THE BELLRINGERPennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm AssociationChartered State Association of the Electronic Security Association

4544 West Ridge Road – Suite # 2 • Erie, PA 16506800-458-8512/PA • 814-838-3093 • FAX 814-838-5127E-mail: info@pbfaa.com MARCH 2020

©2020

The Only True Constant IS Change…If you have spent any amount of time in the electronic life safety and security industry, you have seen the perpetual change that occurs within the industry.

Whether it is change in technology, change in consumer perceptions, change in public safety response, change in marketing methods, change in competitors, and yes, even change in the industry associations – the only true constant is change.

But while most dealers / integrators will acknowledge the perpetual change within, and around, the industry, sadly many don’t recognize, or realize, that the one piece not mentioned above, is that they need to change as well.

Far too many dealer / integrators go about their daily activities, installing, servicing, selling, managing, and running their businesses much in the same manner as they did when they first began 5, 10, 20, 30, or more years ago…

Yet, ask most dealers what the single largest challenge is to their business – and you will inevitably hear one of two answers to your question:

1. Finding qualified employees, or2. Competing with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) systems.

While both challenges are not unique to any single dealer / integrator, or for that matter, this industry, their ability to address them is as unique as day and night.

QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES

One common solution, heard from many dealers, to address the inability to find qualified employees, is to supplement their workforce with “independent contractors”, such as subcontract installers, electricians, networking technicians, and other similar tradespeople.

And while this solution is a common practice – it also potentially creates new challenges – when the dealer /

integrator does not properly handle the applicable filing requirements.

The IRS has announced that “Employee Misclassification” is one of their hottest audit topics. The IRS believes that as many as 40% of independent contractors are actually employees and they have formed a task force to get them, and their employers into compliance.

The PBFAA has scheduled Mitch Reitman, Reitman Consulting Group to conduct a session at the upcoming Annual Expo which will discuss how the IRS and state taxing authorities view the relationship. Mr. Reitman is a frequent lecturer to Alarm Industry trade groups and associations and was elected to the Electronic Security Industry Hall of Fame in 2017.

INDUSTRY TRENDSDO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) SYSTEMS

If you had the ability to go back in time 10 or 15 years ago and ask a typical dealer / integrator of that time if they thought that Google, Nest, Ring, or SimpliSafe would be a significant player in the industry, and possibly their primary competitor,

continued on page 3

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THE BELLRINGER

Published monthly by

The Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association4544 West Ridge Road – Suite # 2, Erie, PA 16506

800-458-8512 (PA), 814-838-3093, 814-838-5127 FAXEmail: INFO@PBFAA.COM

Website: WWW.PBFAA.COMSubscription Price: $36 per year

© 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the Editor.

2020 PBFAA STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTJim Bucciaglia 610-372-8872

VICE PRESIDENTJaime Alwine 717-859-3662

SECRETARYMike Drawbaugh 877-877-0345

Central Region:PRESIDENTKeith Maley 717-541-0212

Southeast Region: PRESIDENTBrad Schoenfeld 610-825-4600

Northeast Region:PRESIDENTJim Bucciaglia 610-372-8872

Ben Campbell 724-742-4900

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORSGuy Kline 856-630-5880

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDale Eller 814-836-9237

TREASURERMatt Muccitelli 814-695-6695

PAST PRESIDENTAmy Simpson 610-825-4600

VICE PRESIDENTTBD 717-541-0212

VICE PRESIDENTTBD 610-825-4600

VICE PRESIDENTDan Vogel 215-628-6062

VIC

E PRESIDENTvacant

COUNSELMichael Revness 610-688-2855

2020 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Annual MeetingJaime Alwine 717-859-3662

