ESA Honors Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year & Sara E. Jackson Award Winner at ESX
As chair of the Electronic Security Expo (ESX), there usually isn o;t much that happens at the annual event that George De Marco isn’t aware of well beforehand. But De Marco got quite a surprise Tuesday night when he received the 2013 Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award from the Electronic Security Association (ESA).
The award, which is named in honor of ESA’s president from 1950-51, was presented during ESA’s Summer Conference at ESX in Nashville, Tenn., as part of their ESA Celebrates award ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Sponsored by Honeywell, ESA’s exclusive Platinum Executive Strategic Partner, the award is selected by ESA’s president to recognize an association volunteer who has exhibited exception leadership skills on an ESA committee, task force or board.
When ESA president John Knox chose De Marco, he recognized not only his impact on ESA but on the entire industry.
"George is a leader in every situation, advising, counseling, contributing and working wherever he’s needed,” Knox told attendees. "His knowledge, experience, intelligent leadership and inclusive style make him the ‘go-to’ guy.”
As ESX chair, De Marco has become the face of ESX and is involved in virtually every aspect. But he also works behind the scenes at other events, including ESA’s Leadership Summit, and is also the chair of ESA’s Executive Strategic Partner program.
He has been active in the security industry since he founded The Greater Alarm Company in Irvine, Calif. in 1981. George sold the company in 2007 and since then has been a consultant and a trusted voice for the industry. He serves as a moderator or participant for industry panels on a regular basis, and also acts as an industry spokesman for media representatives on a wide range of issues.
His firm, DECO Ventures of Palm Springs, Calif. , helps companies achieve operational and market excellence by implementing business practices that encourage corporate growth.
The Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award is just the latest recognition of his dedication and passion. He has received a number of other accolades, including the 2007 ESA President’s Award and the CAA George A. Weinstock Award.
David Koenig, partner at Capital Fire & Security in Madison, Wis., received th3 2013 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award from the Electronic Security Association (ESA) on Tuesday during the ESA Celebrates award ceremony at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) and ESA Summer Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
ESA annually gives out its highest honor in recognition of outstanding achievement and ongoing efforts by an individual on behalf of the association. First presented in 1970, the award was initiated by the family of Morris F. Weinstock to honor the lifetime work of ESA’s co-founder and past president.
Koenig’s involvement in the industry dates back to 1981, as a central station dispatcher for Mid-Wisconsin Security. He has been involved in virtually every aspect of the industry at firms of all sizes, in roles ranging from sales and system installation to project management, budgeting, consulting and business operations.
Since becoming active with the association in 1985, Koenig served in a variety of leadership positions as an ESA volunteer. He currently serves as treasurer on ESA’s board of directors, and also plays major roles in ESA as assistant treasurer of the Political Action Committee and chair of the Budget/Audit Committee.
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Knox said Koenig’s dedication and distinguished performance on behalf of the industry, as well as his leadership roles in the association on both national and state levels, led to his selection.
“Dave has gone above and beyond the ‘normal’ duties of a volunteer to help this association,” said Knox. “The amount of hours he dedicates is indicative of his passion for, and belief in, this association and industry.”
The award is sponsored by Interlogix, which is ESA’s exclusive Diamond Executive Strategic Partner, and until this year had been announced at ESX. However, the honor was revealed for the first time last February in a surprise announcement at ESA’s Leadership Summit in Orlando, Fla. Tuesday’s fun-filled celebration at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum featured videos honoring Koenig, as well as formal recognition of Weinstock award winners from previous years.
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