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In This Issue
NBFAA News
Shoot a Hole-in-One with Us in Vegas
NBFAA’s 2007 Spring Conference will kick off Sunday, March 25. Among the many meetings, training and networking events, NBFAA is giving members the opportunity to shoot a hole-in-one and giving them two choices in how they do it.
Members that enjoy the time-honored tradition and elegance a game of golf has to offer will enjoy the 4th Annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Without Guilt Tournament on Tuesday, March 27. Based on experience from the last three tournaments, everyone who signs up will have a relaxing and enjoyable day on one of Las Vegas’ premiere golf courses.
The Revere Golf Club (www.revergolf.com) is owned and managed by Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf course management. The Revere presents a blend of beauty and challenge unlike any other in Southern Nevada.
Members that want a little more BANG for their buck and enjoy the feeling and power of a recoiling shotgun as they blow a passing clay pigeon to kingdom come, will enjoy the First Annual Shootin’ Skeet event. This new event will be held Tuesday, March 27 at the Las Vegas Gun Club.
With 14 trap fields, two skeet fields, a 10 station sporting clays course and two wobble trap fields, as well as a stocked pro shop and restaurant and bar, the Las Vegas Gun Club is the premier shooting facility in Southern Nevada.
Both events will be followed by a post play cocktail reception and The Evening Event.
In addition to these worthwhile and fun events, members won’t want to miss out the many opportunities for industry-related training, seminars, discussions and networking during both the NBFAA meetings and ISC West.
For more information and to register for the event, visit www.alarm.org or call (888) 447-1689.
| THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | |||
Weinstock Award Level   |
Jackson Award Level   |
Golf Lunch  |
Golf Cart/Evening Bar  |
Post Play Cocktail  |
Prize Sponsor  |
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Skeet Lunch  |
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| ADDITIONAL SPONSORS: CASIA, Citizens Bank, DMP, HSI Fire Safety Group, SDM, Security Dealer, Sedona Office, SIC Consulting, SMNet, Sting Surveillance, USA Central Station, WA BFAA |
Driving Range  |
Putting Green  |
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Learn about Sponsorship Opportunities and sign up as a sponsor.
NBFAA Dues Tax Notice
As a 501c6, NBFAA is required each year to advise all members of the percentage of annual dues that is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution.
In very simplified terms, this percentage is based upon our lobbying activities. For 2007, this has been calculated at 15 percent. Should you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact Jorge Rivas at (888) 447-1689 x 207 or jorger@alarm.org.
Alarm History 101: The Jackson Family
 Stewart Jackson |
 Sara E. Jackson |
For many decades, this family made the Denver Burglar Alarm Company, Inc., one of the strongest and most innovative independent alarm operations in the nation. In 1915, a dental surgeon, Stewart Jackson, Sr., took ownership of the fledgling company, known then as Denver Fire Dispatch.
Stewart later became the second NBFAA president (1949-1950) and upon his death was succeeded by his wife, Sara E. Jackson (1950-1951). NBFAA later named an award in her honor, which is given each year to an NBFAA committee chair who has displayed outstanding leadership.
Sara and her son, J. Stewart Jackson, built the company into a state-of-the-are full-service monitoring and installation firm. It was one of the first to use ionization smoke detectors and ultrasonic sensors, and it patent-designed its own Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed, Grade AA multiplex security system. Security Distributing & Marketing magazine named the company Dealer of the Year in 1981.
Stewart Jackson was involved with the company on a full-time basis after graduating from the University of Colorado in 1962. He later sold the company in 1996.
In the mid-1960s, he and engineer Don Stroh formed the Fire Alert Company after inventing and patenting the world’s first self contained, UL-listed ionization smoke detector. The detector was used in the Apollo orbiting laboratories and in tens of thousands of other applications. They sold the company to Walter Kidde several years later.
A look at CCTV – A Complete Review
“CCTV - A Complete Review” is a 16-hour Web-based training program with downloadable course notes, online testing and certification, plus 3.2 Continuing Education Units.
The course is geared toward students with a basic-to-intermediate knowledge level of closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. Students typically are end users, installers/dealers, suppliers, technical and non technical people. Students are able to collaborate with other students through discussion forums and e-mail contact with instructors.
The course includes a look at cameras, lenses, CCTV accessories, and transmission systems, switching systems, monitors, recording systems and design/installation processes and applications.
The course is offered by NTS through STAM. Visit the Professional Development section of NBFAA’s Web site for more information and to enroll.