Budget / AuditMatt Muccitelli 814-695-6695

By-LawsMichael Revness 610-688-2855

EducationJeffrey Lascar 215-255-5237

EthicsJaime Alwine 717-859-3662

Legislationvacant

Long Range PlanningJim Bucciaglia 610-372-8872

MembershipRalph Manento 570-992-6502

NewsletterDale Eller 800-458-8512

Nominationsvacant

ScholarshipRalph Manento 570-992-6502

Rep. to ESA BoardJim Bucciaglia 610-372-8872

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

CENTRAL DIRECTOR SOUTHEAST DIRECTORvacant vacant

NORTHEAST DIRECTOR NORTHWEST DIRECTORvacant Cameron Wilkins 814-833-6376

SOUTHWEST DIRECTORvacant

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Allied Central Services ..............................800-304-0834

COPS Monitoring .....................................800-367-2677

ESA National Training School ..........................................

Napco Security Group ..............................800-645-9445

Rapid Response Monitoring ......................800-558-7767

SDI ..........................................................732-299-2402

Security America RRG ..............................866-315-3838

Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) ...972-377-9401

Please Support Those Who Support PBFAA

THANKS to this Month’s Bellringer “Sponsors”

and you would have undoubtably received a look like you had a third eye in the middle of your forehead.

Each decade / generation has faced its own unique competitor that was going to change the industry as it was known at that time. The 80’s saw the introduction of RMR spawned “FREE” systems. The 90’s saw the entrance of “bundled” services pioneered by the Telco’s and the cable providers. The new millennium saw the introduction of the “door knockers”, and then was followed by the “smart home”, Z-Wave technology, and ultimately the DIY / MIY players.

The PBFAA has scheduled John Colehower, Mergers & Acquisitions LLC to conduct a session at the upcoming Annual Expo which will discuss how the new entrants in to the industry are spawning new marketing techniques, technologies, DIY and MIY trends, and how these are affecting your business.

Additional information on both seminar sessions described above can be found in the Annual Expo Attendee Registration Brochure found elsewhere in this issue, or by visiting the PBFAA website at www.PBFAA.com.

Changes, continued from cover

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How To Leverage Emerging Social Media For Business

If you’re not tapping into popular emerging social media for business platforms, like TikTok®, Vero – True Social® and Caffeine®, you could be missing a big opportunity to reach new customers. In fact, the short-form video app TikTok now has more than 1.5 billion users worldwide. And people aren’t just downloading the addictive app and forgetting about it—the average user spends 52 minutes a day on it.

Established social media giants are taking note, which is why Facebook® launched its own video-only app, Lasso®, in late 2018. If you haven’t tried these apps yet, now might be a good time to start. Pair some of the ideas below with a social media giveaway to reach more customers.

Think strategically

Naturally, getting the most out of these rising social media platforms will require more than simply setting up a profile for your brand—or dusting off the playbook that helped you master more well-known social platforms.

One effective way to work these platforms into your strat-egy is by piggybacking on what users are already do-ing there. On video-only apps like TikTok and Lasso, for instance, hashtag challenges often go viral. Fashion label Guess® was the first brand to tap into TikTok’s massive au-dience when it launched its #InMyDenim challenge, which invited users to post videos of themselves decked out in denim. Users embraced the challenge, resulting in more than 38 million views of videos featuring the hashtag.

Be authentic and they will follow

All social media platforms value authenticity, but perhaps none more so than this emerging crop. In fact, one of Vero’s main selling points is that it is proudly ad-free. So, if you want to attract followers and avoid rubbing users the wrong way, you’ll have to figure out how to become part of the conversation naturally.

Leveraging someone else’s existing audience is a good way to break into new platforms—that’s where influencers come in. Win your local influencers over with customized swag that they’ll appreciate.

Have fun with it

Social media for business doesn’t have to be boring. One of the main reasons platforms like TikTok have exploded in popularity is simple: They’re fun, and even a bit silly. So, if you decide to wade into the fun zone, make sure the fun extends to your social media giveaway items too.

