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.

By now, you’ve no doubt taken a look at the new NTS e-newsletter, NTS News. We’re looking for companies to profile in NTS News each month and that company could be yours!

We want to feature companies that are advocates of training and go out of their way to support NTS courses.  If your company is an NTS supporter, don’t be shy!  Send us your contact information including your name, phone number and email address and we’ll get in touch with you.  We’re interested in your experiences with NTS.

If you know of companies that support NTS courses and are advocates of training, take a moment to send us their names and we’ll follow up.

Send your information to NTS@alarm.org.

Thank you so much!

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

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.

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

The alarm industry in New Jersey hit the jackpot this year as the New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NJBFAA) 2010 Symposium held in Atlantic City continued to grow strong, surpassing expectations and providing a well rounded convention filled with attendees, exhibitors, training, important guests and camaraderie.

Held January 27-29 at the Tropicana Hotel, the 2010 Symposium shattered attendance records with more than 600 people attending the training, Expo, and General Meeting.

With the August 2010 licensing deadline quickly approaching, the three-day event was built around training and license renewal. The association offered 21 training classes, for a total of 16 NJ-Approved CEUs, allowing many of the NJBFAA members to complete their training requirements.

Classes ranged from technology, legal and sales sessions and included courses such as Basic Alarms and Card Access, Electricity 101, Six Sigma for the Security Industry, Fire Alarm Inspection Test and Maintenance of Existing Systems, NFPA 72 – The National Fire Code, The Art of Buying and Selling an Alarm Company and Customer Needs Focused Selling. Classes were given by well-known industry veterans including Bob Shoremount, Eric Pritchard, Esq, Jeffrey Zwirn, John Drucker and Joe Russotto.

Outside of each training class, fingerprint biometric machines were placed to help streamline the state-required sign in process. This gave each member an opportunity to interface with technology that relates to the security industry and to add to their company’s offerings.

The Expo portion of the symposium also was increased dramatically. The 28,000 square foot expo floor area was over 4 times the size of the venue in 2009.  The floor was filled with 62 vendors, nine carving stations, and five open bar areas.   A total of $10,000 in door prizes was raffled to attendees.

The ESA (formally NBFAA) supported the NJ state association with representatives attending the Symposium.   On the tradeshow floor, ESA distributed important industry information, and spent some one-on-one time with the members.  They helped close the General Meeting with a reminder of all the benefits of belonging to ESA and the NJBFAA.

“We are truly proud of the dedication and collaboration of every member of our association who attended the Symposium and who helped in making it possible,” said Chris Mack, NJBFAA president. “I’d like to add a special thanks to ESA for their support, attendance and encouragement.”

The last day of the event included the NJBFAA General Meeting Session and Luncheon.  A new Board of Directors was elected, and prominent members of the Association were recognized.

Ira Hosid from I.R.A Security was voted Dealer of the Year, Joe Camarata from Mid-Atlantic Reps was chosen as Associate-Member of the year.  From the public sector, the NJBFAA recognized Chief John F. Lightbody of Ocean County, NJ and special guest, the Honorable Vincent Prieto was the recipient of the NJBFAA Distinguished Public Service Award. The final presentation honored Chris Mosley, past president and owner of Complete Security Systems with the President’s Award.

“The 2010 Symposium was well run and the training classes were top-notch,” said attendee Bill Chernack, owner of Alarms Plus of Flanders, NJ. “The association did a phenomenal job of putting on one of the most professional and well attended conventions I have been to. As an alarm company owner, I received more than I could have hoped for, especially being able to complete the licensing requirements.”

Following more than two years of determined effort, and overcoming steep opposition, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) is pleased to announce that the New York State Apprenticeship Council has approved the New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Associations application for a Unilateral Apprenticeship and Training program for the occupation of Protective Signal Installer (Fire Life Safety and Electronic Security Installer).

The approval of the apprenticeship program will guarantee New Yorkers working in the electronic security industry an opportunity to submit bids on construction work in New York. A series of new local ordinances requires companies to have an apprenticeship program, whether prevailing wage or not. Because of these ordinances large security and fire alarm jobs were previously beyond the industry’s reach.

