SIA, ESA Support Tax Withholding Repeal
CSAA Annual Meeting Facilitates Communications
CPI’s Darryl Parker Joins IQ Board
Security Networks Enters Puerto Rico
Napolitano & Roth Honored at Security Week Gala
Honeywell Adds Two Authorized Dealers
Winsted Launches Custom Division
Electric Guard Dog Named to Inc.’s 2011 500/5000 List
SIA Speaks Out Against Ethics Ruling
CSAA Names New President, Stanley C. Lott Award Winner
Data Management Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Mobotix National Partner Conference Gathers America’s Resellers
C.O.P.S. to Open Fifth Central
In 2010, there were an estimated 2,159,878 burglaries — a decrease of 2.0 percent when compared with 2009 data, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigation in its “Uniform Crime Reports: Crime in the United States 2010,” released in September of this year. It’s just one data point of many that comprise a trend of diminishing crime in general.
Crime is one of the top three factors that significantly affect sales of security systems, according to security dealers who participated in SDM’s soon-to-be-released 2012 Industry Forecast Study. Crime and security go hand-in-hand: Higher crime rates spur sales of security systems, dealers believe. Lower crime rates, among other factors, likely are attributable to greater adoption and usage of security systems.
The positive correlation between crime and security is supported by a comprehensive study of five years of statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice in Newark, N.J., funded by the Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation. The study found that residential burglar alarm systems do deter crime. (To read the full report, visit www.airef.org.)
In the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The UCR Program defines “burglary” as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. The “burglary” category is most relevant to the work done by SDM’s readers.
Other findings by “Uniform CrimeReports: Crime in the United States 2010”:
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By Laura E. Stepanek, Editor.
SIA, ESA Support Tax Withholding Repeal
On November 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 674 to repeal the “Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005,” legislation that imposed burdensome new requirements on government vendors and agencies. Passage of H.R. 674 represents a major legislative victory for both the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA).
Section 511 of the 2005 bill created a sweeping requirement mandating federal, state and local government agencies to withhold three percent of all payments for goods and services, starting in 2011. This withholding requirement would have dramatically increased administrative costs and information reporting for vendors and their agency customers.
CSAA Annual Meeting Facilitates Communications
Once a year, the forces of government that most affect our industry converge — and you are invited to attend. The leadership of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Sheriffs Association (NSA), International Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA), and Association of Public-Safety Communications Officers (APCO) come together at the CSAA annual meeting to work with the security industry on areas of concern. Panel discussions and individual presentations by these leaders highlight the annual meeting. This year these groups met in Venice, enjoying the history, sights and food of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In addition to the business meetings, there were organized tours and receptions scheduled where anybody attending could meet and mingle with the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
The focus of attention this year was undoubtedly the ASAP project spearheaded by outgoing CSAA president, Ed Bonifas. ASAP stands for the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol that creates an electronic link between the central station and the PSAP/911 center so that the monitoring station can send alarm data directly to the dispatcher and eliminate the traditional three minute phone call between the central station operator and the 911 call-taker. From the podium, the AHJs were unanimous in their approval of this new electronic link between the security industry and the 911 center or pubic safety answering point (PSAP). They viewed this new electronic data link as a crucial step forward to work together improving public safety.
Another highlight was a report on the revitalized Insurance Liaison Committee given by Ed Bonifas. After years of decay, video alarms and priority response have begun to revolutionize the historical partnership between the insurance/security industries — by delivering arrests and controlling loss for insurers. Today’s insurers believe that strong security/law enforcement relationships built on new technologies have tangible value in controlling loss. In fact, NSA President Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, mentioned Videofied three times during his conference presentation, explaining that video alarm systems certainly help law enforcement be more effective in an era of shrinking budgets. Phase two of ASAP will build upon this momentum and deliver streaming video to first responders.
A third point in the AHJ discussions focused on mutual goals in the current round of the NFPA 72 fire standard modifications. Both the security industry and the fire chiefs are pushing NFPA to adopt the benefits of improved technologies and communications, but the NFPA review process has stymied much of the requested evolution. Both parties believe that the NFPA 72 standard simply doesn’t reflect the current state of the art. Together, the IAFC and the CSAA announced the launch of a jointly funded study designed to provide the hard data needed to move the standard forward.
CSAA presented the 2011 Stanley Lott Award to Pam Petrow for her years of work developing ASAP. The annual meeting culminated with a black-tie dinner and Robert Bean, of Alert Alarm of Hawaii, taking the gavel from Ed Bonifas as the next CSAA president. To read more about the Stanley Lott award and Bean’s appointment see “CSAA Names New President, Stanley C. Lott Award Winner” on page 28. — By Keith Jentoft.