Offer content only you can

Do you have a distinctive warehouse, a cool lab, or another feature that’s unique to your company? Then you may want to do a “behind the scenes” video on the social broadcast-ing site Caffeine to pique interest and potentially attract new customers.

Encourage users to tune in and interact with you on Caf-feine’s “reaction system” during your live broadcast by offering giveaways for the best questions.

Small risk, big reward

Nobody has a crystal ball to predict which of these up-and-coming platforms will be the largest social app to date, and which will come and go. However, if you’re an early adopter on an app that proves to be the next big thing, the payoff could be enormous. So why not try a new social media for business platform? With help from social media giveaways, you may just find long-lasting customers.

Top takeaways:

• TikTok has 1.5 billion users worldwide, with the average user spending 52 minutes each day on the app.

• Partnering with influencers is an authentic way to break into these emerging platforms.

• Early adopters could reap big rewards on platforms that may prove to be the next big thing.

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Schedule of Events April 29, 2020

Welcome Reception Axe Throwing Tournament Generation Axe @ Joe K’s Brewhouse

Tournament limited to 35 total participants... Reception open to ALL “Sponsors” & Full Expo Attendees

6:00pm to 8:00pm - Welcome Reception includes “cash bar”, hors d’oeuvres, snacks and food stations. 6:30pm to 7:30pm - Axe Throwing Tournament

Tournament participants must arrive by 6:15pm to receive required safety training and sign tournament waiver.

April 30, 2020 Annual Expo

Membership Meeting Holiday Inn Harrisburg / Hershey

7:00am - Expo Registration Opens • Exhibit Hall Setup for Exhibitors (until 11:45am) • Membership Buffet Breakfast

8:30am - Membership Meeting

• Election of Directors 9:00am - Expo Seminar Sessions - Business Sales Technical

Visit www.PBFAA.com for seminar details 10:30am - Expo Seminar Sessions - Business Sales Technical

Visit www.PBFAA.com for seminar details Noon - Exhibit Hall OPENS (until 2:00pm) -

• Buffet Lunch (12:30pm to 1:30pm) in Exhibit Hall 2:00pm - Expo Seminar Sessions - Business Sales Technical

Visit www.PBFAA.com for seminar details 4:00pm - Exhibit Hall Re-OPENS (until 6:00pm) -

• Food Stations, hors d’oeuvres & “cash bar” • Door Prize tables & 50/50 tickets...

5:30pm - Exhibit Hall Door Prize “Live” Auction 6:00pm - Expo Concludes

All seminar sessions are ESA NTS CEU accredited...

ABOUT THE PBFAA ANNUAL EXPO

EXPO CONTACT INFO

Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 4544 W. Ridge Road - Suite # 2 Erie, PA 16506 Phone: (814) 838-3093 Fax: (814) 838-5127 Email: Info @ PBFAA.com Website: www.PBFAA.com

Expo Hotel:

Holiday Inn Harrisburg / Hershey 604 Station Road, Grantville, PA 17028 Phone: (717) 469-0661 Hotel Overnight Room Block = $124.00 per night + tax

Block closes March 30, 2020 - mention PBFAA when making reservations.

Welcome Reception:

Generation Axe @ Joe K’s Brewhouse 3523 Union Deposit Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 Phone: (717) 558-0710

You Are Invited To Join With Us For Two Days Of Industry Networking...

Alarm Dealers and Security Integrators from across the state will be gathering at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg / Hershey on April 29-30, 2020 for a two day conference focused on: where the indus-try has been, currently is, and where its future lies. The expo “kicks off” with the Welcome Reception which includes an Axe Throwing Tournament… The reception offers attendees and sponsors a relaxing opportunity to interact in a fun filled exciting environment.

