ADI, Altronix, Diebold, and Security America become Silver-Level Partners

ESA is honored to announce that ADI, Altronix and Security America Risk Retention Group have all returned as Silver Level Executive Strategic Partners. Diebold Security, a newcomer to the Executive Strategic Partnership program, has also pledged its support at the silver level.

As Silver-level partners, each company will receive valuable and powerful exposure through all available media and several event opportunities.

Cecil Hogan, president of Security America Risk Retention Group, said, “Security America is proud to be an ESA Silver Executive Strategic Partner for 2010. Security America insures members’ businesses against liability, and ESA helps ensure members’ business success. We make great partners.”

“ADI continues to support ESA, and we are pleased to serve as a sponsor in 2010,” said John Sullivan, Vice President of Sales at ADI. “The ESA is important to ADI and our customers, and we appreciate their commitment to strengthening the industry.”

Alan Forman, President, Altronix Corporation said, “Altronix Corporation is proud of the professionalism that ESA exemplifies. We are pleased to be a long-time supporter of this important organization and pledge our continued involvement with ESA and the industry it serves.”

Originated in 2008, the Executive Strategic Partnership program is only available to ESA associate members and provides funding to support ESA programs that promote and enhance the industry.

“Executive Strategic Partners make one commitment up front and receive all-inclusive advertising and sponsorship packages that support vital ESA initiatives throughout the year,” said George De Marco, Chair of the ESA Executive Strategic Partnership Program. “We greatly appreciate their support as leaders of this industry.”

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

The much-anticipated ESA logo was unveiled during the ESA Update meeting on Wednesday, January 13.  Dave Simon, chairman of the Public Relations Committee, presented the logo with these remarks:   “This is an exciting time in our history – we’re moving forward, incorporating the technology of the future into our association.  With that came our name change in 2009 and now, ladies and gentlemen, let me present… the new logo.”

After a dramatic video presentation, Dave gave the rationale behind the logo:  “This logo was designed to represent our evolving security industry.  The shape evokes two light shields radiating protection and energy.  They represent ESA’s duty and mission to proactively protect its members and the environment in which they conduct business with the ultimate mission of enhancing public safety. The shields also create a unified formation just as the ESA is a force of unified companies who are the collective voice of the industry. The forward nature of our letterforms, symbolize our dedication to reaching beyond our present and looking always to the future. The colors represent authority, security and faithfulness which reflect the character of ESA.”

The new logo is available to members and chapters to use on company/chapter material and Web sites. To download the new logo, visit www.alarm.org and click on the link below the new logo announcement.

A record 200 plus industry leaders, chapter leaders, business owners and managers descended upon Fort Worth, Texas last week to take part in the annual ESA Leadership Summit.

It was a productive event that was packed with high-level association meetings, training seminars and social and networking events that left no one out of the fun. A full recap of all the exciting developments at this year’s event is provided below. Photos, presentations and documents from the event can also be downloaded by visiting the event recap pages online.

Many thanks to the Executive Strategic Partners who stepped up to sponsor individual events.  GE Security was the corporate sponsor, Honeywell sponsored the Leadership Awards dinner, ADI sponsored the networking lunch, Altronix sponsored the Chapter Appreciation Reception, and Security America Risk Retention Group and Diebold sponsored the Leadership Breakfast.

Board approves an ex-officio seat for Young Security Professionals

Recognizing the importance of Young Security Professionals (YSP) in the future of ESA, the board approved a motion to include the chairman of the YSPs as an ex-officio member.  Currently, Trevor McEnany serves as the YSP chair and will represent YSP in this position.

New format for next year’s Leadership Summit announced

At the State Leadership Breakfast on Wednesday morning, John Galante of AE Ventures presented the new format of the 2011 Leadership Summit.  The summit will be comprised of two parts:  a two-day hosted event followed by two days of the traditional Leadership Summit format.

The hosted event will be headed by AE Ventures. Integrator members of the ESA board of directors, executive committee, committee chairs and senior executives from the top-dollar volume members of ESA will be eligible for hosting benefits which include air fare, ground transportation in the host city, food and beverage and lodging. In recognition of these benefits, guests agree to attend all general sessions, boardroom presentations and one-on-one meetings with vendor sponsors. Vendors choosing boardroom sponsorships will have appointment times with senior decision makers from industry-leading companies. Sponsorship opportunities for social functions and general sessions are also available.

