By Melissa M. Courville, Client Services & Head of Marketing, DICE Corporation

Finding out that Pittsburgh is the next stop for the industry-changing ESX conference was a thrill!  Having lived in Pittsburgh for a few years, with family ties to the area, it’s easy to fall in love with the city that mixes both history and the NOW, harmoniously. From the architecture of the widely-renowned PPG building, Heinz Ketchup factory and Andy Warhol museum, to the bustling shops at Station Square and beauty of Point Park, Pittsburgh was deservedly voted one of the safest and cleanest cities in the United States, and has been for years.

ESX has already become a highlight in my plans, where security life meets industry-specific networking.  The ESX event continues to be a focal point for security integration and monitoring companies with showcases for the ESA Weinstock/Jackson Awards, CSAA anniversary and the SDM Gala, as well as the niche-focused tradeshow, seminars and conferences.  As the head of marketing for DICE Corporation, I’m very glad that we’ve continued to invest in and make it our commitment to attend each event.  The rewards are priceless.

We are seeking nominees to participate in the new ESA Chapter Challenge Game Show that will take place during ESX on Thursday, June 17. ESA Chartered Chapter leaders are encouraged to nominate members of their chapter to participate in this Family Feud-style game show, designed to create a fun and interactive activity that will provide quite the buzz on the show floor as well.

Click here to submit your nominees. Each winning team contestant will receive a check for $200 for their chartered chapter! Contact Jessica DaCosta with questions regarding the program at 508-618-4226, jdacosta@ae-ventures.com.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 7, 2010.

More Opportunities to Gain Industry Credibility at Expo

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), an international trade association that specializes in planning and installing electronic systems for the home, will host a mini-track of technical courses at the 2010 Electronic Security Expo (ESX). This promising CEDIA mini-track is sure to bring higher levels of value and thought leadership to ESX attendees.

“We’re excited to be adding CEDIA’s renowned technical training on custom electronics in a new mini-track at this year’s ESX,” said George De Marco, ESX Expo Chair. “CEDIA accreditation of a number of ESX courses means added value for ESX attendees, enabling them to earn credit toward maintaining their CEDIA certifications by attending select ESX seminars.”

CEDIA, whose specializations include home networking, home automation and communication systems, media rooms, single or multi-room entertainment systems, and integrated whole-house subsystems that provide lighting control, security and HVAC systems, will offer the following courses, which promise to prime the attendee on residential systems:

• Fundamentals of Residential Lighting and Lighting Control
• Fundamentals of Multi-Room Audio Systems
• Fundamentals of Home Theater Design

“CEDIA University’s industry-leading education will help industry newcomers gain the valuable knowledge and skills needed to establish credibility in the residential electronic systems industry,” said Utz Baldwin, CEDIA CEO.

CEDIA Seminars, along with all other ESX Seminars, can be purchased a-la-carte and start at $59 for members. All ESX Seminars, as well as special networking events, are included in the Deluxe Registration Package.

For more information on the conference program, call 877-628-9558 or visit www.esxweb.com.

ESX 2010 addresses the industry’s most vital topics with valuable content from the industry’s best presenters. Fifty seminars are organized into the following tracks:

Business Development and Management Track

This track covers a host of powerful and dynamic sessions which will provide every employee in your company with the ideas and tools to make better decisions when it comes to managing and developing your business. Some seminars in this track include: “Good-to-Great Employees” and “Financial Accounting for Security Companies.”

Central Station Operations Track, sponsored by Sur-Gard

This track covers key topics from technology to procedures and techniques to management and development of central station operators. Some seminars in this track include: “Central Station Supervision and the Law” and “PERS as a Profitable Solution.”

Installation Management Track

This track is filled with pragmatic tips and processes for increasing the productivity and quality of the installation function, whether it’s installing alarms, access control or video systems. Some seminars in this track include: “Installation Estimating for Profit” and “The Substance, Impact and Future of NFPA 731.”