The expo includes a total of (9) seminar sessions each focusing on various Business, Sales, Management and Technical sessions designed to aid dealers and integrators in addressing the many opportunities and challenges they face daily…

Additionally, the conference provides dealers and integrators an opportunity to interact and network with their conference peers and vendors in several different conference functions - (see schedule to the right) affording attendees the ability to view showcased prod-ucts and services. The annual conference focuses on the value of networking and education - featuring the “Power of Association”. The PBFAA Board of Directors encourages you to put that adage to work at this outstanding industry opportunity…

We look forward to seeing you on April 29 - 30 at the PBFAA Annual Expo...

ABOUT THE PBFAA ANNUAL EXPO SEMINAR SESSIONS

EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION – EMPLOYEE VS. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

The IRS has announced that “Employee Misclassification” is one of their hottest audit topics. The IRS believes that as many and 40% of independent contractors are actually employees and they have formed a task force to get them, and their employers into compliance. This session will discuss how the IRS and state taxing authorities view the relationship. We will discuss degree of control and independence, Common Law Rules for contract relationships, IRS Form SS8, Form 8819, and the consequences of misclassifying an employee as a “contractor.” We will also discuss the IRS Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) which allows employers to become compliant and pay 10% of the taxes, and avoid all penalties. Come hear Electronic Security Hall of Fame member, Mitch Reit-man of Reitman Consulting Group, discuss the topic. Be sure to bring your questions. Mitch Reitman; Managing Principal – Reitman Consulting Group, Inc. (formerly S.I.C. Consulting, Inc.) Twenty-four years in the Security Alarm in-dustry. Prior to forming Reitman Consulting, Mr. Reitman was Vice President of Acquisi-tions for Select Security, and Director of Ac-quisitions and Business Development for Pro-tection One Alarm Monitoring, where he par-ticipated in more than $400 million of alarm account transactions. Mr. Reitman is a frequent lecturer to Alarm Industry trade groups and associations and was elected to the Electronic Securi-ty Industry Hall of Fame in 2017.

DARE TO LEAD….. CREATING A FIRST IN CLASS SALES ORGANIZATION

Does your phone ring as often as it used to with sales opportuni-ties? With so many new entrants into the Security space changing the consumer’s perception of what Security is, it’s more important than ever to invest in sales. Learn in this session how to hire, train, and manage a “First in Class Sales Organization” to help you drive results and meet your company goals.

ALARM COMMUNICATIONS FROM POTS TO MFVN

This seminar presents the material necessary for electrical and alarm license holders, as well as for the Authority Hav-ing Jurisdiction (AHJ) to understand the basic principles of the requirements and criteria necessary to comply Managed Facility-based Voice Networks (MFVN’s). This seminar will provide you with the knowledge you need to identify, understand and interpret the technology behind the latest communication protocol used by telephone and internet providers (ISP’s) for transmission of both voice and data. Roy Pollack, CPP SET, Stay Safe Enterprises, LLC. Roy Pollack has been an active member of the alarm profession for the past 45 years. He be-came involved in the burglar and fire alarm business while serving in the fire service as a firefighter, Lieutenant and assistant county fire inspector. He has been active in several alarm associations including those in New York, Florida and National. He has served as President of the Alarm Association of Florida, President of the Flori-da Chapter of ESA, and as an Executive Committee Member for ESA as Vice President. Roy holds more than 30 state licenses and is a Certified Protection Professional from ASIS, and he is NICET IV in fire alarms as well as holding other NICET certifications. He serves as a technical com-mittee member on NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, and on NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. He has been a guest speaker at several industry events and has presented his courses to many fire officials and AHJ’s around the country.

Quentin Gunther; Business Leader, Resideo Authorized Dealer Program With close to 30 years in the industry both as a dealer and now as leader of Resideo’s Author-ized Dealer program Quentin brings a unique perspective on both sides of the Industry. As a dealer, he has trained and managed many large sales teams and understands the chal-lenges and rewards involved. From his real-life experiences, he has helped many companies realize their goals thru program development, training, and sharing of best business practices.

Not a PBFAA member?? Join TODAY and save on the various expo and golf outing participation opportunities available...

