearly and conspicuously disclose terms of the offer and obtain the consumer’s affirmative consent to the offer. The CAA argued that the Alarm Act statutes already govern the alarm industry. In addition, the Department of Consumer Affairs via the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services already regulates the industry. CAA also argued that automatic renewal policies in alarm contracts are necessary to protect the safety and well being of customers.
Based on these arguments, and the excellent relationship CAA and its lobbyist were able to maintain with the bill’s author, Senator Leland Yee, the state assembly placed an exemption in the bill for the alarm industry – one of only a handful of industries that received a blanket exemption from the provisions.
This is a significant victory because the legislature has now recognized that there are unique circumstances regarding alarm contracts and we will be able to cite the exemption in future legislative debates in other states.
ESA urges companies that have disputes with customers over the automatic renewal of contracts to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the customer to avoid any potential consumer driven legislation in the future.
Download a copy of the final California bill and see Section 17605(d) for the alarm company operations exemption. ESA will continue to monitor and report on all 50 states as we expect this issue will arise elsewhere throughout the 2010 state legislative sessions.
The September 15 – October 15 State Legislative Report, researched and compiled by the ESA 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 September-October:
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; IL H 4638, a bill that amends the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004; concerns the qualifications for licensure as a private alarm contractor, provides that an applicant must have a minimum of 3 years experience during the 5 years immediately preceding the application; makes other changes concerning the experience requirements for licensure; 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.
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.
In response to the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, which would require electronic devices to meet efficiency standards designated for “active,” “off” and “standby” modes, ESA, the Security Industry Association (SIA), Honeywell, Tyco/ADT and leading environmental groups have brokered an agreement that will maximize security and efficiency.
This agreement is important because electronic security and life safety devices – such as video surveillance, intrusion detection and access control systems – must always remain in an ‘active’ mode at all times. Requiring these systems to also meet efficiency standards for “off” and “standby” modes, modes that are never used with security systems, can unnecessarily increase the cost of these systems, potentially making them less affordable for families, businesses and other end-users.
As a result of the agreement, ESA, SIA, Honeywell, Tyco/ADT and environmental groups including the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the Alliance to Save Energy, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, have presented key members of Congress with proposed legislative language that would exempt security and life safety devices from the “off” and “standby” requirements.
Specifically, the legislative language was presented to the members and staff of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the form of a consensus amendment that could be added to energy/climate change legislation being considered by the Senate. The measure would retain EISA’s “active” mode efficiency standards for security and life safety products and would make the “off” and “standby” exemptions reviewable by the U.S. secretary of energy in 2017.
Vermont and Pennsylvania Chapters gather for legislative briefings
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) held two separate legislative events in October, engaging members from Vermont and Pennsylvania in government affairs to help strengthen the industry.
On October 6, ESA and the Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (PBFAA) hosted a Legislative Luncheon in Harrisburg, PA sponsored by GE Security. On hand to speak to attendees was State Representative Brendan Boyle.
Boyle discussed his introduction of HB 1544, the Electronic Life Safety and Security Systems Contractors Licensure Act and told attendees he believed the legislation provided an additional tool to public safety officials, aiding in protecting citizens of Pennsylvania.
Members also heard from PBFAA lobbyists John Malady and Jodie Stuck who updated the membership on the chapter’s current legislative efforts including several measures aimed to remove contractual limitations in the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
“We would like to thank ESA and GE Security for hosting this event and look forward to other opportunities to update the membership on the various activities undertaken by the association at the national, state and local levels,” said PBFAA President Phil Kline.
After Pennsylvania, ESA headed North for a Legislative Breakfast in Vermont on October 13 with the Vermont Electronic Security Association (VESA). The breakfast was sponsored by Honeywell Security.
“Having national representation in Vermont typically ensures participation from even the least likely of participants,” said VESA President Angela White. “Our expectation is that it proves the worthiness of belonging to our state and national organization.”
Attendees heard from State Representative Heidi Scheuermann who spoke directly on her history and involvement with the chapter’s pending licensing legislation. “She provided guests with insight as to how the ’Sunrise Application’ worked through the Office of Professional Regulation and how the legislation would proceed with either a denial or approval from the Secretary of State’s Office,” White said.
Attendees also heard from ESA Standards Committee Chairman Rick Simpson of Vector Security. He was able to bring some clarification to the 2010 edition of NFPA72.
