Discover the benefits and value our associate members have to offer you and your business.

We asked one of our associate members, Wendy Canaday, an attorney with Flynn Gaskins & Bennett LLP, some questions about how her firm’s services could benefit ESA members.  Here’s what she had to say.

Question: What are some of the benefits that our members will gain from purchasing your products and/or using your services?

Answer: I am an attorney experienced in defending alarm manufacturers, installers, and monitoring companies nationwide.  I also speak and write about legal issues that face the industry.  If ESA members need an attorney for any matter relating to alarm products, services, or contracts, I have the insider knowledge and experience to provide exceptional legal representation and advice.

Question: What do you want our members to know about your employees?

Answer: The attorneys and staff at my firm, Flynn Gaskins & Bennett, LLP, are exceptional.   I am the only attorney at the firm whose main focus is on the alarm industry, but we have 20 attorneys with outstanding legal talent and nationwide experience in products liability and commercial litigation.

Question: What does your best target prospect look like?

Answer: My best target prospect is an alarm manufacturer, installer, or monitoring company that needs an attorney to represent it in pending or threatened litigation, or that needs legal advice.

Members in need of legal advice or representation may contact Wendy at (612) 333-9519 or by visiting www.flynngaskins.com.

Campaign to help increase public awareness of missing children

Vector Security announced that it has made a corporate pledge to support Project Home Again. Project Home is a national effort undertaken jointly by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA).

The program seeks to return missing and kidnapped children to their parents through the use of a public awareness campaign. The campaign involves the displaying of posters, depicting the likeness and personal information of missing and kidnapped children, on service vehicles used by participating companies.

Vector Security’s involvement will include a fleet of nearly 200 service vans and uniformed guard and patrol vehicles, which travel through the Mid Atlantic states, Florida and California. According to Ms. Sally Cox, Vector Security’s Director of Purchasing and Fleet Manager, the idea came about after hearing about the program from television coverage in the Philadelphia, PA market. “Vector Security has supported the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children through several programs connected with our National Accounts Division. Our new participation in Project Home Again will help drive our commitment to the NCMEC throughout our branch office service network.”

John A. Murphy, Vector Security’s President and CEO, stresses that his company’s support of Project Home again ties directly into Vector’s core corporate values. “We’re in the business of protecting the things our customers cherish the most and that certainly begins with children. Given our continuing dedication to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, this opportunity allows us to root this valuable organization further within our large and expanding branch office network. If we can help only one child make it back home, or bring his or her plight directly to the attention of the general public, it will all be worth it.”

Micro Key Solutions is celebrating its 25th anniversary by giving gym memberships to all employees willing to make a commitment to go to the gym at least twelve times a month. In addition, a “Biggest Loser” contest will see who can lose the most body fat over a six-month period. Wayne Torrens, company president, in announcing the contest pointed out “that healthier employees use fewer sick days, are generally happier and are more productive. This contest has created an enthusiasm in the office that is electric!”

Nearly 70 percent of Micro Key’s employees signed up to determine who could get in shape and lose the most body fat. Micro Key Solutions 2010 “Biggest Loser Winner” Competition began on June 1. The final weigh-in to determine the winner will be held on November 30, 2010.

“This is not a quick fix,” stated business development manager Victoria Ferro. “We are encouraging our employees to be healthy for life and hope that this contest will be a great start.” In an effort to ensure that this program isn’t a quick fix, each contestant is being given full access to Gold’s gym, three free orientations with a personal trainer, fitness classes, as well as access to a cardio cinema, saunas and a basketball court. Contestants are required to take full advantage of the gym and its facilities, or lose their privileges. Also, after the six-month long competition, all contestants must go to the gym at least eight days a month to maintain the remainder of their one-year company paid gym membership. As an added incentive to losing the highest percentage of body fat, the winner will receive a prize of their choice, valued at $500. “The way we see it, everyone participating will be a winner! There is a lot of excitement surrounding this contest, and it has done a lot to motivate our employees to think and become healthier,” added Victoria. This program is just another example of Micro Key’s innovative efforts and dedication to their employees as well as their customers.

Ocenture specializes in expanding RMR, driving customer acquisition and decreasing attrition for security clients by providing private labeled products and services. Specifically, we deliver solutions for identity theft protection, crime and sexual predator monitoring, internet security, family protection, online data backup and more. With our marketing expertise, clients harness these services as product differentiators, retention tools and line extensions to achieve their business goals. Last year, Ocenture placed 241st on Inc. magazine’s “Inc. 500” list of fastest-growing, private companies in the United States. Call (904) 766-1600 or visit www.ocenture.com for more information.

