Digital Watchdog is one of the industry’s leading developers and manufacturers of scalable digital video imaging, recording hardware and software solutions. Digital Watchdog Inc. is the North and South American product division of Kaltech Electronics Inc. which offers a wide variety of CCTV solutions internationally. Not only do we provide complete scalable surveillance solutions for small to enterprise commercial and industrial applications, our products are also designed to be integrated into existing, access control, HVAC, building management and intrusion detection systems. For more information on the products and services offered by Digital Watchdog, visit www.dwcc.tv or call (813) 888-9555.

OpenEye designs and manufactures a wide range of video security and surveillance products including digital video recorders, cameras, remote multi-site monitoring/management software, and network video management systems. OpenEye recorders can be configured to fit virtually any application and scaled from one system to hundreds. OpenEye truly offers customers an end-to-end solution. For more information on the products and services offered by OpenEye, visit www.openeye.net or call (888) 542-1103.

Hillcrest Davidson and Associates has been performing extraordinary third-party collection services for an extensive client base by specializing in the alarm industry. We are committed to dedicating our resources to deliver the best service to our clients including reinstate services, industry leading collection liquidation levels, and unmatched customer satisfaction.  HDA collects for every section of the alarm industry coast to coast.  If attrition is eating at your bottom line then call HDA today at 214-453-2913 or visit www.hillcrestdavidson.com.

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Add energy audits to the list of services your company offers. This year CEDIA is offering energy audit certification in partnership with the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the Home Energy Team Institute (HETI). CEDIA will offer an informational session on Saturday, September 25 for those interested in learning more about energy audits. In addition, HETI will be offering two RESNET certifications at CEDIA EXPO:  the Home Energy Survey Professional (HESP) Certification and the Qualified EnergySmart Contractor Certification.

RESNET is a standards-making organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the mortgage industry. Both RESNET certifications require the completion of an online course prior to arriving at CEDIA EXPO. For more information on the online course, visit www.homeenergyteaminstitute.com. Plus, as an added bonus, CEDIA members receive a special discount on training and certification. Contact CEDIA’s Erica Shonkwiler for more information. Stay tuned for more information on energy audits at www.cedia.org/sustainable_lifestyles.

Start Connecting with CEDIA EXPO Now

Start planning and connecting with what is happening at CEDIA EXPO before the show even begins, with the new Follow Me application. This app can connect you with CEDIA EXPO at the push of a button. Plan your schedule, review courses, and set up meetings. Continue using this app as the week progresses to view the interactive show schedule, floor maps and event schedules, and download e-brochures from manufacturers. The Follow Me app is available at www.cedia.org/expo.

Get the latest updates straight from the show floor, CEDIA has partnered with rAVe to bring you CEDIA EXPO On Demand. Join the rAVe staff as they blog and post videos and social media updates of the latest news from the tradeshow floor.  Check out the preview now at www.ravepubs.com/cediaexpo.

Don’t forget to connect with CEDIA using the social networks you already use. Follow CEDIA on Twitter @CEDIAnameric, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CEDIA.region2, or join the CEDIA group on LinkedIn, and stay connected with what is going on at EXPO.

And remember to stop by and see us!  The ESA booth is booth #4905 – we’ll look forward to seeing you!

H.R. 1796 provides new regulation for CO detectors

On Wednesday, July 28, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1796, the Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, a measure supported by the Electronic Security Association (ESA).  Working in coordination with other groups in the industry such as the Security Industry Association (SIA), the National Electronic Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), we were successful in shepherding the bill through every major hurdle in the House.

The bill directs the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission to publish a regulation “safety standard” (ANSI/UL 2034-2005) that not only takes effect within 180 days after it is published, but makes it “unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to import into or distribute” any carbon monoxide detector unless it complies with the standard including a labeling requirement.

Section 5 of the bill authorizes state grants by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Eligibility for the grants requires a state regulation or law requiring installation in accordance with NFPA 720 of approved carbon monoxide alarms in all commercial-residential dwelling units and all new dwelling unit construction. The grant funds may be used to train fire code enforcement officials on the installation of approved devices, training materials, instructors and educating the public.

