ESA would like to thank the following individuals for their generous donations to the ESA PAC:

• Elizabeth Cain, Retired
• Dom D’Ascoli, Smoky Mountain Systems, Inc.
• Merlin Guilbeau, Electronic Security Association
• John Knox, Life & Property Security Systems, Inc.
• David Koenig, Capital Fire & Security
• Marshall Marinace, Marshall Alarm Systems, Inc.
• Emil Wengel, Wengel Electronics, Inc.
• George Gunning, USA Alarm Systems, Inc.
• Tim Creenan, Amherst Alarm, Inc.
• Mike Horgan, H&S Protection Systems, Inc.

Your commitment to helping grow the ESA PAC is sincerely appreciated.

Donations from our membership helps us elect and support legislators who understand our key issues.  In 2010, we will continue to monitor legislation, work with our allies in the federal government and provide our members with a voice in Washington.

Please consider contributing to the PAC in 2010. If you have not signed the necessary Prior Approval for Solicitation form, which allows us to solicit you for support, please fill it out and help us represent our industry on Capitol Hill.

Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) introduced HR 1796 and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced S. 1216, the “Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.”  We are networking with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), SIA and others to determine an industry approach to the bill.  There is no plan in Congress to pass it before January 1.

A broad hearing on carbon monoxide poisoning is being held this week by the Senate Consumer Protection Subcommittee on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. We have sent a joint letter along with SIA and NEMA, commending the committee for holding the hearing. Senator Klobuchar has agreed to put the letter on the record and will be mentioning it during the hearing. (Read a copy of the letter.)

The November 15 – December 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 between November 15 and December 15. These include:

• 38 bills relating to Alarms
• 11 bills relating to Automatic Contract Renewal
• 7 bills relating to CCTV
• 76 bills relating to Licensing
• 9 bills relating to Taxes
• 2 bill relating to Line of Duty Act fees for Alarm Companies

Of particular interest this month:

• ME S 575, a bill that would amend the law pertaining to smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and would provide that the owner of a property properly install, or cause to be properly installed, smoke detectors upon or near the ceiling in areas within, or giving access to, bedrooms;
• FL S 658, a bill that would require the licensure of locksmith services businesses and locksmith referral services by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; requires fingerprinting and background screening for criminal records checks of the owner and certain other persons affiliated with a locksmith services business;
• FL S 508, a bill that relates to electrical and alarm system contracting and requires that an electrical journeyman be present on any industrial or commercial new construction site when certain electrical work is being performed;
• 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.

For the third straight year, registration for the ESA Leadership Summit has seen a significant increase. The success of the event is a testament to the quality of the seminar content, the critical committee meetings that take place and all of the state and national association leaders who participate.

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. Registration will be accepted through January 5 at a cost of $125. On-site registration will also be available for $150. If you must cancel your registration, a $125 cancellation fee will apply.

Everyone at ESA is looking forward to seeing all of you January 12 – 14 in Fort Worth, Texas!

Thank you to our 2010 Leadership Summit Sponsors:

Time is running out to secure your ESX booth space at the early bird rate. Deadline for early bird pricing is December 31.

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) will be held in Pittsburgh, June 16 – 17. ESX attracts the top companies in the security integration and monitoring industry, including most of the SDM top 100 companies.

Why should your company exhibit at ESX?

• ESX attending companies boast an average annual revenue of $2.49 million.
• 71 percent of ESX 2009 attendees had more than $1 million in annual revenue.
• 97 percent of attendees were satisfied that ESX was a good return on their investment.
• 85 percent of attendees have a management role.
• 86 percent of attendees have final purchasing authority.
• 83 percent of attendees would recommend ESX to a friend or colleague.
• 200 exhibitors and 2,500 attendees are projected to attend the 2010 event.
• Profits from ESX are reinvested in the industry through ESA and CSAA.

Many of the industry’s top players have already committed to the event. Don’t let your competition steal the spotlight. Contact Shannon Murphy today to secure premiere booth space at the industry’s fastest growing event.

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 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. 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:

• Renaissance – $129 per night
• Westin – $179 per night
• Omni – $179 per night

ESA is pleased to announce that GE Security has again stepped up to be the exclusive Diamond-Level Executive Strategic Partner for the 2010 calendar year. Begun in 2008, the Executive Strategic Partners program is only available to ESA associate members and provides funding to support ESA programs that promote and enhance the industry.