Southeast Security Products, based in South Florida and representing seven states in the Southeastern US, is proud to represent the very best manufacturers of security and home theater-related products. While our high quality lines offer amazing versatility in both function and budget, they are top-sellers because they come with extraordinary support. We have earned a reputation among distributors, dealers and end-users as the representative firm to turn to for excellent customer service. Call (954) 786-5900 or visit www.securityproducts.com for more information.

WeSuite offers business management software designed specifically for security, fire and alarm integrators that will save you time and create more net income. We have been in your shoes with over 60 combined years as integrators and have developed robust lead tracking, parts management and proposal applications that easily manage your sales and delivery process from the initial lead to the final acceptance of the system. WeOpportunity and WeEstimate will revolutionize your company. Call (888) 217-1869 or visit www.WeSuite.com for more information.

We are pleased to announce that Cornerstone Billing Solutions has signed on to participate in ESA’s Member Value Program. The program offers our members special discounted rates from participating companies amounting to a savings potential of thousands of dollars per year. Currently 16 companies are a part of the member value program.

Cornerstone Billing Solutions provides reliable, affordable billing services and solutions to security dealers nationwide. Cornerstone’s advanced software, expert service and outstanding hands-on support make account management better, faster and easier. They allow their clients to regain control, time and freedom to build their business and to enjoy life. Services include powerful account management software, recurring billing, payment processing, an online payment portal, 24/7 system access, 800 number support and training, and much more.

“The ESA member base is the heart of our market, so we are very pleased to be part of the Member Value Program,” said Scott MacDougal, president of Cornerstone. “In this tough economy, dealers need to get more done in less time, which is what our service and software can provide. We are also glad to be able to offer our best pricing to ESA members.”

As part of the Member Value Program, ESA members can get their first month’s servicing fee waived with a six-month billing agreement, a savings of between $180 – $1,000, depending on the number of accounts. ESA members interested in learning more about Cornerstone’s service are encouraged to contact Scott MacDougal at (847) 405-9517 ext. 2.

ESX is the one expo where your needs and concerns are addressed. It’s the one expo actually described by the industry as “FUN”.

• YOU are the star of this show!
• No attendee is more important to our vendors than YOU.
• YOU get more face time – and more answers that benefit you and your business – from the vendors that matter.
• It’s not too big and not too small – it’s the perfect sized show and educational conference.
• There are plenty of networking opportunities with hundreds of industry colleagues – but not so many you feel lost in a sea of strangers.
• ESX offers the products YOU want to see.
• The walks are shorter – and the talks are better.
• The education is designed specifically for YOU by your peers – dealers, integrators and monitoring companies.

At the end of a satisfying day of learning, meeting and networking, you’ll still have the energy to reward yourself with some fun at ESX social events – where you’ll experience some of the best, most valuable business conversations when you least expect it.

Wednesday, June 16, is full of fun with the Big Bash at 6:00 p.m. and the pub crawl starting at 7:30 p.m. But you’ll also have the choice to attend a Pirates vs. Chicago White Sox game before meeting other pub crawlers at their final destination.  So much to do!

Come see what we mean! Join us this June and experience the difference.

Exhibits: June 16 – 17

Conference: June 15 – 17

David Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

www.esxweb.com

REGISTER NOW

Micro Key Solutions, a leading provider of world-class software solutions for the security alarm industry, has once again taken a step forward in sales support and customer service by creating a new Product Specialist Department. David Peralta, with Micro Key since 1996, will be managing this new function. David, serving as a sales manager prior to this latest move, started with the company in technical support and then worked his way into a sales position.

“David is extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of our products and has the uncanny ability to accurately assess a customer situation and fit our solutions to best meet their needs. He is an excellent choice to head up our new initiative for improving upon an already easy to install and use software solution,” stated sales manager Victoria Ferro.

When asked, David said, “We’ve always prided ourselves on giving our customers Amazing Service. My responsibility as product specialist is to expand upon this service by ensuring prospects and customers fully understand how our Millennium Series™ Modules work best in their environments.” David’s responsibilities will include making certain every prospect and customer receives the same product and technical information enabling them to make informed decisions about moving to Micro Key or utilizing existing features to add services, increase recurring monthly revenue and meet their customers’ needs. This business model takes Micro Key to a new level of performance for security industry software providers.

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.