Take Advantage of the Multitude of Training Opportunities Available in 2007
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NTS offers opportunities online and in the classroom around the country for you and your technicians to receive world class training with a wide assortment of classes offered throughout the year. Complete course descriptions and schedules are available at www.alarm.org in the Professional Development section. Courses are listed by state and class type. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS. |
Please use the following numbers when contacting NTS:
Send any hard copy correspondence to NTS at the following address:
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Upcoming courses:
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
Feb. 8 – 9 – Louisville, Ky.
Feb. 10 – 11 – Kenner, La.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level I)
Feb. 6 – 8 – Albuquerque, N.M.
Feb. 9 – 11 – Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 13 – 15 – Little Rock, Ark.
Feb. 13 – 15 – Atlanta, Ga.
Feb. 14 – 16 – Elmsford, N.Y.
Feb. 23 – 25 – Bossier City, La.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Jan. 26 – 27 – Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 3 – 4 – Monroe, La.
Feb. 6 – 7 – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Feb. 16 – 17 – Memphis, Tenn.
Life Safety Code Workshop
Feb. 10 – Lafayette, La.
Networking 101
Feb. 6 – North Phoenix, Ariz.
Feb. 8 – Las Vegas, Nev.
Feb. 27 – Detroit, Mich.
Continuing Education
Feb. 1 – Nashville, Tenn. – Alarmnet 7845gsm (Honeywell), Understanding VoIP (AMG), Photoelectric Beams – False Alarm Free Detection (AMG)
Feb. 16 – Charleston, S.C. – NICET Test Prep
Feb. 20 – Los Angeles, Calif. – Business Focus
Feb. 22 – Phoenix, Ariz. – Business Focus
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Hope to See You in Vegas for Spring Time
Join NBFAA for the 2007 Spring Conference which kicks off on March 25 in fabulous Las Vegas. Members will have plenty of opportunities to network and discover more about their association at the many events planned including a member reception, a member general session\breakfast, Emerging Technology Forum, a day of golf and even skeet shooting.
In addition to NBFAA’s 2007 Spring Conference, Calendar Highlights includes other events members will want to take advantage of, including the NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill (May 1 – 2) and the NBFAA Business Focus: Indy 2007 (Jun. 14-15).
To have an event placed on the calendar please e-mail it to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include the date, time and location of the event and a short synopsis about the event.
Washington Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 2007 Meetings
Eastern Washington Chapter
Feb. 1, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Spokane Club
Three representatives from AOT PSC, the company that is assisting the Spokane Police Department with the administration of the false alarm program are going to be in Spokane and will be at this meeting to answer any questions or concerns you may have. This is an important meeting so don’t miss it.
Please RSVP to Stella McDonald at smspokane@sisna.com.
Micro Key Software Users Conference
Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2006
Sheraton Studio City Hotel
Orlando, Fla.
Micro Key Software will hold its 14th annual users conference at the Sheraton Studio City Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The conference, to be held Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, is focused on how to increase efficiency and profitability. Sessions will include training on the enhancements requested at previous conferences, revealing 2007 product plans, user forums, and much, much more. Although sessions are geared toward users of Micro Key’s software, any alarm dealer, central station manager or owner is welcome to attend.
New Jersey Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Annual Symposium
Feb. 1, 2007
East Windsor, N.J.
Annual Symposium for Dealers and Integrators
This one-day event features a small trade show, an awards ceremony recognizing NJBFAA members, education programs, networking and more.
Georgia Electronic Life Safety & Systems Association
Quarterly Meeting
Feb. 10, 2007
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
St. Simons Island, Ga.
Please join us for the quarterly meeting Saturday Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then join us for lunch from 1:30 to 3:00. We will be discussing some new events and some encouraging news about the combining of the Georgia Low Voltage Contractors Association and the Georgia Electronic Life Safety & Systems Association. This association is about you. We need your attendance and we need your input. Please set aside time to be there.
For those who want to join us Friday night for a night of socializing, we will be meeting in the banquet room from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. for a seafood buffet.
Those wishing to stay at the hotel must make their own room reservations. Room rates start at $129 per night. Hotel reservations can be made through the hotel’s Web site as www.kingandprince.com or by phone at (800) 342-0212. Download Flyer
2007 Spring Conference
Mar. 25 – 30, 2007
Las Vegas
Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
This five-day annual event to be held Mar. 25 -29 in Las Vegas, features a Leadership Symposium, which includes a Chapter Workshop, Member Reception, meetings and social events. Take advantage of networking opportunities with the NBFAA board of directors, leaders of many state associations, committee members, and members at large.
