Make a decision today to join us at this year’s ESA Day on Capitol Hill, April 27 – 28 in Washington, D.C.

This is an extremely important event and we need your help to represent ESA on Capitol Hill. Registration ends April 9 so make sure you register early to ensure a place at this year’s event.

Face-to-face meetings with elected officials are a major part of our government relations efforts to garner support from our legislative representatives on issues that are critical to our industry and public safety. Issues such as ESA’s federal background check legislation, legislative approaches to the Department of Energy’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent regulatory changes, opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act and support for ESA’s balanced approach for life safety.

All appointments with elected representatives will be made in advance by our Director of Government Relations, John Chwat and his staff. Before the appointments, attendees will be given specific instructions and briefed on what to address with their legislators and how to make their presentation effective. John will also obtain security clearances for all attendees and will put together a packet of information on the issues.

Congressional speakers, networking and social events will round out the two-day visit to Congress. Plan to attend this important event and support our 2010 legislative agenda.

Our host hotel will again be the lovely St. Gregory Hotel & Suites located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We have contracted a discounted room rate of $240, plus taxes per night.

To make your hotel reservation, call (202) 530-3600 or toll free (800) 829-5034. You must mention that you are with the Electronic Security Association to get the discounted rate. Only a limited number of rooms are available so reservations are on a first come, first served basis until March 28.

Additionally, those flying to DC (airports BWI/DCA/IAD) between April 24 and May 1 can receive a 5 percent discount on airfare from American Airlines when flights are booked on-line at www.AA.com. The promotion code you will need to give is 8940AY.

More information about the Day on Capitol Hill can be found online at www.ESAweb.org

• Schedule of Events
• Register Now!
• D.C. Metro Area Map
• D.C. Metro Area Restaurants

Thank you to our Day on Capitol Hill Sponsors!

Capitol Hill Social, Hospitality – Debriefing, and Congressional Directory Sponsor

Capitol Hill Luncheon, Reception and Congressional Directory Sponsor

Capitol Hill Breakfast Sponsor

Capitol Hill Breakfast Sponsor

Capitol Hill Breakfast Sponsor

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), along with 60 other professional organizations, has called on Congress to find a solution for the rising cost of healthcare that doesn’t increase the cost of doing business.

As part of the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare, ESA is actively lobbying Congress to make smart decisions on healthcare reforms. A recent letter submitted to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) reaffirmed the coalition’s dedication to developing responsible solutions to curb healthcare costs and improve access. (Read the letter)

“As Congress reassesses its role in the healthcare reform discussion, we urge you to listen closely to the input of those on Main Street in towns and cities across the United States of America – our small businesses,” the letter states.

While ESA opposes the measures currently passed in the House and Senate, the association does support reform that improves access to quality, affordable healthcare including:

• New opportunities for small businesses to pool together and purchase insurance across state lines
• Balanced and responsible insurance market reforms
• Streamlined benefit packages
• Much-needed choices like SIMPLE cafeteria plans
• Tax equity for the nation’s self-employed
• Meaningful liability reform

However, these reforms should not include new taxes on small business health insurance, employer mandates, union and big business exemptions, increases in Medicare payroll taxes, more paperwork and costs for small businesses, new taxes specifically targeted at the small business community and prohibitions that limit employer and employee flexibility and choice.

ESA urges members to contact their elected officials and tell them healthcare reform should not come at the expense of America’s small business owners.

The January 16 – February 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.ESAweb.org. To access the report you will be required to log in using your member user login and password.

The report contains highlights of bills followed for the period of January 16 – February 15, 2010. Included in this state legislative report are the following key issues being monitored:

• 14 bills relating to Alarms
• 13 bills relating to Automatic Contract Renewal
• 4 bills relating to Licensing
• 6 bills relating to Taxes

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.

The 2010 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) will host several award ceremonies that recognize the industry’s movers and shakers. This year’s awards will highlight the latest prominent people, products and services.

Weinstock and Jackson Awards

The Morris F. Weinstock Award is presented to an industry leader in grateful appreciation for outstanding individual achievement and continued efforts on behalf of the association and the industry. The award recipient is selected by the Weinstock Committee.

The Sara E. Jackson award is given annually to the committee chair who displays outstanding leadership. The award recipient is selected by ESA’s President.

CSAA Excellence Awards

The Central Station Alarm Association’s (CSAA), Central Station Excellence Awards recognize any Central Station certified by any CSAA-approved nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), CSAA members and non-members, and outstanding personnel who perform in the highest professional manner, thereby having made a significant contribution to the betterment of the alarm industry. Applications must be submitted by March 29, 2010. See http://www.csaaul.org/CSAACSAwards.htm for more details.

Police Dispatch Quality Award

The Police Dispatch Quality Award is given to the alarm installation/monitoring company team that achieves the highest police dispatch quality in a North American city/county.

SIAC William N. Moody

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) will acknowledge those few special individuals who unselfishly give their time and talents to alarm management issues and who reflect the attributes of Bill Moody which include integrity, fairness and perseverance in the face of adversity. There’s no submission necessary and the award winners are selected by SIAC.

