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.

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

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.

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. “

Awards program recognizes products’ business impact on installation and monitoring companies

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) has announced the call for entries for the 2010 Maximum Impact Awards program. The awards are open to all manufacturers and service providers with products and services for the electronic security industry.

Winners of the 2009 awards were: AES-IntelliNet, Altronix, Axis Communications, Bold Technologies, Ltd., Connected Technologies, DMP – Digital Monitoring Products, e-DATA, EMERgency 24, Honeywell Security, SedonaOffice (from Perennial Software), Silent Knight by Honeywell, SureView Systems, System Sensor and Videofied – RSI Video Technologies

These awards are the first and only program to consider the business impact of a product or service on installation and monitoring companies as the foremost criterion for praise. The program will recognize both new and recently introduced products in a wide variety of electronic security product and service categories, including:

• Video Surveillance
• Access Control/ID Systems
• Accessories & Aids
• Intrusion Alarms
• Fire Alarms
• Central Station Equipment
• Industry Services
• Residential Custom Electronics

Judges will evaluate written entries submitted by supplier companies, with a focus on the products’ ability to increase revenue, profits and company value for installing and monitoring companies.

Products and services introduced to the market between January 1, 2008 – July 1, 2010 are eligible for the awards. All entries are due by March 19, 2010. Complete entry details and a submission form can be found at www.esxweb.com/max.

Winners will be announced on-site at the 2010 Electronic Security Expo in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, June 16.

The ESX Maximum Impact Awards are sponsored by Security Products magazine.

For more information on the awards program, contact Shannon Murphy at smurphy@ae-ventures.com or 508-618-4224. For complete ESX event details, please visit www.esxweb.com or call 877-628-9558.

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

Jeffrey Atkins, President of Rapid Response Monitoring Systems, Inc., has announced the dates and location of RRUG 2010, the Second Annual Rapid Response User Group Event. The Company’s dealers, service providers, exhibitors and vendors are invited to attend the Event being held August 1-4, 2010 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York.

An active program of training courses and breakout sessions, technical orientations, guest speakers, exhibitions and tours of the Rapid Response facility, RRUG 2009, the inaugural User Group Event, was a resounding success attended by over 400 dealers. It was also held at the Turning Stone Resort, a world-class resort featuring lavish dining, luxury accommodations, gaming and PGA golf courses.

“The success of RRUG 2009 was very instructive,” added Atkins. “It became increasingly obvious during the Event that, in spite of hard times, if we just came together and shared a dedication to success, we could achieve it. Consequently, for RRUG 2010 we are designing our programs to emphasize teamwork and a more unified response to industry and business concerns that can lead to a successful future for all of us.”

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.

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).

Cernium Corporation’s CheckVideo intelligent video solution for remote video monitoring is revolutionizing the way central stations monitor and verify alarms. Incorporating advanced video analytics at an affordable price, CheckVideo is a hosted solution with video management functionality that takes only minutes to configure, deploy and maintain. For over a decade, Cernium has brought advanced video technology to customers worldwide, from residential and small-medium business consumers to Fortune 100 manufacturers, government, healthcare, education, and major cultural institutions. For more information, visit www.cernium.com.

Madico’s SafetyShield Window Films stop intruders in their tracks. When struck, the glass will break, but not shatter, preventing the intruder from entering quickly, and leaving him wondering what to do next. In most cases, the answer is simple: move on. SafetyShield® 1500 is among the first films in the world to pass the UL972 standard for Anti-Intrusion – making it the easy choice to help secure your home or business from theft and intrusion. For more information, visit www.madico.com.

The Leads Network delivers home owner prospects who want to speak to you now about a home security system. These hot prospects are checked, filtered, guaranteed exclusive and delivered in real-time. They have agreed to speak to you and are waiting for your call right now. For more information, visit www.theleadsnetwork.com.

Mission 500, a strictly non-profit organization affiliated with World Vision and dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities in crisis, was already responding to Haiti’s needs through fundraising efforts when the major 7.0 earthquake hit just 10 miles outside of Port Au Prince, Haiti.

“Now, more than ever, Haiti needs help,” said George Fletcher, a Mission 500 volunteer. “We urge everyone in the security industry to get involved in supporting our efforts to aid in what is perhaps the worst natural disaster in terms of human toll of our lifetime in the Americas.”

To make matters worse, there have also been a series of 5.7+ aftershocks and Haiti has already been classified a Category III emergency by World Vision’s emergency relief team, the highest emergency response level. With reports of collapsed buildings, including hospitals, World Vision anticipates massive needs and a difficult response effort.

“It felt as if a truck had hit a wall,” said World Vision staffer Magalie Boyer, of the initial tremor. “This was the most powerful earthquake on record in the area and there is extensive damage in the city. People are spending the night in the streets. They are not comfortable staying in their houses. World Vision Haiti will distribute first aid kits to survivors, along with basic materials such as soap, blankets, clothes and bottles of water as an initial response,” Boyer added.

World Vision has worked in Haiti for 30 years and has approximately 370 staff members in the country. The downed communications, blocked roads and continuing aftershocks slowed relief efforts overnight, with staff unable to leave the agency’s Port-au-Prince office for several hours due to fallen debris in the roadways.

Reaching hard-hit areas with supplies is expected to be a significant challenge due to the damaged roads and infrastructure, including the main airport and government buildings.

World Vision’s workers from less affected regions of Haiti are mobilizing and the agency’s global experts are expected to arrive in the disaster zone with relief goods as soon as possible.

“We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty,” said Edward Brown, World Vision’s relief director in the United States.

According to the U.N. Office for the Special Envoy for Haiti, unemployment reaches 70 percent nationally, and 78 percent of Haitians live on less than $2 a day. A New York Times story in 2008 reported that one in five children is chronically malnourished. The one business booming amid all the gloom is the selling of patties made of mud, oil and sugar, typically consumed only by the most destitute. “It’s salty and it has butter and you don’t know you are eating dirt,” said Olwich Louis Jeune, 24, who has taken to eating them more often in recent months. It makes your stomach quiet down.”

The disaster is the latest to befall Haiti, which has a population of about 9 million people and is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Hurricane Gordon killed more than 1,000 people in 1994, while Hurricane Georges killed more than 400 and destroyed the majority of the country’s crops in 1998. In 2004, heavy rains from Hurricane Jeanne — which passed north of the country — caused landslides and flooding that killed more than 3,000 people, mostly in the northwestern city of Gonaives. Gonaives was hit heavily again in 2008, when four tropical systems passed through.

Well before the earthquake hit, Mission 500 was taking action to Haiti’s needs through a fundraising effort during the upcoming ING Marathon to be held in Miami. As of today, about 40 people from the Security Industry community in South Florida are scheduled to participate in the ING Half Marathon on January 31, 2010. The goal is to raise US $25,000 to help sponsor needy children as part of Operation “Hope for Haiti”. Mission 500 already has over $11,000.00 in committed donations. Silmar, a Miami based security distributor is committed to getting 20 runners and sponsoring them. More than 15 other individuals have also made the commitment to participate.

Anyone wishing to support relief for Haiti and the Mission 500 running team can 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 is also hosting 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, HID, LRG Marketing Communications and Morse Watchmans are charter sponsors to date. 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.