The Security Industry Association (SIA), Alexandria, Va., announced the appointment of its next chief executive officer (CEO). SIA Government Relations Director Don Erickson was named CEO at the annual board of directors meeting on Tuesday.
“After an extensive evaluation over the past several months, the SIA Board this week unanimously decided to select Don Erickson to lead this association,” said Gordon Hope, chairman of the board at the time of the announcement. “His dedication, impeccable reputation and track record of success at SIA played a large role in our ultimate decision.”
Erickson has served as director of government relations for SIA since February 2006. During this time, he worked closely with SIA’s leadership to build a robust government relations program for SIA members and serve as SIA’s chief advocate before Congress and other government agencies. As director of government relations, Erickson was responsible for successfully implementing key SIA public policy initiatives such as the enactment of legislation creating the GSA Schedule 84 Cooperative Purchasing Program, as well as legislation signed by President Obama in January that provides SIA member manufacturers with an exemption from certain onerous Department of Energy efficiency requirements. Erickson serves as SIA’s representative to the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Services Sector Advisory Committee and the TWIC Stakeholder Communications Committee.
“I am honored to have been selected by the SIA Board of Directors to serve as our association’s CEO,” Erickson said. ”I look forward to working closely with the board and SIA staff to strengthen SIA’s value to our membership. I share the board’s commitment to working together to help SIA become a greater resource for our members.”
When GVI Security closed its doors in August, the most likely outcome was its integrated network video recorder, razberi™, was gone for good. The original inventor, industry veteran Tom Galvin, however, purchased the technology and intellectual property and will be returning an enhanced version of the product line to production. The new company is called Razberi Technologies and has already opened its doors in Carrollton, Texas near Dallas. Its website is now live at www.razberi.net.
“We are really pleased to be able to return the razberi™ to production” said Galvin. “The idea of combining a network video recorder, a PoE switch, storage, and video management software into one easy-to-use and install appliance got a lot of industry attention.”
The new company will focus on IP video technology, an enhanced line of line of razberi™ recorders and IP cameras. Shipment from new production will begin in the next few weeks, and orders are currently being accepted. The company will provide help desk support for its new products, as well as the legacy razberi™ recorders and autoIP™ cameras previously sold by GVI.
CPI’s Darryl Parker Joins IQ Board
CPI Security System’s Darryl Parker was chosen by the IQ Certification Board to fill out the remainder of the term of Michael Allen who resigned.
Parker, the quality control director for CPI Security and the IQ compliance officer, has been with the company for close to 15 years. With a very hands-on approach to his work, Parker’s duties involve overseeing the quality of both commercial and residential installations and investigating the security systems of current customers who have had break-ins to make sure all is working correctly.
With CPI Security Systems being the official security provider of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bob Cats and the Atlanta Braves sports teams, Parker is instrumental in assisting players and coaches, as well as front office staff with all their security needs. In addition, he also works alongside the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in efforts to enhance their ability to secure and monitor as many as 50 separate facilities through the Charlotte Metro area.
Darryl was also instrumental in implementing a program where CPI has donated an elaborate security system as well as a large CCTV system to enhance the level of security for the residents of a battered women’s shelter. He further supports the cause by donating to their many charities.
“Darryl’s commitment to the IQ Certification standards along with his work with law enforcement and charitable endeavors will be an asset to the board and our goals for the future,” stated Tim Creenan, IQ chairman and owner of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Amherst Alarm.
Security Networks Enters Puerto Rico
Security Networks, West Palm Beach, Fla., expanded its footprint into Puerto Rico, partnering with Alarm Zone, doing business as Island Security. With this partnership Island Security will market and install Security Networks products and services while Security Networks will assume the monitoring and warranty service on the accounts.
“We researched several traditional dealer programs and chose Security Networks because of its commitment to grow as a partnership,” said Waldemar Vazquez, president of Island Security.
“We are proud to have them representing our company and our services as a member of the Security Networks team.” said Gary Franklyn, Security Networks’ vice president of business development.
Napolitano & Roth Honored at Security Week Gala
The Security Week Gala hosted by the Security Industry Association and the InterPort Police, took place Nov. 2, 2011 at The Lighthouse in Chelsea Piers, New York City. Members of the security industry came together to honor two distinguished leaders.