RMR Track

This track will help you get on top of methods to maximize and capitalize on RMR—whether it’s tied to traditional alarm monitoring, next generation monitoring of video, managed access control or even service and maintenance contracts. Some seminars in this track include: “Pricing and Selling Service RMR” and “Turning the iPhone and Remote Updates into RMR.”

Sales and Marketing Track, sponsored by Videofied

This track provides the expert strategies, tactics and practices you need to succeed. Some seminars in this track include: “High Impact Sales Management” and “Building Your Referral Network: Peer-to-Peer, Real-World Tips.”

Technology Track, sponsored by ADI

This track tackles the most compelling, opportunity-rich and challenging tech topics in the electronic security industry. Some seminars in this track include: “Migrating to IP Technology” and “Using Technology for Residential Lifestyle Enhancements.”

CEDIA Mini-Track

This track includes CEDIA courses that provide great primers on residential systems that are a natural extension of a home security integrator’s business. The CEDIA courses offered are: “Fundamentals of Residential Lighting and Lighting Control,” “Fundamentals of Multi-Room Audio Systems” and “Fundamentals of Home Theater Design.”

Young Security Professionals Mini-Track

This track tackles new and innovative approaches to security integration and monitoring and the challenges of leadership for a new generation of security professionals. The seminars included in this mini-track are: “From Soup to Nuts: An Employment Law Primer for Young Security Professionals” and “Next Gen Business Systems.”

All ESX Seminars and Workshops are available as a-la-carte purchases, starting at just $59 for members. Deluxe packages are also available to allow you access to all seminars, workshops and a number of special events.

Click here for a complete listing of seminars and their affiliated track.

Big Bashing and Club Crawling Mean Major Networking Opportunities at Expo

Pittsburgh will buzz this summer as Electronic Security Expo (ESX) attendees mix, mingle and move the industry forward. On June 16, the Expo – praised for its valuable networking opportunities – will host two special events: the ESX Big Bash and ESX Crawl.

“If you’re in the security industry, the ESX Big Bash and ESX Crawl are premier events for networking with other security professionals,” says John Knox, president of Knox Integrated Systems. “At these events we’ll have a good time, forget about business for a while and build relationships. I’m looking forward to all the new and familiar faces I’ll be seeing in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh this summer.”

Attendees will kick off the night at 6 p.m. with the ESX Big Bash, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

ESX Big Bash

Named the “best electronic security industry party of the year,” the ESX Big Bash will include beverages, hors d’oeuvres and live music by The Atlantic All Star Band. Vocalists of this 5-time Emmy Award-Nominated band have toured and recorded with popular artists, including Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Steven Tyler and Elton John. The event, sponsored by Broadview Security and Security America RRG, will conclude in time for dinner and some crawling through the animated city of Pittsburgh.

ESX Crawl

The ESX Crawl, sponsored by ADI, begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes some of Pittsburgh’s most notable hotspots. Crawlers will sample three destinations as the night wears on: McFadden’s, the North Shore Saloon and Mullen’s.

At the first destination, ESX crawlers will enjoy 30 high-definition flat-screen televisions, riverfront seating and a large hopping dance floor at McFadden’s. At the next stop, ESX crawlers will enjoy a wrap-around fully equipped bar and a realistic, dine-on football field at the North Shore Saloon. And the night is not over yet. The night’s crawl will end at Mullen’s, where live music and karaoke will be offered in an ESX private area.

Registration for the ESX Big Bash and other selected events are required. See www.esxweb.com/register for registration details.

The event will also feature a number of additional networking events, special tours, conferences and exhibits. For 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.

Enjoy Guiltless Golfing with AIREF

The 7^th Annual Alarm Industry Research & 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 proved scientifically that 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.