ESA’s apprenticeship standards were federally approved in September 2006. Following federal approval, interested ESA Chartered Chapters are required to locally adopt these standards and file with the state agency for approval. The acceptance of the application gives NYBFAA member and non-member companies the ability to fill the void for qualified security and fire alarm technicians in New York and to provide structured, quality training to the industry at a reasonable cost.

“It took 28 months from application to approval but the ESA apprenticeship program was finally accepted,” said Ron Petrarca, former chair of ESA’s Apprenticeship Committee. “During our lengthy application process we watched and applauded the ESA Chartered Chapters Louisiana, Missouri and Nevada as they obtained their registered apprenticeship programs. Their success also reinforced our conviction that this was an important effort to the future of our industry and gave us the incentive to continue on with the job of securing a registered program in the state of New York.”

Michael A. Miller, president of the Electronic Security Association, said, “This is exciting news for NYBFAA. We want to commend Ron Petrarca who has worked so diligently on this apprenticeship program, along with members of the NYBFAA. We know, at the New York state level, that Ron has been the main driver of this effort and we truly appreciate all he has done.”

Training – it’s the key to luring new customers and retaining existing ones. Make sure your technicians are fully trained by offering them the opportunity to learn from the best instructors in the industry. NTS offers many training opportunities that your customers will be glad you took advantage of.

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.alarm.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.

ADVANCED BURGLAR ALARM TECHNICIAN

• Feb. 11 – 12 – Brookfield, WI

CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICIAN

• Feb. 11 – 13 – Jackson, MS
• Feb. 17 – 19 – Long Island, NY
• Feb. 26 – 28 – Bossier City, LA

ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL

• Feb. 26 – 27 – Jackson, MS

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS

• Feb. 18 – 19 – Birmingham, AL
• Feb. 20 – 21 – Monroe, LA
• Feb. 26 – 27 – Memphis, TN

LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE & WORKSHOP

• Feb. 20 – Mobile, AL

TROUBLE SHOOTING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

• Feb. 13 – 14 – Kenner, LA

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES

• Feb. 9 – 10 – Phoenix, AZ
• Feb. 10 – 11 – Charlotte, NC
• Feb. 13 – 14 – Knoxville, TN
• Feb. 16 – 17 – Baltimore, MD
• Feb. 17 – 18 – Atlanta, GA
• Feb. 17 – 18 – Dallas, TX
• Feb. 23 – 24 – Indianapolis, IN
• Feb. 24 – 25 – Erie, PA
• Feb. 24 – 25 – Seattle, WA

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.”

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.

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).

The road to certification, training and professionalism begins with NTS. Courses are offered nationwide in the classroom and online. Get your career path started in the right direction. Sign up for classes today!

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.alarm.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.

ADVANCED BURGLAR ALARM TECHNICIAN

• Feb. 11 – 12 – Brookfield, WI

CENTRAL STATION TRAINING

• Jan. 30 – Monroe, LA

CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICIAN

• Jan. 29 – 31 – Nashville, TN
• Feb. 11 – 13 – Jackson, MS
• Feb. 17 – 19 – Long Island, NY
• Feb. 26 – 28 – Bossier City, LA

ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL

• Jan. 28 – 29 – Birmingham, AL
• Feb. 26 – 27 – Jackson, MS

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS

• Feb. 3 – 5 – Long Island, NY
• Feb. 18 – 19 – Birmingham, AL
• Feb. 20 – 21 – Monroe, LA
• Feb. 26 – 27 – Memphis, TN

LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE & WORKSHOP

• Feb. 20 – Mobile, AL

TROUBLE SHOOTING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

• Jan. 30 – 31 – Lafayette, LA
• Feb. 13 – 14 – Kenner, LA

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES

• Feb. 2 – 3 – Los Angeles, CA
• Feb. 2 – 3 – New Orleans, LA
• Feb. 4 – 5 – Birmingham, AL
• Feb. 9 – 10 – Phoenix, AZ
• Feb. 10 – 11 – Charlotte, NC
• Feb. 13 – 14 – Knoxville, TN
• Feb. 16 – 17 – Baltimore, MD
• Feb. 17 – 18 – Atlanta, GA
• Feb. 17 – 18 – Dallas, TX
• Feb. 23 – 24 – Indianapolis, IN
• Feb. 24 – 25 – Erie, PA
• Feb. 24 – 25 – Seattle, WA

Tri-Ed COO Pat Comunale welcomes the Tri-Ed team to its Annual Sales Meeting.