Janet Napolitano, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, was the fifth recipient of the Fred V. Morrone Memorial 9/11 Award. She said, “[There is] an inextricable link we all share in this room. We cannot succeed without the partnerships present in this room. And we cannot succeed without the motivation that episodes and attacks like 9/11 give to us. We have made extraordinary progress in the decade since 9/11. But our motto is never to forget. Never to forget the awfulness of that day here in New York, in Washington, in Shakesville and across the United States. Never forget the individuals and the heroism of leaders like Fred Morrone. And never to forget our commitment to keep this country safe and secure. As I take this award home, I’m going to accept it on behalf of the 240,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security.”
Steve Roth, chief executive officer of Tri-Ed/Northern Video, received the George R. Lippert Memorial Award from last year’s winner, Leo Guthart. Roth began by saying, “As one of the few people in the room who knew George Lippert, receiving the award brings back memories of George and also of my earlier days in the industry.” Roth noted his greatest fortune was working with talented people and described his experiences in developing ADI in the early ‘80s. “We didn’t invent the distribution concept. But we had a very strong focus on one ideal, which was to make it better. And I think I can say that intellectually we did, but at the same time we took it from a small endeavor to quite the powerhouse.”
Honeywell Adds Two Authorized Dealers
Honeywell, Melville, N.Y., welcomed Western Star Security, Lubbock, Texas, and Orion Security Solutions, Oklahoma City, as Honeywell Authorized Dealers for Commercial Security Systems (CSS). The program will provide design, installation and support services for the integrators.
Western Star provides monitored alarm systems, video surveillance, access control and security guards to businesses across a 25-county area of west Texas.
Under the father-son management team of Delton and Dane Daniel, locally owned and operated Western Star Security offers services such as flexible-length alarm contracts, optional first response services from trained security guards, and video surveillance systems with remote Internet and smartphone access.
“Security systems evolved greatly over the years with customer needs and lifestyles, and Honeywell has been a key player in this technological evolution,” said Delton Daniel, co-founder of Western Star Security. “Businesses have grown to trust us over the years because we’ve created security solutions to fit their individual needs, and being able to rely on Honeywell’s expertise and extensive portfolio will help us continue to do that by staying ahead of the technology curve.”
Orion works with private and commercial companies, along with government agencies to provide a range of security solutions, including video surveillance, intrusion detection, access control, GPS tracking, perimeter defense, structured cabling and monitoring services.
Orion is a privately owned company supported by a leadership team with global security experience. Its team of experts — led by former U.S. Department of State security official Sean Crain — has designed, integrated and maintained security systems for U.S. embassies, U.S. consulates, and other government and military facilities. Some of the firm’s customers include correctional centers, casinos, banks, churches, manufacturing facilities, oil refineries and educational institutions.
“We pride ourselves in developing and maintaining quality relationships with our clients,” Crain said. “Becoming an authorized Honeywell dealer expands our product portfolio and gives us more options to meet our customers’ security needs, while also strengthening our ability to keep our customers aware of new technologies and industry trends.”
For information, visit www.westernstarsecurity.com, www.orionsecuritysolutions.com and www.security.honeywell.com.
Winsted Launches Custom Division
Winsted Corporation, Minneapolis, expanded its custom console capabilities with the launch of a new division. Winsted Custom Wood will focus on manufacturing custom cabinetry and millwork for control room installations.
“Winsted formed the new division to help fulfill an increasing demand for custom millwork and custom wood cabinetry in the ever-expanding control room market,” said Randy Smith, president of Winsted Corporation. For information, visit www.winsted.com.
Electric Guard Dog Named to Inc.’s 2011 500/5000 List
Electric Guard Dog, Columbia, S.C., a theft deterrent service, was named to the 2011 Inc. 500/5000 list of America’s fastest growing private companies.
The Inc. recognition arrives on the heels of Electric Guard Dog’s impressive cache of recent accolades, including ranking in the SDM 100, a report on the top 100 security companies in the United States, as well as South Carolina’s Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies in 2010.
By Inc.’s independent evaluation process, Electric Guard Dog has enjoyed a 63 percent growth spurt over the last three years, despite the recession.
Chief Executive Officer Jack De Mao credited Electric Guard Dog’s safe and effective products and services and intuitive pricing model for the company’s growth. “In these tough economic times, customers in all our markets are coming to realize they need to make investments to lower overall security costs and simultaneously stop break-ins.”
DeMao continued, “We’re honored to be included in Inc.’s list. But our most important ranking comes from our customers, who have dubbed us the No. 1 theft deterrent in the United States.”
Electric Guard Dog is a security partner for more than 3,000 commercial and industrial locations across the nation, protecting businesses, providing a safer work environment for employees and reducing total security costs.
Inc. introduced the 500 List of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States in 1982 and expanded to the 500/5000 List in 2007.