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

Lutron Electronics designs and manufactures lighting controls and automated window treatments for both residential and commercial applications. Lutron products are easily integrated with other home systems and provide an enhanced security experience in homes and offices alike. Acknowledged throughout the lighting industry for its expansive product offerings, continued technological achievements, and stringent quality standards, Lutron has been recognized as the preferred brand by lighting designers and specifiers worldwide. Products start at $10 (suggested list price). For more information, visit www.lutron.com.

Have you provided your staff with their share of industry training lately? If not, then head on over to NTS and order up some world-class training for your technicians and improve the quality of your staff today. NTS can even help you out with meeting the certification needs of your employees.

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.ESAWeb.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.

KEY COURSES

CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICIAN – LEVEL I (CAT – LEVEL I)

Available Online

• Feb. 26 – 28 – Bossier City, LA
• March 2 – 4 – Atlanta, GA
• March 4 – 6 – Cullman, AL
• March 9 – 11 – Pittsburgh, PA
• March 10 – 12 – Rochester, NY
• March 16 – 18 – Orlando, FL
• March 18 – 20 – Gulfport, MS
• March 18 – 20 – Utah
• March 19 – 21 – Milford, CT
• March 19 – 21 – Chattanooga, TN
• March 23 – 25 – Bettendorf, IA
• March 26 – 28 – Kenner, LA
• March 30 – April 1 – Charlotte, NC

TROUBLE SHOOTING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE (TSM)

• March 3 – 5 – Long Island, NY
• March 6 – 7 – Johnson City, TN
• March 10 – 11 – Des Moines, IA
• March 19 – 20 – Memphis, TN
• March 19 – 21 – Nashville, TN
• March 26 – 27 – Jackson, MS

ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL (EAC)

• Feb. 26 – 27 – Jackson, MS
• March 25 – 26 – Montgomery, AL

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (VST)

• Feb. 23 – 24 – Indianapolis, IN
• Feb. 24 – 25 – Erie, PA
• Feb. 24 – 25 – Seattle, WA
• March 2 – 3 – Denver, CO
• March 2 – 3 – Chicago, IL
• March 10 – 11 – Detroit, MI
• March 10 – 11 – Philadelphia, PA
• March 16 – 17 – Milwaukee, WI
• March 17 – 18 – Boston, MA
• March 20 – 21 – Lafayette, LA

ADVANCED INTRUSION SYSTEMS (AIS)

Also known as Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician

Available Online

• March 6 – 7 – Lafayette, LA
• March 9 – 10 – Allentown, PA
• March 18 – 19 – Montgomery, AL
• March 27 – 28 – Nashville, TN

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS (FAIM)

Available Online

• Feb. 20 – 21 – Monroe, LA
• Feb. 26 – 27 – Memphis, TN
• March 13 – 14 – Kenner, LA
• March 23 – 24 – Ft. Walton, FL

NEW COURSES

LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE & WORKSHOP

• Feb. 20 – Mobile, AL
• March 24 – Birmingham, AL

NON-TECHNICAL COURSES

UNDERSTANDING ALARM SYSTEMS

• March 17 – Birmingham, AL

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 ESA, 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, ESA 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.

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 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 for this discount system, please contact Frank Ryan at:

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

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.

The alarm industry in New Jersey hit the jackpot this year as the New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) 2010 Symposium held in Atlantic City continued to grow strong, surpassing expectations and providing a well rounded convention filled with attendees, exhibitors, training, important guests and camaraderie.

Held January 27-29 at the Tropicana Hotel, the 2010 Symposium shattered attendance records with more than 600 people attending the training, Expo, and General Meeting.

With the August 2010 licensing deadline quickly approaching, the three-day event was built around training and license renewal. The association offered 21 training classes, for a total of 16 NJ-Approved CEUs, allowing many of the NJBFAA members to complete their training requirements.

Classes ranged from technology, legal and sales sessions and included courses such as Basic Alarms and Card Access, Electricity 101, Six Sigma for the Security Industry, Fire Alarm Inspection Test and Maintenance of Existing Systems, NFPA 72 – The National Fire Code, The Art of Buying and Selling an Alarm Company and Customer Needs Focused Selling. Classes were given by well-known industry veterans including Bob Shoremount, Eric Pritchard, Esq, Jeffrey Zwirn, John Drucker and Joe Russotto.

