Infinova, Monmouth Junction, N.J., appointed Nathan Needel as U.S. regional sales manager for Florida. He has more than 20 years experience in the security industry. Needel will be responsible for bringing fiber optic transmission, IP and analog-based video cameras, IP-based matrix switches and digital video recording solutions to corporate and government customers.

In other Infinova news, João Carlos Grosso was appointed as sales manager for Brazil. Grosso has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and the promoting of new products for the Brazilian market. His expertise includes project management in implementing security, access controls, intercoms and fiber optic video, audio and data equipment. Grosso will be responsible for helping establish, train and service new distributors while working with architects and engineers to promote Infinova’s brand.

The Associated General Contractors of America Partnering Award, known as the, “Marvin M. Black 2006 Excellence in Partnering” was presented to Dick Pacific Construction for its work on the U.S. Penitentiary and Federal Prison Camp project in Tucson, Ariz. Dick Pacific Construction partnered with EO Integrated Systems Inc. (EOISI) for its electronic security systems integrator team member. EOISI’s $4.3 million package featured several complex systems, including touchscreens, PLCs and CCTV. EOISI has collaborated with Dick Pacific Construction on several projects throughout the years. Currently EOISI is working with Dick Pacific Construction on the security electronics package (valued at $4.8 million) for the Mendota, Calif., Federal Prison project.
The award is named after the AGC’s 1991 president, Marvin M. Black. The awards are now presented annually to the construction projects that best epitomize the principles of partnering.

Visual Defence Inc. (VDI, Ontario, Canada), a solution provider of integrated IP communications and management systems to the security and defense markets, appointed Mathiew Bais as the chief executive officer of Visual Defence USA Inc. Bais will manage Visual Defence’s operations and projects in the United States. VDI’s American operations have expanded to include offices in Dallas, Atlanta and Phoenix.

Ron Belling, a sales and marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience, was named sales manager at American Alarm and Communications, Arlington, Mass. Belling will oversee all sales operations for American Alarm, both commercial and residential.

Niles Audio Corp., Miami, appointed Frank K. Sterns to president. Sterns will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s strategy and operations. The announcement comes after Niles’ 28th anniversary, and several months after Niles was acquired by Linear LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nortek Inc. A 14-year Niles veteran, Sterns most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Michelle Johnson joined Tri-Ed Distribution, Woodbury, N.Y. Johnson, who has served the Los Angeles security community for 17 years in various capacities, is the branch manager for Tri-Ed Distribution’s Garden Grove branch.