Team Tri-Ed convened on Marco Island, Florida December 4th through 7th for its Annual North American Sales Meeting. With over 150 Tri-Ed staff and supplier partners participating, the weekend was a highly successful gathering for team-building and 2010 planning.

“Tri-Ed has an outstanding staff and tremendous partnerships with our suppliers,” says COO Pat Comunale. “I am so proud of their efforts and accomplishments. Our annual Sales Meeting is always a great opportunity for us all to come together as a team. As we look ahead to 2010 our cohesiveness and focus will give us tremendous momentum to execute again in the New Year.”

Tri-Ed President Steve Roth and COO Pat Comunale kicked off the meeting which included presentations by motivational speaker Gregg Baron and Olympic Gold Medalist Jeff Blatnick. Emmy-winner and Grammy-nominated drummer Tom McWilliams also inspired the crowd with an incredible guest performance.

The meeting featured regional breakout sessions, Olympic team-building activities with Tri-Ed employees and suppliers, and a Karaoke party complete with a Tri-Ed panel of judges. Many of Tri-Ed’s valued vendor partners supported the meeting with game show- themed training sessions, a tabletop expo, as well as event and entertainment sponsorships.

The weekend wrapped up with the annual Awards Dinner. Tri-Ed’s Boston branch took home the President’s Cup, and over 30 employees were honored with awards for their achievement.

Tri-Ed has served customers and the life safety security sector longer than any other distributor in the industry. As North America’s largest independent wholesale distributor of security and low voltage products, Tri-Ed offers superior customer service, same day shipping, flexible credit terms, online ordering, customer appreciation events and programs, technical systems support, and ongoing product training. For more information, visit www.tri-ed.com.

Tri-Ed is pleased to announce the expansion of its Northeast footprint with the opening of two more branch locations in the Washington, DC area and Long Island.

The new Metro-DC branch is set to open in January and will serve customers in the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Industry veterans Bob Farquhar will serve as Branch Manager, and Tonya Robinson-Hartline as Business Development Manager. The branch is located at 8245-E Backlick Road in Lorton, VA and can be reached at 703-339-2149.

The Plainview, New York branch is set to open in February and will be managed by Stratos Mitsopoulos. This branch will serve customers on Long Island and in the metropolitan New York area. It is located at 303 Sunnyside Blvd. Suite 50 in Plainview, NY and can be reached at 516-330-5575.

“Tri-Ed continues to grow and expand its U.S. footprint. We look forward to serving our new customers in both the Metro-D.C. and Long Island areas, and exceeding their expectations every day,” says Pat Comunale, COO.

Tri-Ed offers superior customer service, same day shipping, flexible credit terms, online ordering, customer appreciation events and programs, technical systems support, and ongoing product training. Tri-Ed has served customers and the life safety security sector longer than any other distributor in the industry. For more information, visit www.tri-ed.com

Affordable, accessible training is a huge benefit from ESA. Maximize your benefits by using the generous discounts available to your company.

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.alarm.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.

ADVANCED BURGLAR ALARM TECHICIAN

• Dec. 5 – 6 – Lafayette, LA
• Dec. 15 – 16 – Des Moines, IA

CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICIAN

• Dec. 2 – 4 – Orlando, FL
• Dec. 2 – 4 – Long Island, NY
• Dec. 3 – 5 – South Carolina
• Dec. 10 – 12 – Gulfport, MS
• Dec. 11 – 13 – Kenner, LA

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS

• Dec. 2 – 4 – Albany, NY
• Dec. 4 – 5 – Starkville, MS
• Dec. 17 – 18 – Des Moines, IA

TROUBLESHOOTING, SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

• Dec. 1 – 2 – Philadelphia, PA
• Dec. 2 – 3 – Atlanta, GA
• Dec. 8 – 9 – Indianapolis, IN
• Dec. 8 – 9 – Dallas, TX
• Dec. 15 – 16 – Baltimore, MD
• Dec. 15 – 16 – Boston, MA
• Dec. 15 – 16 – Chicago, IL