Outside of each training class, fingerprint biometric machines were placed to help streamline the state-required sign in process. This gave each member an opportunity to interface with technology that relates to the security industry and to add to their company’s offerings.

The Expo portion of the symposium also was increased dramatically. The 28,000 square foot expo floor area was over 4 times the size of the venue in 2009.  The floor was filled with 62 vendors, nine carving stations, and five open bar areas.   A total of $10,000 in door prizes was raffled to attendees.

The ESA (formally NBFAA) supported the NJ state association with representatives attending the Symposium.   On the tradeshow floor, ESA distributed important industry information, and spent some one-on-one time with the members.  They helped close the General Meeting with a reminder of all the benefits of belonging to ESA and the NJBFAA.

“We are truly proud of the dedication and collaboration of every member of our association who attended the Symposium and who helped in making it possible,” said Chris Mack, NJBFAA president. “I’d like to add a special thanks to ESA for their support, attendance and encouragement.”

The last day of the event included the NJBFAA General Meeting Session and Luncheon.  A new Board of Directors was elected, and prominent members of the Association were recognized.

Ira Hosid from I.R.A Security was voted Dealer of the Year, Joe Camarata from Mid-Atlantic Reps was chosen as Associate-Member of the year.  From the public sector, the NJBFAA recognized Chief John F. Lightbody of Ocean County, NJ and special guest, the Honorable Vincent Prieto was the recipient of the NJBFAA Distinguished Public Service Award. The final presentation honored Chris Mosley, past president and owner of Complete Security Systems with the President’s Award.

“The 2010 Symposium was well run and the training classes were top-notch,” said attendee Bill Chernack, owner of Alarms Plus of Flanders, NJ. “The association did a phenomenal job of putting on one of the most professional and well attended conventions I have been to. As an alarm company owner, I received more than I could have hoped for, especially being able to complete the licensing requirements.”

During the recent and successful New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) Annual Symposium, several statewide awards were bestowed on deserving individuals to recognize leadership and dedication to the industry.

The awards were given during a special membership luncheon held Friday, January 29.

Alarm Dealer of the Year

The first award, Alarm Dealer of the Year, was presented to Ira Hosid, of Paramus-based IRA Security Systems. Hosid, who is celebrating his 40^th anniversary in the business, was chosen for putting family first, a decision he made at the inception of his alarm career. The basis for his business plan was not to be the largest alarm company in New Jersey, but to make sure there was time to go to family affairs. The ‘mom and pop’ business flourished, and now maintains around 1,000 monitored accounts.

During Hosid’s ‘free time’, he is an active member of BARA, Bergen County Amateur Radio Association, which provides communications during disasters, and helps organizations such as the Red Cross both in N.J. and the country.

Hosid always tries to help anyone in the business with service/installation problems. He has never missed an NJBFAA meeting or trade show since joining many years ago,” commented NJBFAA president and emcee Chris Mack.

Associate Member of the Year

The Associate Member of the Year Award went to Joe Camarata of Mid-Atlantic Representatives.     Born and raised in Woodbridge, Camarata received a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering technology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mid-Atlantic Representatives, owned by David Lund, has been a well respected industry supporter for over thirty years.  Joe joined Mid-Atlantic in September 2006, and is a proud member of the NJ chapter of InfraGARD, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the private sector, including businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the United States.  He is also a member of CERT – the Community emergency response team, which serve as first responders to any manmade and natural

NJBFAA Frank Smith Memorial Award

The recipient of the NJBFAA Frank Smith Memorial Award for Public Safety was Chief John Lightbody, who currently serves as Toms River Township Fire Prevention & Protection Officer, as well as Toms River Township’s Fire Subcode Official.