“As the Diamond Executive Strategic Partner, GE Security will gain unique and powerful exposure to thousands of qualified prospects and top decision makers through print and electronic media, at ESA events and from thousands of Web site visitors,” said Michael A. Miller, ESA president. “Their continued commitment to this program is representative of their belief in, and support of, what ESA is doing on behalf of the industry.”

“We are once again pleased to apply GE Security’s deep expertise in this senior leadership role in support of ESA,” said Mark Barry, president, GE Security Americas.  “The important work the association does, in particular in the areas of training, false dispatch reduction and helping communities deal with security-related ordinances and legislation, is helping its members to contribute to safer communities across the nation and that’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Through their support as an ESA Executive Strategic Partner, GE Security has made it their responsibility to invest in the future health and well-being of the industry,” said George De Marco, ESA Executive Strategic Partnership Program chair. “The Executive Strategic Partnership program is a series of all-inclusive packages that allow partners to support ESA through advertising and sponsorships throughout the year by making one commitment up front. Budgeting becomes an easier process for both the partner and ESA.”

Companies interested in knowing more about the Executive Strategic Partnership program should contact ESA Sr. Director of Business Development, Tonja Jenkins, at (888) 447-1689 or via e-mail at TonjaJ@alarm.org.

Plan now to increase your knowledge in the New Year! NTS curriculum provides the training that you need to complete installations accurately, service security systems efficiently and prepare technicians for licensing. Add your company to the growing list of alarm businesses who have trained their employees through NTS and gain a distinct edge over competitors.

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.

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.

Salesgenie.com – Unlimited Sales Leads

Salesgenie.com is an online database that will provide your sales team with unlimited leads to help them identify new prospects, build their pipeline and increase their sales. Salesgenie.com provides unlimited access to 12 national databases, including all businesses and consumers. Also included are brad new businesses, brand new movers, brand new homeowners and a built-in contact manager to organize, sort and print your leads.

For information, call (888) 999-0580, ext. 4720 or visit the Web site at www.salesgenie.com

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) announced recently that the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) has appointed Karen McGee as its representative to the SIAC Board of Directors.  McGee will be replacing founding board member Ivan Spector who steps down after many years of dedicated service to SIAC.

“We are very excited to have Karen join the SIAC Board of Directors,” stated Stan Martin, SIAC Executive Director.  “We look forward to having her energy and passion for the betterment of the alarm industry represented in all our activities.”

McGee currently serves as President of the National Board of Directors for CANASA, and is an Account Executive at Shaw Sabey & Associates in Vancouver.  Shaw Sabey & Associates is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerage firms in British Columbia, providing a wide variety of insurance products and services, including personal and commercial property and liability, automobile, and risk management.

“With my recent appointment as President of the CANASA Board of Directors, I am looking forward to bringing together both advocacy groups so that we may cooperatively work together on all alarm management issues that affect the North American security industry,” said McGee.

Stepping down as the longest tenured Board Member for SIAC, Ivan Spector has not only been instrumental in guiding SIAC through its most hotly debated alarm management issues to date, but he has also given his time and service to the Alarm Industry Research & Education Foundation and the Electronic Security Association.  While excited about the addition of McGee, Spector’s passion and expertise will be missed.

Martin concluded, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we would like to thank Ivan for all his years of service, dedication and commitment to SIAC.  As the CANASA representative, Ivan has always stepped up to meet our needs.  He served as the Public Relations chairman and has been instrumental in developing strategy, direction and financial oversight.  He is a very talented and dedicated industry professional who will be missed.”

Vector Security has announced the completion of a strategic acquisition of Florida-based Certified Security Systems business. The company, founded in 1999, services residential and commercial customers in four Florida operational areas, including Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Coast. This strategic alignment with Certified has been designed to further support Vector’s southward movement, which began last year with Vector’s important simultaneous expansion of the company’s dealer base in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Additionally, Vector opened a branch office location in Raleigh-Durham, NC.

According to Vector’s President and CEO, John A. Murphy, “this strategic alignment with Certified Security Systems enabled Vector to gain a well trained and highly tenured senior management, sales, technical operations and administrative staff as well as additional customer base and office locations. Achieving success in the electronic security industry requires a well-rounded blend of technology, talent and trust. Our alignment with the management of Certified Security Systems, especially Joe and John, allows us to obtain all three assets; and continue successfully serving and expanding its organic customer base. It will further assist growing Vector Security’s Authorized Dealer group participants, who operate within Certified’s geographic footprint.”