Company: Registration Contact Name: Email Address: Address: City: St: Zip:

Phone: Fax:

Payment Type: Check ( ) Master Card ( ) Visa ( ) Amex ( )

Credit Card #: Expiration: Security Code: Card Zip Code:

Signature:

Mail Payment (with completed form) to: PBFAA - 4544 W. Ridge Road, Suite #2 - Erie, PA 16506 Credit Card Payments may be faxed to - 814-838-5127 OR emailed to - Info@PBFAA.com

PBFAA Annual Expo & Golf Outing Attendee Registration Form

Indicate Participation Opportunities Selected BELOW: PBFAA Member: YES | NO

PBFAA Member Pricing

Non-Member Pricing

ANNUAL EXPO PARTICIPATION

FULL EXPO PASS – (available only for Dealers/Integrators - NO VENDORS) - includes admission to the Welcome Reception - Axe Throwing Tournament, Membership Buffet Breakfast, Vendor Exhibits, Exhibit Hall Luncheon, Exhibit Hall Reception and All Seminars for ONE attendee

Circle selected fee(s) below for each registered attendee

Attendee #1 Email: $125 $150 Attendee #2 Email: $95 $150 Attendee #3 Email: $95 $150 Attendee #4 Email: $95 $150 Attendee #5 Email: $95 $150

Registering more than (5) individuals ?? Attach a list of all attendees names / email addresses - and enter total registration fee(s) below…

EXHIBIT HALL ONLY PASS - (available only for Dealers/Integrators - NO VENDORS) - includes admission to the Vendor Exhibits, Exhibit Hall Luncheon, and Exhibit Hall Reception for ONE attendee

Circle selected fee(s) below for each registered attendee

Attendee #1 Email: FREE $25 Attendee #2 Email: FREE $25

TOTAL ANNUAL EXPO PARTICIPATIONS SELECTED = $$

GOLF OUTING PARTICIPATION includes greens fees, cart, lunch, cocktail reception and steak dinner for each golfer.

PBFAA Member Pricing

Non-Member Pricing

Enter Total Participation Fees Below

INDIVIDUAL GOLFER # of golfers = @ $200 $225 SPONSORED FOURSOME # of foursomes = @ $750 $850 LUNCH ONLY # of lunches = @ $50 $75 DINNER ONLY # of dinners = @ $100 $125

TOTAL OF GOLF OUTING ITEMS SELECTED = = = = = $$ MEMBER RATE EXTENDED TO COMPANIES (and their employees or guests) WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE PBFAA “ONLY”

GOLF OUTING ATTENDEES Please list below the names / companies of your golfer / foursome attendees: Name Company Phone Email

1 2 3 4

ABOUT THE PBFAA ANNUAL EXPO SEMINAR SESSIONS

COMPETING IN A NEW WORLD The presentation will include a discussion on new entrants to the security industry, new marketing techniques, new technolo-gy, the DIY movement and the trend towards self-monitoring and low cost monitoring affecting your business and its value. The presentation will also discuss consideration of the future of professional installation and how to leverage its competitive advantages. John Colehower; Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions L.L.C. Prior to starting Mergers & Acquisitions, John co-founded Matrix Security Systems where he directed its acquisitions program in the mid-Atlantic Region. At the time of its sale, Matrix monitored over 35,000 alarm customers and was ranked as Number 27 on the SDM 100 List. Before starting Matrix, John co-founded and directed acquisitions for United Security Systems. At the time of its sale, United and its affiliates were ranked as Number 16 on the SDM 100. Altogether, John has managed over 200 alarm industry acquisitions. Prior to entering the security industry, John practiced law in Philadelph-ia, PA, where he concentrated in municipal finance, business and real estate transactions. Over the last 25 years, he has continually served as an Adjunct Professor at Temple University's Beasley School of Law, and he has also taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers Uni-versity law schools.