Lightbody received the award for serving tirelessly on numerous committees at the state level, most recently supporting the inclusion of sprinklers in residential housing. He has received numerous state and local accommodations and awards and is an adjunct instructor at Ocean County College, teaching fire and building courses. Lightbody is the proud second generation of firefighters, and the father of the third generation – his son, John F.

NJBFAA Distinguished Public Service Award

The Honorable Vincent Prieto was the recipient of the NJBFAA Distinguished Public Service Award.  Since 2004, Assemblyman Prieto has proudly represented the 32^nd district, which encompasses Hudson County, serving as the deputy majority whip of the General Assembly, and chairman of the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee. He is a construction code official, and served on the Secaucus Planning Board.

“Prieto is in a unique position to fully understand and support the work of the members of NJBFAA and has agreed to champion new legislation that addresses several flaws from the original licensing law,” said Mack, who thanked Prieto for coming to Atlantic City to participate in the convention. “We look forward to working with him this session towards passage of this important measure.”

President’s Award

The final presentation honored Chris Mosley of Complete Security Systems with the President’s Award.  Chosen by the NJBFAA President, Chris Mack, he selected Mosley for going above and beyond the call of duty, and serving the NJBFAA and the industry by providing advice and assistance. Mosley recently served as NJBFAA president for two years and is currently the representative to the Electronic Security Association.

Paramount to Chris’s success has been the importance of family and community.  Chris gives tirelessly to the Marlboro community, having served as fire chief, past chairman of the Monmouth County Ducks Unlimited, service to the Marlboro Township Office of Emergency Management, and currently chairman of the board of the Community YMCA.

“Chris is a leader in the community, trusted advisor and friends, father, wife and son — and a staunch industry supporter – both at the state and national levels,” said Mack.

The NJBFAA Symposium was held January 27-29 at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City.

With law enforcement operating budgets continuously being reduced, a recent chief’s survey revealed that 56 percent of the agencies expect to cut more police officers from their staff. Many agencies around the country are responding with more onerous alarm ordinances that encompass more changes than just non-response, by placing additional responsibilities on alarm companies. Stan Martin from the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) will discuss what’s on the horizon for dealers, what SIAC is doing in combating the trend and what alarm dealers should be doing to minimize the impact of these economic pressures on law enforcement.

The live webinar begins at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on March 3, 2010. A chat session on the topic will begin at 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Registration for this webinar is free by clicking here.

L to R: Jeff Schulz, Video Project Specialist, and Jim Rao, Director of Video Technology, Vector Security, Inc.; Chris Marsicano, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, Don Beeby, VP of Sales, and Tony Fujita, Executive VP, CBC (AMERICA) Corp.

Citing the quality of Vector Security’s business relationship with their company, CBC (AMERICA) Corporation recently selected Vector Security as the recipient of its first “Video Integrator of the Year” award. CBC (AMERICA) Corp. offers a complete line of CCTV security products under CBC’s own brand names, Computar and GANZ.

Don Beeby, Vice President of Sales for CBC (AMERICA), indicated that their selection of Vector Security was based upon a number of critical factors, including Vector’s integrity and commitment, wide usage of their products and willingness to help direct their engineering efforts in ways which better positioned CBC in several vertical markets, especially national retailers. “The sign of a true partner is not just that they bring you into an account, but that they work to refine your products to better service the demands of the market. That’s exactly what Vector has done and they’ve helped create a win-win-win situation for their customers, for Vector Security and for CBC.”

Jim Rao, Vector Security’s Director of Video Technology for its National Accounts Division, adds, “Normally and understandably, most video integration awards and recognition typically go to companies that are engaged in large scale video integration projects such as healthcare, municipal systems, transportation and public utilities. The fact that Vector Security received this award, as an integrator that focuses primarily on retail, makes it an even greater honor. “

Mission 500, a strictly non-profit organization partnering with World Vision and dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities in crisis, responded to Haiti’s needs by raising almost $26,000 for relief efforts.

