ESA of Florida (ESA-FL), the newest chartered chapter of the Electronic Security Association, held its inaugural convention and Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament on Monday, Feb. 18, at the Golden Bear Club in Windermere, Fla.

The convention started with the ESA-FL board of directors meeting, where the chapter’s leaders discussed new initiatives, planned strategies for reaching out to other groups as potential allies, and discussed development of training and education in the state.

Following the chapter board of directors meeting, members conducted their annual membership meeting and weighed in with their thoughts on the chapter’s development and ideas for future projects while receiving the latest updates from the board.

“We had a great turnout and participation for our convention, with a number of members sharing their goals for the chapter and positive feedback on the work that’s been done so far,” said Steve Paley, ESA-FL president. “We’re launching a number of new initiatives to provide value to security integrators in Florida, and we’re excited at the opportunity to help grow our chapter and our industry.”

Business was followed by fun, with the inaugural ESA-FL Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament. Members of ESA-FL and peers from throughout the security industry played 18 holes at the Golden Bear Club — a private Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course — to benefit the ESA-FL Youth Scholarship Program. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are children of active duty police officers and fire fighters, and the state winner will get an opportunity to compete at the national level in ESA’s Youth Scholarship Program.

Since its inception in 1996, ESA’s Youth Scholarship Program has awarded more than $300,000 through participating ESA chapters and through the national scholarship program. The program recognizes the work public safety officers do in protecting our communities and provides a way for us to thank our deserving public safety partners.

After a great day on the golf course, the players continued networking with one another at the Post Play Reception where the tournament prizes were given out. Following the conclusion of the tournament, members headed to the annual ESA Leadership Summit at Orlando’s Rosen Centre Hotel, which offered three valuable days of networking, education and vendor meetings.