The second half of the event will feature two days of the valuable association meetings, social functions and topical seminars that all ESA members have come to appreciate and enjoy.

Leadership awards

ESA honored several outstanding individuals and states for their dedication to the electronic security industry during the 2010 Leadership Summit.

Instructor of the Year

Don Childers won this year’s Instructor of the Year award because of his tireless work on behalf of NTS.  He developed courses, got them approved by the necessary regulatory agencies, scheduled and promoted a statewide and year-long training program, all while never accepting any compensation for the hours of planning and instructing he personally conducted on behalf of his state and NTS. All of these accomplishments were done in a spirit of honest and humble service to the association and its members. Dom D’Ascoli, ESA Vice President/President-Elect, accepted the award on Don’s behalf.

State Training Coordinator of the Year

Because of his commitment to the training activities of his Chartered Chapter, John Yusza from Connecticut was awarded State Training Coordinator of the Year. His work developing the training program and coordination the state certified instructors, as well as taking on the responsibility of submitting NTS course materials to Connecticut for approval as an alternative to the State’s Apprenticeship Training Curriculum to submit earned him the honor. Accepting the award on John’s behalf were state Education Committee Chairman Joel Kent and Connecticut 1st Vice President Jason Sokol.

Chapter Newsletter of the Year

InSecurity, published by the Arizona Alarm Association won the Chapter Newsletter of the Year award for its effectiveness as a member communications service, well-written articles that convey helpful information and strong support of ESA activities, consistent distribution, and quality layout and design.

Maria Malice, president of the Arizona Alarm Association, accepted the award.

Executive Director of the Year

Gwen Clavelle from the Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association exhibited the characteristics necessary to win:  she clarifies the vision of the chapter and puts that vision into action, she solidifies the relationship between their chapter and the national association and is a leader within the security industry, her community and her personal spheres of influence. LLSSA President Mary Ferguson accepted the award on her behalf.

President of the Year

Because of her hard work and the ability to lead people from different backgrounds and the initiative she takes to get things done, Maria Malice was honored with the President of the Year award.  She was a driving force in doubling the chapter membership, hiring a lobbyist to work on state-wide licensing issues and making the chapter newsletter a leading newsletter among chapter newsletters.

Chapter of the Year

The chapter of the year award was bestowed on the Arizona Alarm Association because of its dedication to the betterment of, and unwavering loyalty to, the industry. Other criteria were effectiveness of meetings, engagement in industry issues at local, state and national levels, vision and results demonstrated by volunteer leadership and/or paid staff, effectiveness and quality of products and services provided to members, its communications, public relations, and government relations, its training and the networking opportunities it presents.

The December 15 – January 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 December 15 2009 – January 15 2010:

• 18 bills relating to Alarms
• 9 bills relating to Automatic Contract Renewal
• 4 bills relating to CCTV
• 55 bills relating to Licensing
• 2 bills relating to Taxes
• 2 bills relating to Line of Duty Act fees for Alarm Companies

Of particular interest this month:

• 2010 AL H 97, which relates to fire protection sprinkler systems; provides that a fire protection sprinkler system is not required in any unincorporated area in a single-story building that meets certain requirements;
• 2010 VA H 973, which relates to the Line of Duty Act; includes local employees disabled on or after January 1, 1966, in the definition of “disabled employee”. Provides that an additional surcharge of $0.05 shall be billed, collected and remitted in the same manner as the $0.75 fee, except that such funds collected shall be deposited directly to the Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund established pursuant;
• 2010 VA S 97, which relates to line of Duty Act; definitions; provides for funding for the Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund. This bill provides that an additional surcharge of $0.05 shall be billed, collected and remitted in the same manner as the $0.75 fee as specified in Section 56-484.17, except that such funds collected shall be deposited directly to the Line of Duty Death and Health Benefits Trust Fund; and
• 2010 MO H 1218, which specifies that the automatic renewal of a contract for service, maintenance, or repair to or for any real residential property intended for personal, family, or household use will be invalid unless a written notice is given to the customer 30 to 90 days prior to the renewal.

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.

Enjoy Guiltless Golfing with AIREF

The 7^th Annual Alarm Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF) golf tournament will be held March 23, 2010 at the Revere Golf Club in Las Vegas, one day prior to ISC West. The tournament promises players a casual golf outing with other industry professionals while supporting AIREF initiatives in the process.