The fundraising effort took place as part of the ING half marathon held in Miami on January 31 where more than 20 people along with friends and family from the South Florida’s security industry participated.

“It was a beautiful day with a 70 degree temperature at the start, and some sprinklings of rain half way through to cool things off,” reported Ian McCluskey of Kroll. Ian was one of Team Mission 500’s top fundraisers and had run before in the ING.

The race started at the American Airlines arena and runners ran toward Miami Beach over the causeway with cruise ships lining the port, up the famed Ocean Drive with its art Deco hotels, and then back across to the mainland over the Venetian causeway with its picturesque sights of the bay. Over 18,000 runners registered to take part, making this one of the fasted growing running events of its type in the United States.

The goal was to raise US $25,000 to help with relief efforts for Haiti. The 23 runners of the Mission 500 team were part of a larger World Vision Team of almost 200 that combined, raised over $100,000 through this effort.

A third of the Mission 500 team ran a half marathon for the very first time. Luz Garcia and Lorena Stapff of Latin Press both said “This was a great experience; call us anytime to do it again!” Diego Lozano of Quaddrix also did his first half-marathon and despite the short-term pain promised to sign up for 2011. Frank Green from Silmar was disappointed with his 1:24 time as others who took 3 hours stood stunned at his speed. Silmar was also instrumental in getting staff and some customers involved and contributed $3,000 toward team Mission 500.

Anyone wishing to support relief for Haiti and the Mission 500 running team can still donate by visiting http://twv.convio.net/goto/mission500team. You can also help with the immediate relief efforts for Haiti by making a cash donation at: www.worldvision.org/mission500haiti

Mission 500’s next industry initiative is a 5K charity run at ISC West in Las Vegas on March 25, 2010. This first of a kind event at an ISC Expo was conceived to engage new corporate sponsors as well as individuals within the industry. Altronix Corporation, Axis, HID, LRG Marketing Communications, Morse Watchmans and Safety Technology International Inc. are charter sponsors. The Security 5K / Mission 500 Race is a joint collaboration between United Publications, publishers of Security Systems News and Security Director News; Reed Exhibitions, proprietors of ISC Expos; and Mission 500. More details at www.mission500.org or you can register to walk or run at www.firstgiving.com/mission500

Following more than two years of determined effort, and overcoming steep opposition, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) is pleased to announce that the New York State Apprenticeship Council has approved the New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Associations application for a Unilateral Apprenticeship and Training program for the occupation of Protective Signal Installer (Fire Life Safety and Electronic Security Installer).

The approval of the apprenticeship program will guarantee New Yorkers working in the electronic security industry an opportunity to submit bids on construction work in New York. A series of new local ordinances requires companies to have an apprenticeship program, whether prevailing wage or not. Because of these ordinances large security and fire alarm jobs were previously beyond the industry’s reach.

ESA’s apprenticeship standards were federally approved in September 2006. Following federal approval, interested ESA Chartered Chapters are required to locally adopt these standards and file with the state agency for approval. The acceptance of the application gives NYBFAA member and non-member companies the ability to fill the void for qualified security and fire alarm technicians in New York and to provide structured, quality training to the industry at a reasonable cost.

“It took 28 months from application to approval but the ESA apprenticeship program was finally accepted,” said Ron Petrarca, former chair of ESA’s Apprenticeship Committee. “During our lengthy application process we watched and applauded the ESA Chartered Chapters Louisiana, Missouri and Nevada as they obtained their registered apprenticeship programs. Their success also reinforced our conviction that this was an important effort to the future of our industry and gave us the incentive to continue on with the job of securing a registered program in the state of New York.”

Michael A. Miller, president of the Electronic Security Association, said, “This is exciting news for NYBFAA. We want to commend Ron Petrarca who has worked so diligently on this apprenticeship program, along with members of the NYBFAA. We know, at the New York state level, that Ron has been the main driver of this effort and we truly appreciate all he has done.”