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.

Chief Harper to deliver speech at Expo’s Industry IceBreaker Luncheon

ESX officially welcomes Nathan Harper, Pittsburgh’s Chief of Police, as featured speaker of its Industry IceBreaker Luncheon. The luncheon, sponsored by Vector Security and Guardian Protection, will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Tuesday, Jun. 15 at 12:30pm.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity of speaking at this year’s ESX Industry Icebreaker Luncheon,” says Chief Harper. “I welcome the security professionals to the City of Pittsburgh and I look forward to strengthening the link between private security and law enforcement.”

Chief Harper is responsible for overall operations of the Bureau of Police, including formulation and control of the annual Bureau budget, development and dissemination of police directives to the Bureau, coordination of training regimens and fostering of communication among the various facets of the Police Bureau.

Harper, a 33-year-veteran of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, is devoted to his community. This lifetime advocate of public safety mentors youth and promotes unity through his participation in local community groups and faith-based organizations.

Harper has been the Chief of Police since his appointment by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl in October 2006. Prior to his appointment, Chief Harper served as Assistant Chief of Investigations, Assignment Chief of Administration and Commander of Narcotics where he was in charge of 97 Detectives responsible for investigations, wiretaps and vice investigations.  He worked closely with the FBI, Attorney General’s Office, DEA, State and County Police on joint investigations involving gangs, prostitution, and money laundering crimes.

During the luncheon, the Security Industry Alarm Coalition William N. Moody Award and the Police Dispatch Quality Award will be presented to this year’s winners.

ESX features nearly 50 seminars and an expo floor with 175 electronic security manufacturers and service providers. For more on the IceBreaker Luncheon and other ESX special events, click here.

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

Discover the benefits and value our associate members have to offer you and your business. We asked some of our newest associate members the following three questions:

1. What are some of the benefits that our members will gain from purchasing your products and/or using your services?
2. What do you want our members to know about your employees?
3. What does your best target prospect look like?

Check out their answers below.

GEM Electronics has evolved into a problem solving organization that has a standard line of products or will develop a new product to suit your specific application. Our guiding goal is always to provide a product that is cost and performance oriented thereby providing products that maximize the performance of the system install while meeting our clients’ cost objectives. Our employees have been with the organization for over 20 years. Our target market is all integrators in the CCTV market.

Secura Key offers very easy to install, user friendly, reliable access control products that are low maintenance with unconditional warranties.  A security dealer can easily expand their business with our access control products. We offer very easy to install, user friendly and reliable access control products that are low maintenance with unconditional warranties. A security dealer can easily expand their business with our access control products. Small integrators in the 10 to 200 door market and security dealers that want to add an additional product line to their offering.

2GIG Technologies can provide the most current security and home automation upgradeable applications for companies to offer their customers such as weather, alerts, and messaging right to their color touch screen panel. Our employees have many years of manufacturing experience in the security industry. Our best target market is the mid-tier residential security market.

Statistics show that on a dollar for dollar basis, promotional products are the most cost effective way to reach your customers and help them to associate your company name with your brands, products and services.  With more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry, BjM Promotions is able to provide creative and effective products to help companies promote their brand.  Our focus is on creating strong partnerships with our customers and gaining an understanding of their needs and goals, allowing us to become an extension of their company. We want to be there for all of our client’s to anticipate and meet all of their needs for everything from apparel to accessory items. BjM Promotions has been working with multiple Fire and Security companies for many years, providing them with all of their branded merchandise. This experience has allowed us to build our expertise on the type of products and ideas that provide the best results. We are constantly researching and finding new products and have packaged this for our clients on an easy to navigate website making finding the right product a breeze.  In addition to our online catalog we provide exceptional customer service with dedicated account managers who are not only able to find the right product, but also help with the best way to make use of those products. For example, using branded apparel products to allow your employees to present your brand in an attractive and consistent way or using promotional items to make your brand known, keep your name in front of existing clients and show appreciation for loyal customers and employees.  When working with BjM Promotions, you are supported by a dedicated team, rather than just one individual.  Our account managers understand the business and how important it is to give value in both the products they sell as well as the service they provide.  They are assisted by our entire team of enthusiastic people, dedicated to the success of every order from quoting to delivery, ensuring that we consistently exceed our client’s expectations.  We also have an outstanding in-house graphics department, able to help with all of your design needs making your brand look its best.  Our management team is involved every step of the way providing their 20 years of industry experience.  At BjM Promotions our success is in promoting you.

With three stocking warehouse and shipping locations (located in Pennsylvania, Missouri and Nevada) SecurityTronix, a division of North American Cable Equipment, Inc., has great national coverage and offer quick shipping and delivery of customer orders. Our sales people are not just order takers. They have weekly training sessions and are highly knowledgeable about products and systems. They are able to answer technical questions. Our target market is CCTV, and small and large integrators.