4th Annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Without Guilt Tournament & The Evening Event
Mar. 27, 2007
Las Vegas
Troon’s Revere Golf Club
The fourth annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Without Guilt Tournament will tee off on Mar. 27, 2007 the Tuesday before the start of the ISC West Expo. Participants are encouraged to relax and enjoy a day of golf at the Troon’s Revere Golf Club — voted best Las Vegas golf course. The tournament will be followed by The Evening Event, where the prestigious Morris F. Weinstock award and the Sara E. Jackson Award will be presented. An open bar reception will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Treasure Island’s Kahunaville.
NBFAA’s Shootin’ Skeet 2007
Mar. 27, 2007
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Gun Club
Golfing not really your thing? Want a little more bang for you buck. Well, join NBFAA at the first ever Shootin’ Skeet 2007. Watch future Member Updates for more information on this event as it becomes available or visit www.alarm.org.
2007 General Session\Breakfast
Mar. 29, 2007
Las Vegas
NBFAA will host a general member session and breakfast on Thursday, March 29 for current and prospective members. This is a free, first-come, first-serve event. To register go here.
2007 NBFAA Emerging Technology Forum
Mar. 29, 2007
Las Vegas
Following the general member session and breakfast, we will host the first-ever NBFAA Emerging Technology Forum. This new event will feature two keynote speakers; Jordan Serlin, president of Cenuco Wireless Division, and Robert Diamond, CEO and co-founder of Xanboo.
SIA's Fourth Annual Ride for Education
Mar. 31, 2007
Las Vegas, Nev.
The proceeds for this leisurely, guided motorcycle ride will benefit SIA's Education Grant Fund. Event registration includes 2007 SIA Ride for Education t-shirt, catered lunch and dinner. Registration fee: $45 per driver/$35 per rider. Visit www.siaonline.org to register. Download Flyer
NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
May 1-2, 2007
Washington D.C.
NBFAA Government Relations Committee is planning a spring 2007 Day on Capitol Hill May 1 and 2. This will be very helpful for our federal government relations initiatives and will allow us to address a variety of issues that will be “in play” at the beginning of 2007. We are planning a targeted, informative and worthwhile two days to serve as a model for an annual event. All members are encouraged to attend. For more information contact NBFAA at (888) 447-1689.
California Alarm Association
2007 Summer Convention
May 10-12, 2007
Palm Springs, Calif.
Hilton Palm Springs Resort
NTS Business Focus: Indy 2007
Jun. 14 – 15, 2007
Indianapolis
University Place Conference Center & Hotel
This two-day event which will be held June 14 and 15 in Indianapolis, in cooperation with our chartered state chapters, features business focused training courses designed to enhance business insight and management skills. Topics are designed specifically for company owners/executives, upper management and management. Training sessions will be complemented by a keynote/general session, a luncheon and a reception. The event will take place at the University Place Conference Center & Hotel situated on the Indiana University-Purdue University Campus.
2007 Fall Conference
Sep. 9 – 12, 2007
New York City
This four-day annual event, which will be held Sep. 9 – 12 in New York City, features a Leadership Symposium, which includes a Chapter Workshop, Member Reception, meetings and social events.
California Alarm Association
2007 Winter Convention
Dec. 6-8, 2007
San Francisco, Calif.
Crowne Plaza
Chapter News
Pennsylvania Chapter Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
The Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association’s (PBFAA) annual convention this year has been 25 years in the making. Scheduled to be held on June 20 and 21, the convention will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PBFAA.
“Twenty-five years is a milestone,” said PBFAA President Danette Tizkowski of Vector Security. “The Pennsylvania association has been successful the past 25 years due to the many great leaders we’ve had. After 25 years we’re still here and that’s a great tribute to our membership.”
The association will host a dinner cruise the first night on the Spirit of Philadelphia and will recognize all of the past presidents and past board members who, according to Executive Director Dale Eller, “helped us survive for 25 years.”
 PBFAA Past President Ralph Manento of Royal Security Services |
Playing on the theme of Monte Carlo, the convention will mix casino style gambling with exhibitors. Attendees will have opportunities to play casino games that will be scattered throughout the exhibit hall. At the end of the convention, the person that has won the most games will walk away with a 42-inch big screen television.
“The industry here has come a long way in the last 25 years. We’ve had our problems but we’re a very active state, our members are dedicated to bettering our industry and that’s why we’ve had such a great success here,” said PBFAA Past President Ralph Manento of Royal Security Services.
The convention will be held in Philadelphia, the nation’s first capital, at the Holiday Inn on Arch St. For registration information, please contact the PBFAA at (800) 458-8512.