“Considering the communication issues that Vermont is currently facing with the pending bankruptcy of our major telecommunication provider, the influx of managed voice networks, and carriers with inferior services, we, as technicians, are scrambling daily to find adequate, reliable transmission mediums,” White said. “Rick lent an air of resolution while assuring his audience that our concerns are not being taken lightly.”
Federal Trade Commission “Red Flag” regulations go into full enforcement as of November 1, 2009. Arguably all alarm companies who provide PERS service, maintain credit card information for their subscribers, or send invoices for recurring periodic revenue, are covered by the regulations. According to the regulations you need to have a written plan to deal with potential identify theft.
The FTC has developed a handy do-it-yourself guide to help businesses comply with the new rules.
A complete overview of the regulations can also be found here:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/idtheft/bus23.pdf
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.
During the ESA 2010 Leadership Summit, ESA committees will meet to discuss important issues facing the security industry in 2010. The decisions made during these meetings affect the direction of the association and can influence the direction of the entire security industry. Even if you’re not currently on a committee, you’re welcome to attend the meetings.
In addition, we’ve planned an entire day of business and leadership training to enhance your skills and help develop best practices for your business and association. Through these seminars you can earn valuable CEUs.
If you haven’t registered for the 2010 Leadership Summit, please do so as quickly as possible – free registration ends December 14th and discounted hotel rooms are available on a limited basis. Click here to register. For registration assistance, contact Michelle Whitaker at (888)447-1689 or michellew@alarm.org.
Thank you to our 2010 Leadership Summit Sponsors:
Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting ESA events in 2010.
ESA 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.
ESA 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!
ESA Day on Capitol Hill
April 27 – 28
Washington, D.C.
The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers ESA 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.
ESA has once again received a negotiated rate from St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. Attendees can receive accommodations at $240 per night. You may register at www.alarm.org beginning February 1, 2010.
Looking forward: 2010 ESA Summer Conference
June 14 – 18
Pittsburgh, PA
The ESA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of ESA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 ESA Summer Conference. Learn more about Pittsburgh, click here. To view the exciting Welcome to Pittsburgh 2010 video, click here.
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:
If you’ve ever been told that your standard industry service contract is unfair, you will not want to miss this webinar.
That’s Not Fair…or is it?
November 18
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern
“That’s Not Fair!” explains the electronic security industry’s approach to risk allocation in subscriber agreements. If you’ve ever been told that your standard industry service contract is unfair, you will not want to miss this webinar. The program, designed for sales and management personnel, is presented by Eric Pritchard, one of the industry’s leading attorneys. Using layman’s terms, Pritchard explains the importance of the standard risk-shifting clauses in industry contracts, including exculpatory, indemnity and waiver of subrogation clauses. He explains each provision, how the provisions work together to transfer risk to a subscriber and its insurance company, and what subscribers need to understand about the transfer of risk to their insurer in order to protect themselves. Learn to address risk allocation issues in negotiations so that you can overcome subscribers’ objections while protecting your company.
Cost: $39.95 for ESA members, $59.95 for non-members
Click here to register.
Goldleaf Data provides the fastest to market new mover and new business leads available. What does this mean for your company? Goldleaf can help you get in front of your prospects before your competitors. You know that it’s not a question of whether a new mover/business will get an alarm system, but who they choose. Make sure they choose you! For more information, visit Goldleaf’s Web site at www.goldleafdata.com.
Halloween is approaching and as security professionals, there’s nothing to fear when you’ve got NTS training on your side. Take advantage of all the training opportunities available to you and your technicians. Sign up for a class near you today.
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 TECHNICIAN
ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL
FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS
TROUBLESHOOTING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
UNDERSTANDING ALARM SYSTEMS
VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
Are you taking advantage of these cost savings? ESA 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.
Get Your Free Discount Pharmacy Card Here
Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants is offering ESA members a free discount pharmacy card. Sign up now and start saving 10 to 60 percent on your prescription medications today! It’s simple to get and simple to use.
Go online to www.alarm.org/members/resource/discounts.html and click on Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants. On the bottom of the page, click on the link for your free prescription discount card. Enter your information and after clicking ‘Submit’ you will immediately receive a printable version of your membership card. Present your membership card to a participating pharmacist and receive a discount on your prescription.