Joe Hassan and John Sheridan, co-founders of Certified, also commented that, “we are extremely privileged and humbled with the level of success Certified has achieved in its ten-year existence while installing almost 30,000 systems. Because of this good fortune, we have attracted acquisition interests from numerous industry and non-industry companies. Hands down, Vector was the perfect match. Their commitment to excellence in customer service is obvious with the many industry recognitions they receive. But, what the industry may not know is Vector’s tremendous commitment to the welfare, advancement, and quality of life for its employees. It is great to know our employees will have opportunities for growth and advancement that most industry companies, including Certified, would never be able to offer. We are extremely excited about this new chapter for Certified and Vector Security.”

Murphy also believes that there is a high degree of similarity between Vector’s and Certified’s existing customer bases: “Certified has built its customer base in the usual electronic security, fire alarm, video surveillance and access control markets, but the company also shares a number of niche customer types with Vector Security. They include services to more than 17,000 monitored customers in gated residential communities, regionally based multi-site retailers, home builders and educational facilities. That’s the type of synergy we’re attracted to when considering an acquisition. It allows us to efficiently build future business opportunities on the complementary customer bases with which we are highly familiar and successful.”

Vector Security will maintain Certified Security Systems’ staff of 80 individuals and highly experienced management, who will help lead Vector’s new Southern District.

Randall Mann has joined Acadian Monitoring Services as director of marketing & sales. According to Vice President Blane Comeaux, Mann will be responsible for setting the marketing direction for Acadian Monitoring Services’ various divisions, including Acadian On Call, Acadian TeleHealth, America On Watch and Acadian On Watch. In addition, Mann will oversee all sales and internet marketing efforts for the divisions.

Mann brings over 24 years of advertising, marketing & sales management experience to Acadian Monitoring Services.  He began his career as an account executive at Sides & Associates, and has served as the marketing director for several leading Acadiana companies, including Mr. Cook Restaurants, Acadiana Bottling Company, and Hampton Automotive Group.  Most recently, Mann headed the advertising and public relations division of Advice Marketing, a Lafayette-based advertising and promotional products company.  Mann is a 1985 graduate of UL-Lafayette and is active in several local civic and professional groups.  He has served as chairman of Le Festival de Mardi Gras a’ Lafayette since the events inception in 1992.

Tri-Ed’s 2010 Product Catalog is jam-packed with more product selections from more manufacturers than ever before. To keep pace with the changing marketplace and meet all the product needs of its extensive customer base, Tri-Ed has expanded its lines in every product category. These span Access Control, IP, Intrusion, Fire, CCTV, Structured Cable, Sound, Data Communications, Hardware, and Business Solutions.

“We are very proud to offer our customers this comprehensive new Product Catalog for 2010,” says Pat Comunale, Chief Operating Officer for Tri-Ed.

Dealers and integrators can find everything they need in Tri-Ed’s 2010 Product Catalog to stay competitive and on the cutting-edge of the latest technologies. Copies are available at every Tri-Ed branch location as of the end of December, 2009. Or, to request a catalog by phone, please call 1-888-874-3336 (U.S) or 1-800-398-7282 (Canada).

Visonic Ltd brings advanced sensor technology to market with its Anti-Masking line of motion detectors.

While most motion detectors can be easily blocked, sprayed or obstructed – and therefore be rendered useless – Visonic’s Anti-Masking detectors alert the user when they’ve been tampered with.

The detectors include Visonic’s DUET AM C/O and DUO 220AM and the TOWER- 10AM, 12AM and 20AM. They each assure users that their motion sensors are working properly and are not accidentally – or purposely – blocked.

The DUET AM C/O is a professional grade commercial dual technology detector. Its Anti-Masking technology is superbly suited to those needing to protect the most critical areas. In the Anti-Masking mode, two normally closed relay outputs are available for alarm and trouble conditions. Additionally, DUET AM/CO can be operated with both Form “A” (normally open) and Form “B” (normally closed) relay outputs when the Anti-Masking function is disabled.

The DUO 220AM (MW/PIR/Anti-Masking) is a state-of-the-art, microcomputer controlled dual-technology intrusion detector. The PIR and MW technologies, when combined in a single detector, complement each other to deliver the highly reliable detection and false alarm immunity. Distinguishing the DUO 220AM from other dual detectors is its patented True Motion Recognition™ algorithm. This advanced motion analysis method enables the DUO 220AM to differentiate between the true motion of a human body and any other disturbances that can trigger false alarms in other detectors.

