Laura Stepanek Articles

Visions for Security in the Year 2020

January 1, 2017

In just three short years, the year 2020 will be upon us — a year that is increasingly holding special significance for its connotation with 20-20 eyesight or symbolic “clarity of vision,” as well as the fact that many people, organizations and countries alike are reportedly setting lofty goals to achieve by 2020.

SDM 2017 Security Industry Forecast: Envisioning Change

Results of SDM’s 2017 Industry Forecast Study, coupled with the industry’s outlook for 2020, is optimistic and exciting.

Laura Stepanek

Meg Psiharis

January 1, 2017

If the word “change” isn’t part of your business plan this year, you’d better rethink it.

Welcome to 2017 — With 2020 in Sight

This future-focused issue of SDM mixes practical predictions with cutting-edge prognostications.

Laura Stepanek

January 1, 2017

On 12/12/12, I had minor knee surgery and I can recall thinking how fascinating it was to have a significant event happen to me on a day marked by triplet twelves. One doesn’t need to be a numerology hobbyist to appreciate a distinctive date on the calendar.

Illinois Electronic Security Association Votes in Favor of Splitting From ESA

Laura Stepanek

December 21, 2016

Member companies of the Illinois Electronic Security Association (IESA) voted yesterday to end their chartered chapter relationship with the Electronic Security Association (ESA) by a vote of 38 to 7 in favor of the split.

A Report Just for Security Companies

Laura Stepanek

December 1, 2016

There is a list for almost everything, anyplace in the world — and Canada is no exception. If you want to know about the best jobs Canada has to offer, you may turn to Canadian Business’ report, “Canada’s Best Jobs 2016: The Top 25 Jobs In Canada.”

IESA Begins Fight on Town-Wide Fire Alarm Monitoring

Facing what it calls a ‘revenue grab by communities,’ the IESA is planning to do battle with the Village of Schaumburg, Ill., which plans to monitor all fire alarm systems in the village.

Laura Stepanek

November 1, 2016

The Illinois Electronic Security Association (IESA) finds itself fighting yet another legislative battle in the monitoring arena and needs the help of every security dealer.

Q & A With Convergint’s Greg Taylor: It’s All About the Values & Beliefs

As Convergint Technologies expands into Eastern Canada, it does so under the imperatives of its core values.

Laura Stepanek

October 1, 2016

Schaumburg, Ill.-based Convergint Technologies has made several acquisitions in Canada recently, demonstrating its expansion geographically and in its scope of services.

A Place of Healing

Laura Stepanek

October 1, 2016

This past July a man entered the emergency room at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, Fla., proceeded to the third floor of the hospital, and shot and killed an 88-year-old patient and a 36-year-old hospital employee, apparently in a random act of violence.

Most Popular Brands Among Top Systems Integrators

Which suppliers do the largest systems integrators use? This Top Systems Integrators brand-usage report lists the top manufacturers and distributors that earn the business of the largest systems integrators in the physical security channel.

Laura Stepanek

September 1, 2016

ecurity systems integrators manage a diverse set of projects with demanding requirements.