The card can be used by your entire family at more than 56,000 participating locations including independent, national and regional chain pharmacies. Plus, enjoy deep discounts and the convenience of delivery right to your door when ordering through the mail order pharmacy.
There’s no reason to wait , get your free discount pharmacy card today.
The Wisconsin Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, the Vermont Alarm & Signal Association and the Virginia Burglar & Fire Alarm Association recently voted to change their names to align with the new brand of the Electronic Security Association.
The Wisconsin board, after discussing the best way of incorporating the chapter into the new national association name, voted unanimously on Wisconsin Electronic Security Association and the call letters of WIESA according the Chapter President Chris Utter.
“The main objective was to exhibit our strong connection with national by focusing on the name’s branding message. We talked to the Wisconsin membership about the name change, providing the specifics on why we felt it was important to update the name to more accurately reflect all aspects of the security industry,” Utter said. “It was the consensus of the Board of Directors, when learning of the proposed change at the national level, to support the outcome of the vote.”
Utter believes the change will help the chapter better represent the industry in his state. “With the words electronic and security as a part of the association’s name, no matter what type of security installations a business provides, how large a company it is, or how technically challenging the systems they install are, they will identify with WIESA,” he said.
The name change, Utter says, gives WIESA a much better opportunity to be considered as a source of technical training and information that more closely matches the needs of an industry whose services have grown in parallel with the electronic/digital age.
“We are in the process of strengthening our message to existing Wisconsin members, as well as potential new members, that WIESA is the ‘go to’ place for training, general information and current updates on local and state legislation,” Utter said.
In Vermont, their board elected to rename the chapter the Vermont Electronic Security Association (VESA).
“Following the decision for ESA to change its name to better reflect the current industry, our board found it an appropriate time to pursue the name change to keep pace with National,” said Angela White, VESA president. “In distancing ourselves from our previous acronym association, we can move forward, hopefully without the confusion.”
White said the chapter’s Executive Board is committed to change the face of the industry in Vermont. “Vermont has been, and continues to be, in a transitional stage. Our Executive Board is relatively new, our attendance to nationally sponsored events renewed, and with the pursuit of state licensing we have taken a very serious approach to projecting a more cohesive and professional image,” she said.
Virginia’s board also voted to change its name to the Virginia Electronic Security Association after ESA announced the results of the national vote.
The Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association has once again elected to take part in the ESA Youth Scholarship Program for 2010.
PBFAA will be awarding two scholarships to students of police officers and firefighters. A child of each will be eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship. The chapter’s top winner will go on to compete at the national level for an opportunity to win either a $7,500 scholarship or a $2,500 scholarship. The deadline for students to submit their application to PBFAA is March 1, 2010.
ESA launched the Youth Scholarship Program in 1996 to promote goodwill among the electronic systems industry and police and fire officials by providing college scholarship awards to their deserving sons or daughters. Through the Youth Scholarship Program, thousands of dollars have been given to students attending higher education institutions across our country. In fact, more than $300,000 has been given out by the participating states and ESA.
If your state is interested in starting a program, visit http://www.alarm.org/pubsafety/ysp and download the Chapter Resource Kit today.
Now is the time to make your hotel reservations at the San Francisco Hilton Union Square for just $129 a night and register for the 2009 California Alarm Association (CAA) Winter Convention and Tribute Dinner honoring George De Marco December 10-12. Registration forms, hotel links and schedule are at www.CAAonline.org on the CONVENTION tab.
The CAA Executive Symposium will feature APX Alarm COO Alex Dunn, Protection One CEO Richard Ginsburg and RSI Videofied CEO Keith Jentoft on Friday, December 11. The symposium is a forum to provide industry leaders to give their view of the future trends affecting the industry.
This renowned opera house in the Bergischen metropolis is well known for its artistic delights. One prominent figure contributing to this was the late choreographer Pina Bausch, who reached world fame with her dance theatre and received many awards for her work over the years.
After extensive modernization, the long-awaited reopening of this prestigious Wuppertal treasure occurred on the 18th of January, 2009. The building had had to be closed at the end of 2003 in order to update its fire protection equipment and to have its entire electronics systems redone.