The association is also planning on publishing a 25-year commemorative book, highlighting the past 25 years of the association and the industry in Pennsylvania. If PBFAA members have stories, news clippings or old photos, please contact the PBFAA to see about having them included in the book.
Member News
North American Video Named Honeywell’s Dealer of the Year
North American Video has been recognized by Honeywell Video Systems for outstanding performance in 2006 and is the recently announced recipient of Honeywell's Dealer of the Year Award.
 Cynthia Freschi, president of North American Video |
"It is an honor to receive this esteemed award as it reflects the growth and recognition we've achieved through our excellent relationship with Honeywell," said Cynthia Freschi, president of North American Video. "Our diverse range of clients present many different challenges in their requirements for security and surveillance systems and this Dealer of the Year Award acknowledges North American Video for understanding these unique challenges and utilizing the best technologies to address them." |
The Honeywell Video Systems Dealer of the Year Award recognizes dealers/integrators from around the globe for their outstanding performance and increased growth results, based on installation of Honeywell security products.
"We would like to congratulate North American Video, Inc. for being recognized as 2006 Dealer of the Year for Honeywell Video Systems," said Scott Harkins, vice president of Sales, Honeywell Systems Group. "North American Video is an important and respected player in the surveillance and security industry, and this award serves as an acknowledgement of their hard work and commitment to excellence. We are extremely pleased to have them as a partner and wish them continued success."
Tri-Ed Phoenix to Host Several Upcoming Training Events
As part of its ongoing commitment to training, Tri-Ed’s Phoenix and Garden Grove, Calif., branches will host several training seminars over the next few weeks.
At Tri-Ed’s Phoenix branch ICM Corp. will offer a free dealer install training on Tuesday, Feb. 6 from noon until 1 p.m. Learn all about their five divisions – Cable Pro, Cableready, F-Conn Industries, Powertronics and Home Integration Products – over lunch.
Eureka Central Vacuum will host a training seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from noon to 1. p.m. Enjoy free lunch and met with Eureka – Tri-Ed’s Great Expectations Vendor for February.
To register for any of these training events, please call (602) 470-9170. Tri-Ed’s Phoenix branch is located at 3725 E. Roeser Rd., Suite 15.
Tri-Ed’s Garden Grove, Calif., branch will provide free DSC training and complimentary lunch on Tuesday, Jan. 30. New DSC Poser Series training will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. DSC Maxsys training will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Register by fax to (714) 265-0303 or call Sofia at (800) 338-7433. Tri-Ed Garden Grove is located at 13831 Seaboard Circle.
DMP Hires Michelle Medina for Director Position
 Michelle Medina |
Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) of Springfield, Mo., has hired Michelle Medina as the Director of Market Development, Retail Solutions, Western U.S. Medina will assist DMP authorized dealers in providing retail security solutions for national and regional chain stores.
Medina has extensive and successful experience in sales and business management. For more than 10 years she has applied this expertise to the security industry, serving diverse national clients in the retail, commercial, and industrial sectors.
“DMP is excited to welcome Michelle. Her experience, knowledge, contacts, and reputation will strengthen our relationships with our dealers and equally will be a valuable link in their relationship with their customers and prospects within the industry as a whole,” said Gary Kallman, DMP vice president of sales.
Altronix Powers up New Web Site
Altronix Corporation has recently debuted its new Web site with added functions and a new look to complement the company’s branding strategy.
“Over the past year we have introduced several new products under a branding strategy designed to further differentiate ourselves in the market,” said Altronix President Alan Forman.
Along with livelier colors and dynamic graphics, the new Web site (www.altronix.com) features a convenient tool for customizing the Altronix Maxim Access Power Controllers. Easy to navigate, the new “Maxim Configurator” is designed to assist installers and system integrators select the models suitable for their requirements.
In addition, Altronix’s new Web site offers a helpful Tech Tools page with useful tips, application notes and a calculator for determining voltage drops, power requirements and battery requirements.
Member Benefit Spotlight
NBFAA Members Can Save on Car Rentals from Hertz
(888) 561-7263 |
NBFAA members can take advantage of special discounts available through the NBFAA/Hertz Member Savings program. Members are eligible to receive one car class upgrade, $10 off a weekly rental, $15 off a weekend rental and a free child seat on weekly rentals. Discount codes are needed to receive membership discount. Visit the Members Only section of NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org. To make a reservation, call (800) 654-2210, or visit www.hertz.com. Be sure to include the discount code when making your reservation. Members must also present their NBFAA Membership ID card or their Hertz discount card at the time of rental. Offers expire Dec. 31, 2007. |
Industry News You Can Use
Public Safety Officials and the Alarm Industry Work Together
Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt of a speech given by Detroit Chief of Police Ella M. Bully-Cummings during the 2006 Burglar and Fire Alarm Association of Michigan Fall Conference. A more detailed excerpt is featured in the 2006 Volume IV edition of Newsline.The speech can be viewed in its entirety in the Information Center of NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org.