SIA Speaks Out Against Ethics Ruling
In a letter to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), the Security Industry Association (SIA), Alexandria, Va., expressed opposition to the proposed OGE amendment limiting gifts from registered lobbyists and lobbying organizations. SIA believes the rule as written will severely limit the ability of federal government employees to participate in certain educational programs that meet the mission of their agencies.
As a provider of such educational programming to federal government employees and industry attendees at SIA conferences and trade shows, SIA is directly impacted by this proceeding.
In its proposed rule, the OGE recognizes that federal government employees should be able to accept offers of free attendance to ‘substantive events that would provide a legitimate educational or professional development benefit that furthers the interests of an agency.’ However, this exception to the rule does not include trade associations.
“The exclusion of trade associations from that exception discriminates against SIA and a considerable number of trade associations that serve a critical role in virtually every industry,” said SIA’s new chief executive officer, Don Erickson. “... Though SIA and many other trade associations may engage in lobbying activities, SIA educational programming is not a lobbying tool or technique.”
SIA’s educational policies closely align with those established by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).
“We respectfully urge the OGE to rely on the widely-recognized technical expertise of entities like ASTD before proposing requirements that could have far-reaching consequences for government employees and those they serve,” Erickson said.
CSAA Names New President, Stanley C. Lott Award Winner
Bob Bean, vice chairman and director of Alert Alarm of Hawaii, was named president of CSAA during its annual meeting. Bean, who takes the helm from Ed Bonifas, vice president of Alarm Detection Systems, is the 31st central station monitoring professional to hold this position. He will serve in this capacity for the next two years.
“CSAA is delighted to welcome Bob Bean as the new association president,” said CSAA executive vice president Steve Doyle. “Alert Alarm is the largest alarm company in Hawaii, and Bob has hosted many annual meetings over the years. His experience on the board and executive committee will serve CSAA well during this time of considerable challenges from the AHJ community, and as the industry adapts to the ASAP program and the myriad of other technical and educational challenges.”
“His long service to this industry and to CSAA will ensure a steady hand at the helm for years to come,” noted Doyle.
Pam Petrow, president of Vector Security and second vice president of CSAA, received the association’s top honor — the Stanley C. Lott Award.
“Pam has been a tireless supporter of CSAA,” said CSAA immediate past president Ed Bonifas. “She contributed much as a leader on CSAA’s education, and marketing and communications committees. But most notably, she has been instrumental in developing, testing and implementing the program with APCO that we now call the ASAP project.”
He added, “In fact, in 2009, she was presented with APCO’s highest honor — its President’s Award — the first person outside of the 911 community to win this award.”
Presented to Petrow during CSAA’s Annual Meeting, this award was created to honor the memory of Stanley C. Lott, who served as the president of CSAA from 1985-1987, and who died on March 5, 1989 at the age of 46. Lott was a dedicated leader and a past president of CSAA. In his honor, this CSAA award is presented in highest recognition of a person’s exemplary leadership and support.
Data Management Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Data Management Inc., Farmington, Conn., a privately owned manufacturer of proprietary printed products, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year by honoring the values of its founder, the late Robert T. Hincks.
“He was a good man,” said his widow, Polly Hincks — with emphasis on “good” — to the nearly sixty employees, relatives, and friends gathered at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro in Norfolk, Conn., for dinner, memories and fun. “He was smart, creative and hard-working,” Hincks continued. “But what really set him apart was how well he treated his employees. It didn’t matter what your job was, Bob took the time to know you personally and ask about your life.”
This laid the foundation for the company’s open, family-like culture, and its practice is encouraged by its current chief executive officer, Daniel A. Hincks, the third of Polly and Bob Hincks’ four children. “We spend the best hours of our day at work,” Daniel Hincks reminded the crowd. “So we make it a point to love what we do and who we do it with. Over the years that has made a heck of a difference in our ability to grow — as individuals and as a company — and stay successful.”
Data Management president Brian D. Gallagher expressed his appreciation for the opportunities such a nurturing environment affords. “I look around,” he said, “and I don’t see anybody who isn’t totally invested in the financial and emotional health of the Data Management family. That is awesome!”
The festivities included a trivia contest run by chief financial officer Robin Fuhrman and marketing manager Mary Ann Clerkin, the party organizers. One of the questions: What is the median number of years of service for all current DMI employees? The answer: 8.4 years.
Data Management began in 1961 with the introduction of a simplified, high-quality bookkeeping system. The company grew by developing other product lines — business checks, medical forms and gift certificates — and most recently entered the global marketplace with badges for affordable visitor management.