INTELLIGENT SECURITY CAMERAS BEYOND IMAGE CAPTURE

Just imagine providing a safer, more secure school, work-place, or house of worship for your community.

Intelligent cameras are enabling security professionals to do just that. Intelligent cameras are here today and they’re getting even smarter.

This session will present new concepts related to security camera technology. Highlights include unification of sys-tems, reliable video analytics, and cyber security awareness.

Tom Fontana & Brad Castillo; Representatives of Bosch Security Systems at Chesapeake and Midlantic Marketing Tom has been in the security industry for over two decades. His expertise is in security system solution design from the perimeter to the core of a facility,

ranging from perimeter fence intrusion detection to video surveillance to voice communi-cation. Brad brings extensive experience to his partners hav-ing worked for Bosch as a Network Support Specialist and Technical Support Specialist. He also brings exten-sive knowledge to the team as a former integrator, experienced in a variety of video management sys-tems, access control systems, and complex systems integrations.

INTELLIGENT INTRUSION DETECTION BEYOND CONTACT CLOSURES

Are you open-minded to the idea of providing intelligent intrusion detection? It’s possible today and there are new opportunities for informed security dealers.

This session will present the benefits, capabilities, and future of intelligent intrusion detection.

Included will be a discussion on the possibilities and oppor-tunities that security camera integration, enterprise system management, and cyber security awareness bring to today’s informed security professional. Ari Erenthal & Brad Castillo; Representatives of Bosch Security Systems at Chesapeake and Midlantic Marketing Ari is a security industry veteran with years of experi-ence beginning in the 1990’s in installation, distribu-tion, industry technology blogging, and now manufac-turer representation at Chesapeake and Midlantic Marketing. He has a customer-centric focus, even going so far as to create custom how-to videos that help his partners cut operating expenses while in-creasing their value to their end users.

SELLING SMART HOME IN TO THE BUILDER MARKET Discussion on industry trends driving builders to the installation of smart home tech in their homes.

Buyer demographics and expectations will be covered.

Attendees will receive information on solutions and programs to help you enter or gain market share within the new home builder market.

Paul Badalucco; Business Development Manager with Resideo Honeywell Home. Over 20 years of industry experience as both an owner and manufactures representation.

You Are Invited To Join With Us For A Day Of Golf & Networking...

NEW for 2020 - the PBFAA is hosting its annual golf outing on separate dates from the annual expo based on the feed-back received from both dealer / integrator attendees and vendor / service providers sponsors. So based on the feedback received the PBFAA has selected an exceptional golf course / country club to host the 2020 Golf Outing - the Applecross Country Club in Downingtown. There are two age old adages which that the PBFAA feel pertain to the 2020 Golf Outing:

The first adage relates to “doing business”, and states that “People Buy From People They Know”.

The second adage relates to “golf & work”, and states that

“Even a Bad Day at Golf is Better than a Good Day at Work”. The PBFAA Board of Directors encourages you to put both of these adages to work at this outstanding industry networking opportunity…

We look forward to seeing you on July 21 at the PBFAA Annual Golf Outing...

Schedule of Events July 21, 2020

Annual Golf Outing Applecross Country Club

11:00am - Golf Outing Registration Opens • Golfer Luncheon

12:30pm - Shotgun Start / Scramble Format In a Scramble tournament each team member tees off on every hole. After the initial tee shots, the team selects the best shot out of their teammates and then each team member plays their next shot from that spot. This con-tinues throughout the rest of the shots on the hole including putting. 5:30pm - Cocktail Hour 6:30pm - Steak Dinner

• Golf Awards Presentation • Door Prizes

ABOUT THE PBFAA ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

GOLF OUTING CONTACT INFO

Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 4544 W. Ridge Road - Suite # 2 Erie, PA 16506 Phone: (814) 838-3093 Fax: (814) 838-5127 Email: Info @ PBFAA.com Website: www.PBFAA.com

Golf Outing:

Applecross Country Club 170 A Zynn Rd Downingtown, PA 19335 Phone: (484) 692-1010

Nearby Hotels:

Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Coatesville/Exton 600 Manor Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320 Phone: (610) 380-8700 Home2 Suites by Hilton (Downingtown Exton Route 30) 975 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335 Phone: (610) 873-1200

The Philadelphia Area’s Only Nicklaus Design Golf Course

Lead designer, Michael Nicklaus, continues the great architec-tural heritage of the Nicklaus name with the design of Ap-plecross Country Club.