The TOWER-10AM, 12AM and 20 AM intrusion detectors introduce revolutionary technologies that raise detection sensitivity, anti-vandalism and anti-masking to a new level. Anti-spray perimeter groves produce a diffractive IR beam pattern, providing an unbeatable defense against spray or lacquer. The TOWER-10AM (PIR) and TOWER -12AM (dual-technology) intrusion detectors are intended for industrial applications. They boast several revolutionary and patented technologies in conjunction with groundbreaking design and construction. They’re ideally suited to protect property from highly sophisticated and tough-to-counter threats. These TOWER detectors offer unprecedented detection sensitivity for an extremely large coverage area. They’re the ideal security solution for large industrial, commercial, institutional and government sites.

The TOWER-20AM-MCW wireless outdoor detector is designed to reduce false alarms in all outdoor applications. Its Octa-Quad™ technology uses eight Quad PIR sensors combined with patented optical and electronic signal processing that allows it to accurately and reliably determine if an alarm is justified. It works in conjunction with Visonic’s PowerMax® advanced home security system to ensure a complete solution for full protection of the house, inside and out. Equipped with a strong housing and patented Anti-Masking protection, the TOWER-10 AM, 12 AM and 20AM-MCW all provide exceptionally high resistance to vandalism and masking.

With today’s more discriminating clients Napco’s feature-rich IQ Vision has increasingly proven a designer décor favorite providing not only good intruder catch and stability, but a ‘good look’ for many residences and businesses according to several local firms.

A marriage of form and function – IQ Vision, available at a distributor near you, provides advanced PIR technology and P.E.T. immunity that counteracts false alarms for reliable, worry-free, callback-free installations. It utilizes SSP™ (Signal Selective Processing) for stability and advanced EZ-Aim Fresnel lenses and lens bank for optimum ease of application.

IQ Vision’s proven adaptive technology auto-adjusts 24-hours a day for continuous monitoring. 40’ x 40’ coverage and look-down/creep zone features provide superior detection directly underneath the sensor. 30lb. pet immunity ensures that our sensor recognizes the presence or absence of your animals in a protected area. Auto-temp compensation technology automatically adjusts IQ Vision’s sensitivity so you don’t have to. What’s more, it easily mounts to walls/corners and comes with horizontal and vertical adjusts. IQ Vision also includes an attractive stylish tamper supervised case and EMI/RMI lightning protection using resilient SMD circuitry.

For more information or availability details on Napco’s IQ Vision or Napco’s family of products, contact Customer Service or your Napco Division representative at 1-800-645-9445 or email salesinfo@napcosecurity.com. Please visit Napco Security Technologies, Inc. on the web at www.napcosecurity.com.

Napco is pleased to announce the market launch plan of a series of money saving, limited time offer promotional see-thru blister /clamshell paks at a distributor near you.

In a unique point of sale marketing program designed to create buzz and excitement at Napco distributor branches, Napco has begun to market a series of clear-pak, see-thru clamshells, each with free product right in the package – nothing to mail-in or redeem.  Only available while supplies last, the first two Paks in the series, on distributors’ shelves currently, include a Buy 3 Get 1 Free Dual Technology C100 Adaptive Microwave/PIR Sensor and secondly, a Gemini Wireless Window/Door Transmitter Pak where purchasers of the 4 pak of GEMTRANS2 get a free wireless GEM-PIR right inside.

Next up, ask at your local distributor for the third clamshell in the series, certain to be clamored for, the Dozen-Pak of new Low Profile Gemini Wireless Window/Door Transmitters (part no. GEM-TRANSLP12-cs) — the best value yet. Dealers get 4 GEM-TRANSLPs free with 9 purchased in this Dozen-Pak–representing an overall savings of 25 percent on a super hot new transmitter featuring Gemini crystal-control wireless technology and lithium coincell battery, all in a super-slim case under a half-inch high, designed to disappear even in slimline windows.  GEM-TRANSLP features dependable long battery life, of approx. five years, a unique flying pigtail mini-connector for wiring external devices nearby, plus magnets can be affixed or screw-mounted for easy dependable installation.

Hurry in to the distributor near you for these limited edition Napco clamshell free-product paks and save real dollars on equipment costs, at a time when every penny counts. Go fast – because these paks will be going fast, too. To check availability or locate Napco distributors near you, check online at www.napcosecurity.com/distribution.html or ask an inside or outside Napco sales representative at 1.800.645.9445.  Also try our stock-out hotline at 1-866-902-2444 for immediate assistance if you ever have trouble finding any Napco item.