There is no question that in today’s society there is a great need to protect our property and lives. As the American public continues to demand more security for themselves, their businesses and their homes by having a professionally installed and monitored electronic security system, the incidence of false alarm calls for service has created an undue burden on local public safety departments.
Faced with shrinking budgets and requests from their constituencies to do more with their already limited resources, many local agencies and governments have responded by enacting alarm ordinances.
A key component to achieving long-term reductions in false alarms is the partnership between the citizens of the community, alarm industry and the police department to conserve resources and best serve the community.
This is vitally important in a post 9-11 environment where new demands require a delicate balancing of law enforcement resources to ensure hometown and homeland security issues are effectively addressed. Results from studies initiated by the alarm industry indicate that multiple call verification (two or more calls prior to request for dispatch) significantly reduce dispatches to false alarm calls for service.
A resolution by the International Association of Chiefs of Police encourages all alarm companies to immediately implement multiple call verification procedures prior to law enforcement dispatch on all alarm signals. Additionally, the IACP urges your support of local jurisdictional efforts to adopt procedures and/or ordinances mandating multiple call verification procedures.
In addition, consideration must be given to eliminating response to abusers until corrective action is taken – this may well serve as a solution to both reduce the number of false alarm dispatches and curb the false alarm problem (by adding a provision to the ordinance that allows for restricted response after a certain number of false alarms).
The formation of our alarm management committee will assist us in finding resolution to the excessive number of false alarm calls that we respond to on a daily basis. Reducing false alarm calls will result in increased efficiency, which will allow us to focus more of our efforts on crime fighting and reduction, as well as increasing our response time to calls for service.
Survey: Seven out of Ten Americans Want to Monitor Their Home While Away
A staggering number of Americans (72 percent) say they would like the ability to monitor their home when they are gone – with the majority looking to use the technology for safety and security purposes, such as monitoring who is in the house and knowing when their children arrived home safely from school.
This is one of the findings from a nationwide survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by the Z-Wave Alliance, a consortium of companies dedicated to establishing Z-Wave as the standard in wireless home control, in collaboration with Kelton Research. The surve findings point to growing consumer demand for wireless home control applicatons such as remote home monitoring to reduce energy consumption, increase safety and generally enhance comfort and convenience.
The survey delivered some additional findings that further support the growing demand for wireless home control and monitoring solutions including:
- Nearly two out of five Americans find themselves wondering if they’ve left an appliance on or a door unlocked at least some of the time.
- More than half of all Americans would be able to relax on vacation if they were able to control things like their lights, home alarm system or appliances from anywhere in the world.
- Nearly half of all Americans would prefer to know more about who is in their home when they are not.
- Americans spend more than 24 hours every year turning off appliances and shutting down their homes before bed, which over the course of the average American lifespan is more than 77 days of their life.
- More than 1.5 million adult Americans worry that they are not as efficient as humanly possible when it comes to conserving energy by turning off lights, heat, air conditioning and other appliances.
- Parents are more than four times as likely to want the ability to remotely see if their children came home from school than to be able to remotely control their home security system.
False Alarms on Home-Security Systems Now Carry Bigger Fines in Austin
Austin homeowners will now face stiffer fines for false alarm on home-security systems. New Austin rules fine homeowners after three false alarms, not five.
:: Full Story
Three Minnesota Cities Say Fines Reduce False Alarms
As Minneapolis weighs a new registration fee and increase in false-alarm fees for private security systems, the experience of nearby cities might provide guidance.
:: Full Story
False Alarm Dispatches Reduced in Des Moines
Police in Des Moines, Iowa, received criticism when they convinced the city council to adopt an ordinance that limits their response to local burglar alarms. But new data shows the changes have greatly reduced false dispatches and, as a result, police resources have been re-allocated to address other community issues.
:: Full Story
False Alarm Calls Drop 20 Percent in S.C. City
Rock Hill’s crackdown on false burglar alarms appears to be paying off. Police are reporting a 20 percent drop in false calls since stiffer fines went into effect a year ago, thanks in large part to homeowners and businesses being more careful with their alarm systems.
:: Full Story
NBFAA and Members in the News
Recent Press Releases
Mike Horgan Appointed to SIAC Board
NBFAA has announced the appointment of Mike Horgan, Stevens Point, Wis., to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) board of directors.
:: Full story
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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