The layout at Applecross is unlike any other in the area, offer-ing classic Nicklaus challenges, yet remaining playable for golf-ers of all abilities.

The course blends magnificently into a landscape that boasts breathtaking views of sparkling lakes and the rolling country-side of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 4544 West Ridge Road - Suite #2 Erie, PA 16506 (800) 458-8512 / (814) 838-3093 www.PBFAA.com

The Bellringer, March 2020 - Page 7

News from the SIAC BlogConsolidation Reduces Funding

It’s no secret to most of you in the electronic security industry that consolidation dries up funds for non-profit and association activities that support our industry. This trend has been significant the past 6-8 years. State and national associations reliant on contributions have found fewer sources of funding available.

That provides challenges for us here at SIAC, as well as organizations and associations that serve our industry. Not only is the total amount of potential donations reduced, but there can be greater competition for the funding that companies make available as part of their annual mission to keep these non-profits entities healthy.

What’s to be done? We’ve focused on a number of newer avenues that past five years or so. Our approach continues to be finding other alternatives to get SIAC’s work in front of others, so companies understand our value to the security industry.

First and foremost, from SIAC’s perspective, we want to continue our service to the industry without depleting any assets, whether those be financial or human. We recently put together a Financial Working Group, headed by long-time industry leader Tim Creenan. He and his group will look into innovative ways to secure longer term funding.

We emphasize the phrase “long-term.” Short-term funding is more of a “band-aid.” Long-term means we can map out the solutions and investments necessary for us to provide education and information materials, as well as on-the-ground support to local and state associations who need our help to fight onerous alarm ordinances.

Tim and the Working Group will research alternatives. Meetings have begun. We expect to have an expanded advisory counsel also looking at alternative funding opportunities, including endowments and grants. Quite frankly, if you have ideas to help us on this front and believe in SIAC’s mission, please reach out to Stan Martin directly at stan@siacinc.org. We need your engagement.

The Bellringer, March 2020 - Page 8

INDUSTRY BUZZ “News from around the Electronic Life Safety & Security Industry”

Nortek Issues Notice of Possible Coronavirus-Related Supply Chain Delays

Nortek Security & Control, a global provider of wireless security, home automation, access control and health and wellness technology, sent an email to its customers notifying them of possible supply chain delays related to the Coronavirus.

“Many companies are experiencing supply chain delays and disruptions due to the Coronavirus outbreak,” wrote Steve Deblock, executive vice president of operations, Nortek Security & Control, in the Feb. 26 email. “It’s expected that the impact on shipping timelines around the world could range from days to weeks. We, too, are experiencing some delays in manufacturing and shipping from the affected regions and are writing to assure you that we’re closely monitoring the situation and its impact on our manufacturing partners.”

Deblock goes on to call the event terrible and unexpected, and says Nortek is working hard to minimize the disruption to customers with the following steps:

• Working with suppliers to prioritize production scheduling, the return of personnel and ensuring customers are supported to the best of Nortek’s ability.• Actively managing any impacted product lines, offering substitutions where available and utilizing buffer/safety stock when they can.• Working with long lead time suppliers to minimize the impact of raw material used to build products.• Closely planning with key suppliers and partners as this will likely affect logistics, including container availability, driver availability and port congestion.

