On Wednesday, May 18, the Illinois Electronic Security Association will host a meeting with the intent of defining how it operates as an association. It will take place at the Elk Grove Village Holiday Inn located at 1000 Busse Rd., Elk Grove Village.

To be preceded by a social hour from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, the dinner meeting will follow an "open-microphone" format so everyone in attendance can give their input on a variety of topics to help guide our industry in the months and years to come.

Some of the most pressing topics the association faces include:

• The ongoing issue of government alarm monitoring. According to several sources, the Illinois alarm industry can expect similar legislation to House Bill 1301 in the fall legislative session.
• Our licensure act sunsets in 2014. We must partner with the other trades impacted under our act and try to regain the protections of the original bill that have been chiseled away by the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• How the IESA develops and presents alarm-industry friendly legislation similar to Georgia's law.

Although these are just a few items that may be discussed, Illinois alarm dealers should plan speak their mind and give the executive board direction. The May meeting is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference, IESA said.

As we learned earlier this year, none of us can afford to stand on the sidelines any longer. Sign up today by contacting Kevin Lehan, executive director of IESA, at information@iesa.net.