Mobotix National Partner Conference Gathers America’s Resellers
MOBOTIX, a provider of high-resolution, network-based security solutions, held its West Coast National Partner Conference from Sept. 25-27, 2011, in Seattle. More than 200 resellers, integrators, technology partners and customers were provided with insight into the new MOBOTIX Global Partner Program and technical innovations, and had opportunity to network with the global MOBOTIX team and aligned technology partners.
The first day of the conference included management reports from top MOBOTIX executives, technology discussions and partner presentations, while the second day included focused training seminars. Throughout both days, technology partners, including Accu-com, ExUS Technologies, Firetide, Fluidmesh, ISS, Pivot3, Raytec, Sloan Security, Timesight and Qourvus Wireless, introduced their latest solutions to the MOBOTIX community.
“The MOBOTIX National Partner Conferences are critical to maximizing our relationships with our valued resellers,” said Steve Gorski, general manager, Americas, MOBOTIX. “These events are designed to provide partners with insight on how to best leverage the strength of the MOBOTIX product suite to secure projects and increase business.”
Dr. Magnus Ekerot, chief executive officer of MOBOTIX Corp., opened the conference with a discussion focused on how MOBOTIX will employ strategic initiatives to continue its high levels of growth and touched upon future technical innovations. During another presentation, he unveiled details of the MOBOTIX Global Partner Program, which is designed to maximize opportunities and revenue growth for authorized partners. In the second part of the day, partners presented details about successful installations at the San Diego Coaster, the newly opened Shore Hotel and the Municipality of Anchorage Bus Terminal.
Awards for 2011 outstanding performance and collaboration with MOBOTIX, also announced during the event, are:
• Newcomer of the Year — CSI Electrical Contractors
• Project of the Year — DirectTV by Tech Systems
• Partner of the Year — TecPro
• Growth Strategy of the Year — Niscayah
“We are honored to be recognized by MOBOTIX for our efforts in promoting and selling the MOBOTIX product suite over the past year,” said Dan Kozich, senior security solutions engineer, CSI Electrical Contractors. For information, visit www.mobotix.us.
C.O.P.S. to Open Fifth Central
C.O.P.S. Monitoring, a wholesale alarm monitoring company headquartered in Williamstown, N.J., announced Dallas, Texas as the home of its fifth “hometown” central station. The new 8,000 square foot facility, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012, will actively share the company’s alarm traffic with its four other networked central stations located in N.J., Fla., Ariz., and Tenn.
“We’re always enthusiastic to open new central stations to serve our alarm dealers, especially in a time when everything around us seems to be downsizing,” stated Jim McMullen, president and chief operating officer of C.O.P.S. Monitoring. “Our Texas facility will allow us to connect better with our dealers in this unique region. In addition, each new hometown central station we open further strengthens our redundancy and the dependability of fast response times during difficult conditions.”
Napco introduced its new western regional vice president of sales, Kenny Stetz. Stetz has been a security professional for more than two decades and has a background in the industry working from Fla. to Texas, in security distribution, and as a top installation and operations manager for alarm companies marketing intrusion, fire, access control and CCTV and IP video. He is also NICET Level III and pursuing Level IV certification for Fire Alarm Systems. Stetz is shown (right) in action at NAPCO ISC Solutions Booth in November.
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The Electronic Security Alliance (ESA) moved to 6333 North State Highway 161, Suite 350, Irving, Texas, 75038. The new offices can be reached at (888) 447-1689. For information, visit www.esaweb.org.
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Security industry veteran Bradley J. Stephenson, Diebold’s vice president of security solutions since 2009, will retire in December after nearly 40 years in the security industry. Diebold is conducting a national search to identify a replacement for Stephenson. Kevin Engelhardt, vice president, security operations, was tapped by the company to serve as interim vice president, security solutions. Stephenson joined Diebold in 1973 served in a variety of senior management and technical positions, including general manager of physical security, card systems, fire services, Nexus Software and the original equipment manufacturer division.
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Alarm Express, Dallas, a distributor of security products and services opened two new offices just outside Fort Worth and in Corpus Christi in Texas. The additions expand Alarm Express’s footprint from its flagship customer center in Dallas, located at 11053 Ables Lane, just off I-35 East.
The two new offices are located at 7415 Whitehall Street, Suite 121, Richland Hills, Texas 76118; (817) 595.3434 or (817) 595.3737; and 5325 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78408; (361) 299-2929 or (361) 299-2121.
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Electric Guard Dog relocated its offices to Synergy Business Park located at 121 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, S.C., 29210.