The bill is now in the Senate where the Senate Commerce Committee is holding hearings on S. 1216, the Senate counterpart to H.R. 1796. ESA will continue to network with other organizations in the security industry to seek passage of this bill and get it signed into law.

Have you implemented management procedures that have made a difference for your company or that set an example for the industry?

If so, you could win a 2011 ESA Leadership Summit Best Practices Award.

Submit Your Application

Deadline: Friday, Dec. 3 2010

Celebrated at the Summit Banquet, the Best Practices Awards competition recognizes outstanding business processes in the custom electronics integration industry.

A panel of industry experts will name best practices in each of the following categories:

• Financial, Legal and Human Capital Management
• Recurring Revenue Management
• Growth Strategies
• Production Management (Design and Installation)
• Sales and Marketing Management

Winners will receive an award and a $500 cash prize. The winning entries will be featured in ESA publications, on the Summit website and in a panel presentation at the Summit. Additional practices of merit will receive print and online publication coverage. It’s easy to enter. Just submit the information requested in the attached document, identifying the practice category and describing the practice and the quantifiable results it has yielded in 200-400 words. The form includes details on what constitutes a quantifiable result and a list of business procedure examples to spark your thought process.

The deadline for entries is Dec. 3, 2010. The competition is open to ESA member companies only and there is no cost for entering.

Overall benefits:

• Stimulate business inquiries and new opportunities by earning valuable recognition from customers, suppliers and possible peer integrator allies as a company focused on excellence in operations
• Foster a culture of accomplishment and excellence within your company
• Contribute to the progress and professionalism of custom electronics integration industry

For an entry form, please email nfranco@ae-ventures.com.

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.

Member Update is getting a facelift!  Coming this October, you can look forward to an e-newsletter with a fresh new look, format and name! Delivered every week with the industry’s breaking news and information, you’ll love the expanded features and information.  Stay tuned!

Great Expectations, the security industry’s leading customer loyalty program, in its fifth year, is back and better than ever.

Thousands of customers have received millions of dollars in rewards for their Tri-Ed purchases. The new program has expanded to award Tri-Ed/Northern Video customers one point for every dollar spent & double points for featured supplier purchases! Points can be redeemed for brand-name merchandise rewards such as electronics, sporting & recreational items, jewelry, travel & leisure, etc.

Participating suppliers for 2010-2011 include: Aiphone, Altronix, Bosch, Clinton, Coleman Cable, Computar Ganz, Digimerge, Digital Watchdog, DSC, FireLite, GE, Hikvision, Kantech, Linear, OpenEye, Panasonic, Pelco, Samsung, Sony, and Speco Technologies.

“The Great Expectations program was designed to reward our loyal customers,” notes James Rothstein, Senior Vice President of Tri-Ed/Northern Video Distribution. “In the process, it’s also benefitted our suppliers and helped build their brands. It’s been an extremely successful program all around and we’re pleased to renew it for the fifth consecutive year.”

Any customers that wish to enroll can register through the Tri-Ed or Northern Video homepages.

Recently, the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection passed H.R. 1796, the Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act. Working in coordination with other groups in the industry such as SIA, NEMA and the Fire Marshalls, we were able to get this bill passed out of subcommittee and into the full House Energy and Commerce committee.

The bill directs the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission to publish a regulation “safety standard” (ANSI/UL 2034-2005) that not only takes effect within 180 days after it is published but makes it “unlawful for any manufacturer or distributor to import or distribute” any carbon monoxide detector unless it complies with the standard, including a labeling requirement.

The legislation does have implications for ESA members, especially since many state legislatures have or will consider mandates for installing carbon monoxide devices in residences. The bill authorizes state grants by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The eligibility for a state to receive grant funds would be the presence of a state regulation or law requiring installation in accordance with NFPA 720 of approved carbon monoxide alarms in all commercial residential dwelling units and all new dwelling unit construction. Funds from the grant would be used to train fire code enforcement officials on the installation of these approved devices, training materials, instructors and educating the public. Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush (D-IL) passed a “Managers Amendment” that included good changes to expand the authorized use of grant funds and including ANSI/UL 2075.

The Senate counterpart, S. 1216, is still pending in the Senate Commerce Committee. We will continue to network with other members of the industry to seek passage of this bill and will keep our members informed of its progress.