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.

More Opportunities to Gain Industry Credibility at Expo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Development and Management Track

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

Central Station Operations Track, sponsored by Sur-Gard

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

Installation Management Track

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

RMR Track

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

Sales and Marketing Track, sponsored by Videofied

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

Technology Track, sponsored by ADI

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

CEDIA Mini-Track

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

Young Security Professionals Mini-Track

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

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

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

Big Bashing and Club Crawling Mean Major Networking Opportunities at Expo

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

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

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

ESX Big Bash

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

ESX Crawl

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

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

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

The event will also feature a number of additional networking events, special tours, conferences and exhibits. For exhibiting information, please contact Shannon Murphy at 508-618-4224, smurphy@ae-ventures.com. Call 877-628-9558 or email info@ae-ventures.com for general inquiries.

Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting ESA events in 2010.

AIREF Golf Classic

March 23

Las Vegas, NV

You know you love it – the annual AIREF Golf Classic in Las Vegas. Make sure you’re there to take part in a day of world-class golfing with your industry colleagues and golf without guilt because you’ll be supporting a great cause! Register Now!

ESA Day on Capitol Hill

April 27 – 28

Washington, D.C.

The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers ESA members an opportunity to sit down with their elected officials and lobby for programs and initiatives to benefit the electronic security industry and their businesses.

ESA has once again received a negotiated rate from St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. Attendees can receive accommodations at $240 per night. Registration information will be available soon.

Participants attend this event at no charge thanks to support from our sponsors which this year include GE Security, Honeywell, Altronix, Diebold, and Security America RRG.

Looking forward: 2010 ESA Summer Conference

June 14 – 18

Pittsburgh, PA

The ESA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of ESA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 ESA Summer Conference. Learn more about Pittsburgh, click here.

Electronic Security Expo (ESX) – Where Leaders are Made

June 14 – 18

The Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Book your hotel rooms in advance to ensure discounted, convenient accommodations. Arrangements have been made with the following hotels:

• Renaissance – $129 per night
• Westin – $179 per night
• Omni – $179 per night

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

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

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.ESAWeb.org in the Education & Training section. Individuals in states where classes are not currently offered, and who are interested in receiving training, should contact NTS.

KEY COURSES

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

Available Online

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

TROUBLE SHOOTING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE (TSM)

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

ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL (EAC)

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

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (VST)

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

ADVANCED INTRUSION SYSTEMS (AIS)

Also known as Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician

Available Online

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

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS (FAIM)

Available Online

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

NEW COURSES

LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE & WORKSHOP

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

NON-TECHNICAL COURSES

UNDERSTANDING ALARM SYSTEMS

• March 17 – Birmingham, AL

WDT’s NOTUS Emergency and Weather Alerting Service offers the opportunity for security companies to enhance recurring monthly revenue (RMR) opportunities by connecting their customers to timely emergency weather and other safety alerts, when they need them the most. NOTUS is a white-label, brandable product, requiring no hardware or software to be installed by the security company.

The WDT system provides the following key benefits for security companies:

• A system that boosts customer retention and brand awareness
• A marketing platform that creates daily positive interactions with your customers
• A method to improve customer risk assessments with daily weather conditions and alerts
• A value-added service to increase loyalty and RMR with no hardware costs

As an approved Member Value Program Provider and Associate Member of ESA, WDT’s NOTUS alerting system offers security industry customers access to the widest array of weather, federal emergency watches, warnings and statements available in the market. With the NOTUS system, ESA members’ customers can be assured of maximum security and safety for themselves, their loved ones, and their most precious assets, the moment severe weather strikes or when other threats approach their immediate environment.

Members who sign up a minimum of 100 accounts for the NOTUS Emergency and Weather Alerting Forecast Service are eligible to offer the full NOTUS Premium package for a three-month period FREE OF CHARGE as an incentive for rapid new user adoption. This member discount applies to any new customers signing up for a period of three months.

In addition, members are offered a $250 discount on the setup of a special interactive weather map called iMap, which provides high quality weather data, including nationwide watches and warnings and interactive radar. With iMap you can see severe weather patterns real time, and track weather phenomena, right down to the street level.

For details on the NOTUS Premium Package and instructions on how to manage new member sign-ups for this discount system, please contact Frank Ryan at:

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

Are you taking advantage of these cost savings?  ESA provides you with money-saving opportunities as part of your membership. Go to the Web site often and check out the coupon savings and our member discount programs. If you’re not using these companies, you might be leaving money on the table.

Members, get your discount codes here.

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

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

Alarm Dealer of the Year

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

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

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

Associate Member of the Year

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

NJBFAA Frank Smith Memorial Award

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

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

NJBFAA Distinguished Public Service Award

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

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

President’s Award

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

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

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

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

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

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