“We apologize for any delays this may cause you,” Deblock continued. “Rest assured that we have a watchful eye on manufacturing developments and its potential impact to your business. We believe open communication is key and we will keep you informed with regular updates.”

Deblock ended the email by encouraging those with questions to reach out to their sales manager.

Originally published in SDM Magazine

Entries Sought for Prestigious Alarm Industry AwardPolice Dispatch Quality Award (PDQ)

Entries are currently being accepted and encouraged for one of the electronic security industry’s most prestigious awards. Installing and or monitoring alarm dealers in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply for the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) award, now in its 15th year.

The PDQ award will be presented to the winners in June during the SIAC breakfast at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in Nashville. Winners are also featured in Security Sales and Integration Magazine.

The featured speaker at this year’s SIAC breakfast will be Chief Steven R. Casstevens, President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

“We are looking for companies that exemplify an all-out-effort to reduce false alarms by promoting cooperative best practices, such as Enhanced Call Confirmation (ECC) as well as training customers and working closely with law enforcement,” said Stan Martin, SIAC executive director.

“This award is a great opportunity for recognition within the industry, in a firm’s local community, and as an enhancement to employee morale, as well as, marketing,” said Martin.

The PDQ award is sponsored by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR), Security Sales and Integration Magazine and the IQ Certification Program.

Past winners include industry leaders such as Guardian Protection, Alarm Detection Systems, EPS, Amherst Alarm, Habitec, Monitronics and Vector Security.

“You will find the process to apply is not nearly as complex and time-consuming as it was in previous years,” said Martin. “We’re simply looking for the best programs that can be easily documented for submission. Applicants can decide how much detail they wish to provide.”

Applications are being accepted in three categories: 1) Full-service integrators that have in-house monitoring, 2) Integrators that use a third-party monitoring service provider and 3) Contract monitoring providers that do not have any accounts they provide service for.

The award application can be found at siacinc.org. Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2020.

The Bellringer, March 2020 - Page 9

Locksmith company accuses rival of ‘hijacking’ online customers

In a recently published Pittsburgh Post Gazette news article a Hampton locksmith is accusing an Oakland rival company of “hijacking” its Google business page listing to redirect clients, allegedly costing him hundreds of thousands of dollars in business.

According to the article A-1 Rudy Lock & Safe, owned by Robert Tegge, filed a civil complaint against M&N Locksmith Co. including claims for tortious interference and unfair competition, alleging that M&N has created confusion in the marketplace.

The lawsuit in Allegheny Common Pleas Court seeks damages, as well as a permanent injunction against the defendant that would prohibit M&N from using A-1’s name, phone number and business listing, as well as prohibit M&N from diverting business from A-1.

According to the complaint, A-1 has experienced a decline in customers generated through its local online listing since 2017. When the company investigated, it found that the phone number on the Google local listing was incorrect.

“Sometime in 2019, A-1 discovered that the incorrect local listing had not been a harmless error, but a deliberate act

by one if its competitors in the Pittsburgh area to hijack A-1’s local listing and trick potential customers into thinking they would be contracting with A-1 for locksmith services,” the lawsuit said.

“M&N, by hijacking A-1’s local listing, has been illicitly diverting business away from A-1 for several years and tricking A-1’s potential customers into paying a party that the customer never intended to contact for locksmith services.”

“The act of hijacking a competitor locksmith’s local listing has plagued the locksmith industry for many years.”

Tom Demont, the former president of the Associated Locksmiths of America, could not comment specifically about the two companies involved in the lawsuit, but said that scams like this have been plaguing the industry for 15 years. “Basically, they’re bait and switch companies,” he said. “It’s tough to catch these guys. They’re here one day and gone the next.”

One of the techniques that is used, Mr. Demont said, is that the questionable company will hack the website of another, and when a customer clicks on the phone number to call for service, they are redirected to a different company.

Originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Bellringer, March 2020 - Page 10

The Bellringer, March 2020 - Page 11

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