A venue steeped in tradition
Apart from the theatre in Elberfeld, the Opera house in Barmen belongs to the Wuppertaler Bühnen, a communal city theatre company which is run as a city-owned GmbH and which supports ensembles in acting and music theatre. In addition, the Wuppertaler Bühnen works for the Pina Bausch Theatre of Dance which showcases and performs its productions in the two venues. The original construction of the opera house was finished in 1905 following the drafts put forward by Moritz, a famous architect from Cologne. During the final phase of the Second World War it had sustained heavy damages from an air raid. After its reconstruction, the building was re-opened in 1956 until it was closed in 2003 for complete renovations.
The days leading up to its solemn re-opening flew by and time was growing thin, providing quite an adrenaline rush for all those taking part in the installation work. The final work was completed by working in both day and night shifts. The last dust cover caps were removed from the fire detectors on the day of the opening itself.
Ultra-modern fire protection covered in style
Niscayah was the partner responsible for implementing the security concept for the Wuppertal Opera House. As one of the leading manufacturer-independent enterprises on the international security market, Niscayah installed highly modern ESSER brand fire detection technology which corresponds to the newest guidelines and guarantees the highest safety standards for visitors, actors and the building itself. Niscayah also took over the initiation of external services in cooperation with the Wuppertal fire department and the TÜV Rheinland.
Almost 1000 high-quality IQ8Quad fire detectors were installed, about 40 percent of those with integrated, acoustic alarm signaling devices for corresponding support in case of evacuation. 25 aspirating smoke detectors as well as 150 push-button detectors and approx. 30 air duct detectors complete these extensive protective measures. The peripheral elements were switched on 6 IQ8Control fire alarm control panels via approx. 20 rings which are networked to each other. The master panel with the operating unit is located in a separate room.
The complex control matrix for the fire detection system which, in a first step, was programmed according to the present standards, controls among other things the ventilation and lighting systems, the smoke exhaust systems as well a freight elevator and an elevator for disabled persons. During the installation, the control matrix was modified several times in order to also take into consideration the special requests of the stage company and resident fire department.
The approval of the fire alarm system was carried out by the TÜV Rheinland one week prior to the reopening. Two days later the system was then linked to the fire department. A subsequently conducted evacuation exercise was part of the construction permit procedure. This exercise had to be completed successfully in order to obtain approval for the opening on January 18th. An unannounced test alarm was triggered during a special invitational event. The first person needed only twenty seconds to make it outside and four minutes later the whole building was empty. The head of the Wuppertal fire department, Siegfried Brütsch, was more than happy with this result.
Just how comprehensive the organizational processes are, even only those concerning fire protection, is reflected by the number of enterprises involved.
The inDIGO GmbH engineering company from Dortmund had been entrusted with the overall planning of electronics and telecommunication for the project and acted decisively as the interface between planning and project management, even concerning the TÜV approval and the linking to the Wuppertal fire department. The implementation of the fire protection concept within the framework of the renovation required comprehensive specialized knowledge and a large commitment from everyone involved in order to reach maximum security. Proof of the successful planning and implementation was the evacuation exercise, carried out on January 9th 2009 by the Wuppertal fire department and 700 test persons – it was also broadcast by regional TV.
The creation of a fire protection concept and the monitoring of the adherence to all valid fire protection standards was handled by the engineering office for fire protection in Wuppertal (IfBW-GmbH).
Orchestra pit with a special practical feature
Conductors are known for their finely-tuned hearing. During soft passages of classical pieces the noises of the aspirating smoke detectors used to cumulate in the orchestra pit (barely noticeable to others) and irritated the conductor. A solution was badly needed. By utilizing an acoustic insulation solution, a reduction of approx. 18 decibels was achieved and the distracting noise was minimized.
After the renovation – which totaled 23 million euros – the opera house now radiates the charm of the fifties again, while being equipped with the latest technology. The renovation was made possible – among other things – by a donation of the Jackstädt Foundation and the commitment of the Wuppertal citizens who raised almost 600,000 euros through the “adopt- a- seat” program which paid for all the new seats. It was therefore no surprise that all seats were filled for the performance of Mozart’s “Magic Flute” on February 7th.
Graduate engineer Michael Steinborn (Technical Support ESSER) supported Niscayah from the manufacturer’s side regarding applicative special solutions. He and his colleague Frank Diebek (Technical Marketing ESSER) agree with the responsible technician from Niscayah, Stefan Laumann as well as the site supervisor, Heinrich Nadicksbernd: There was little left to be desired concerning the technical implementation of inDIGO GmbH’s entire planning as well as the requirements of the operator and all authorities responsible.
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