Maximum Impact Awards

The Maximum Impact Awards will recognize both new and recently introduced products in a wide variety of electronic security product and service categories. The deadline for entries is March 19, 2010. For more information see www.esxweb.com/mia or contact Shannon Murphy at 508-618-4224, smurphy@ae-ventures.com.

ESX provides an unmatched opportunity to honor those individuals who have really added value to our industry.  Join us this year in Pittsburgh to help congratulate the winners!

For more information bout 2010 ESX events and programming, please visit www.esxweb.com.

Have You Signed Up to 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, ESA and AIREF 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 is available at www.ESAweb.org.

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.

View the exciting Welcome to Pittsburgh 2010 video

Electronic Security Expo (ESX) – Where Leaders are Made

June 14 – 18

The Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success in 2009 and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Register Now!

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

Social media offers a unique opportunity for ESA to reach members, consumers and public safety officials like no other media before it. It is also a powerful way for members to reach members and other industry constituents.

To tap into this immense resource, ESA has established a working group on LinkedIn with more than 700 active members. Access to our LinkedIn group is limited to current ESA members and those who own, or are employed by, an electronic life safety, security and integrated systems company. We actively screen requests to join our group and only those that meet this specification are granted access. Members of our group can be assured that they won’t see a lot of spam posts from recruiters or others that are trying to solicit unwanted services.

ESA has also established a “Fan Page” on Facebook to access it’s more than 3 million members. This page is open to any and all who would like more information about the industry and the association. Fans of ESA can expect regular updates on important issues and events going on in the industry and with the association.

Become a fan of ESA today by participating in our online social media campaigns.

• Join our group on LinkedIn
• Become a fan of our page on Facebook

GEM Electronics was initially a USA manufacturer of standard coaxial connectors that evolved quickly into a problem solving institution after witnessing the connectorization problems that were persistent in the CCTV market. Their goal thus became one of solving these problems. GEM Electronics assists the installer in drastically reducing that unacceptable failure rate with a superior connector design, detailed assembly procedures and proper tooling. Today, GEM offers a full line of very cost effective connectors, baluns, IP converters and cameras. Visit www.gemelec.com for more on their products.

_

Secura Key has been a leading access control manufacturer for more than 38 years, offering contactless smart card, proximity and RFID technologies, standalone access control units and complete systems controlling up to 200 doors. Secura Key located in Chatsworth CA, has complete in-house engineering, design, card manufacturing and printing capabilities. For more information on Secura Key’s products and services, visit www.securakey.com or call (818) 882-0020.

_

2GIG Technologies manufactures the most technologically advanced residential security and home management solutions in the industry. Formed in 2007 by former Honeywell Security veterans Lance Dean and Scott Simon, 2GIG Technologies is a member of the Z-Wave Alliance, which enables 2GIG to provide customers with one of the most innovative and interactive home security platforms on the market. In addition, the company’s partnership with T-Mobile’s USA M2M division provides a robust wireless infrastructure for its security suite of products. 2GIG Technologies is committed to providing consumers with the flexibility and cost-effective technology necessary to manage their home automation and security functions from the panel’s LCD touch-screen display, the Internet, or their PDA (Internet and PDA functionality via alarm.com). For more information on their products and services, visit www.2gig.com or call (801) 221-9162.

_

SecurityTronix, a division of North American Cable Equipment, Inc., (NACE) is a national, specialty manufacturer and distributor of electronics and installation products to the Security, CATV and Satellite TV industries. Leveraging its reputation as a successful and innovative products company, NACE introduced the SecurityTronix brand of cable, connectors, tools, CCTV cameras, DVR’s and monitors to the Security industry. With three warehouses and sales offices throughout the United States, NACE offers quality security products and expertise at highly competitive prices. For more information, visit www.northamericancable.com or www.securitytronix.com.

Generous discounts on business-critical training is a very popular member benefit! Check out the listing of upcoming NTS courses to see what training is coming to your area.

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

• 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 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)

• March 25 – 26 – Montgomery, AL

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (VST)

• 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

• March 13 – 14 – Kenner, LA
• March 23 – 24 – Ft. Walton, FL

NEW COURSES:

LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE & WORKSHOP

• March 24 – Birmingham, AL

NON-TECHNICAL COURSES:

UNDERSTANDING ALARM SYSTEMS

• March 17 – Birmingham, AL

If only everything in life were this simple. With Bank of America’s WorldPoints rewards program, you earn one point for every dollar in net retail purchases you make using the credit card without complications or hassles. Then, easily redeem your points online or by phone.

Enjoy the flexibility of one of the industry’s most robust rewards programs. Use your points to get cash back for: travel on any major U.S. airline with no blackout dates, brand-name merchandise, and gift cards or unique experiential rewards.

Make life easy and earn points faster. Set up your monthly bills to charge to your WorldPoints credit card and use your credit card to pay for everyday purchases. Let your MyConcierge do the work for you. Shop online through the WorldPoints Mall. For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits of this credit card program, call (866) 438-6262.

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.

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.

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.