AIREF, an all-volunteer nonprofit foundation, was created in 1977 by ESA to serve as the research arm of the industry and funding for the foundation is derived almost solely from the golf tournament. In 2003, AIREF and ESA founded the tournament as a way to help raise money for industry research.

Research studies funded by AIREF include a survey of Salt Lake City residents that showed 65 percent of registered voters disapprove of the city’s verified response ordinance and a more recent study by Rutgers University that showed residential burglar alarms deter crime.

To register for the tournament, visit www.airef.org. For more information about the tournament and sponsorship opportunities, call (203) 762-2444 or email Pat Remes at premes@airef.org.

To learn more about AIREF’s initiatives and studies, visit www.airef.org.

We’re excited to announce that registration for the 2010 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) is now open! Scheduled for June 14-18, 2010 in Pittsburgh, PA, ESX is co-sponsored and co-owned by ESA and CSAA.

Click here to register online today.

Whether it’s discovering new business opportunities, learning how to streamline your operations to increase margins or connecting with the suppliers, service providers and peers that can help you survive and thrive in this changing market, ESX has you covered.

ESX is all about your success – helping you maximize revenues, profits and company value! Your peers and ESA and CSAA leadership have created a stellar training program covering all facets of your operations and the most important technical and product trends. We have planned exciting new seminars in these vital areas:

• RMR
• Sales and marketing, sponsored by Videofied
• Business development and management
• Installation management
• Technology, sponsored by ADI
• Central station operations, sponsored by DSC

All courses are approved for ESA/NTS CEUs.

Courses in the Installation Management track are approved for 0.25 CEDIA CEU credits.

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

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! Register Now!

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 their businesses.

ESA has once again received a negotiated rate from St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. Attendees can receive accommodations at $240 per night. Registration information will be available soon.

Participants attend this event at no charge thanks to support from our sponsors which this year include GE Security, Honeywell, Altronix, Diebold, and Security America RRG.

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.

Electronic Security Expo (ESX) – Where Leaders are Made

June 14 – 18

The 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

As the founder or owner of your business, you create the vision but your employees define what the business is to customers. Are the majority of your employees meeting your expectations, and delivering the consistent level of service and professional productivity that you and your business require?  Are you satisfied with the revenue and profitability that each of your employees is generating for your business?

If your answer to both of these questions is “yes”, you are very fortunate indeed!

On the other hand, if you’re frustrated by employees who don’t reach your expectations…aren’t happy with your revenue and profitability, and are continually looking for good job applicants, you are not alone.

Because labor costs are typically second only to material costs, the tools and systems provided by Willow Creek Consultants (www.willowcc.com) have been proven to reduce labor costs and improve profitability.  By combining the best tools on the market with the latest technology in Internet-based delivery, even the smallest company has access to human resource capabilities typically found only in large corporations.  Programs from Willow Creek Consultants include:

• Labor law compliance
• On-line job applications
• Employee selection and background screening
• Performance evaluations
• Leadership development programs

Changing business practices involves risk.  Willow Creek Consultants has been successful at taking the risk out of change.  Our tools and systems meet or exceed all government requirements and are used successfully by over 35,000 companies worldwide.  We provide training seminars and newsletter articles to educate on simple tips and techniques that improve productivity at little or no cost.  Then, at no cost, we provide a 30-minute Confidential Needs Analysis to identify specific problem areas and improvement opportunities.  A no-cost demonstration allows you the chance to see how their programs provide immediate improvements, without adding administrative burden.  There is no long-term subscription or service contract to fulfill.  Assessment tools and support services are charged at an as-used price, with additional discounts for volume purchases.

To learn more visit our website: www.willowcc.com.  Or, give us a call at (208) 762-8638 or email Vicki@willowcc.com to request your free Confidential Needs Analysis. As an ESA Member Value Program, ESA members will receive a discount on consulting fees, from $120 per hour to $90 per hour, and a 10 percent discount on other services and products.

Willow Creek Consultants specializes in “maximizing workforce potential”.  The principals of Willow Creek Consultants, Steve and Vicki Wilson, have over 50 years of combined human resource experience.  Steve has been certified as a Staffing Specialist (NAPS) and a Professional Employer Specialist (NAPEO).  Vicki has been certified as a Professional in Human Resources (SHRM).