Security Watch

Sept. 8, 2010
RRUG, ASIS 2010, more...

RRUG Wows Dealers with Ideas for 2011

Rapid Response Monitoring Inc. hosted its second and highly successful Users' Group August 1 through 4 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y. The event was a compilation of industry and business training, tours of the Corporate Headquarters, countless networking opportunities and captivating entertainment. Rapid Response Users' Group 2010 (RRUG) offered its Dealers the opportunity to meet the industry's leading vendors and professionals to catch up on new technologies. And of course it was also the place for its Dealers to learn more about new 'Rapid Technology' offerings that will help them find ways to further develop their businesses.

This year's Users' Group beefed up the course load, attracted more vendors and offered additional opportunities to meet Rapid Response's staff. The four-day event logged representation from more than 250 companies, with attendance totaling around 450.

Education the focus

Some 32 educational services and courses were offered during RRUG 2010, including fire, technology, sales and marketing and business tracks. All courses provided attendees with NTS and/or New Jersey Continuing Education Unit credits. Among the courses were peer-to-peer roundtables in which Dealers were presented thought-provoking situations by industry professionals and then discussed possible solutions and methods of improvement.

Numerous speakers presented their knowledge and outlook. One was keynote speaker Eric C. Haseltine, president and managing director of Haseltine Partners LLC. Haseltine holds degrees in economics and psychology, as well as a Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology which he applied to his forward-thinking presentation. He discussed the value of opportunities and how to make one large idea for the future both possible and profitable in the present. While walking the group through the process of expanding their businesses while maintaining efficiency, Haseltine enlightened the audience with his vision of where the security industry is headed.

Also included in courses were Rapid Track seminars that focused on Rapid Response Monitoring's Proprietary Software and Web-based services for extended Dealer and End-User connectivity. RapidLink3k(tm) and RapidWeb3k(tm) were among the new Rapid technologies showcased and introduced. At the Rapid Technology Room these two new tools were demonstrated on computers, iPhones(r), and iPads(tm), giving Dealers the chance to fully experience the breadth of capabilities they and their end-users will soon have.

Evening entertainment included a private party for attendees at Turning Stone's exclusive night club, Lava. The evening included two magician performers-Daniel Uzunoff, local "Magic Man," specializing in 'slight of hand,' and NBC's America's Got Talent performer, Shimshi, the resident Las Vegas Wynn's Encore venue magician.

The event wrapped up with the Rapid Classic Golf Tournament on the Shenandoah Golf Course, the same venue where the PGA Golf Tournament was scheduled to play just days later.

UL Celebrates & Sox Win!

The Chicago White Sox treated the crowd at U.S. Cellular Field to a rare win over arch rivals the Minnesota Twins and the night was made more complete with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sponsorship and awards to police and fire responders for heroic acts performed in the line of duty.

The final 6 to 1 win for the Chicago White Sox was gratifying, but the stars of the night were UL and the police and fire community, highlighted at this annual event, which also included safety awareness information and UL logo-emblazoned binder giveaways for the crowd. UL has sponsored the event since 2008 in an effort to reinforce its goal to be not only a global leader in safety standards and certification in the fire and security markets, but a philanthropist in outreach to the first responder community.

"It's a way for UL to thank all the brave service men and women for their commitment to public safety," said Chris Hasbrook, vice president and general manager of UL's global building materials and life safety and security industries. "As a global leader in fire safety and security for more than 115 years, UL is proud to have the opportunity to recognize heroes such as Police Sergeant Michael G. O'Malley and Firefighter Joseph Martinelli for the work they do in the line of duty every day. It also gives us the chance to raise awareness in the local community about important life safety issues," Hasbrook added.

During the pregame ceremony, Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Robert Huff recognized firefighter Martinelli for an heroic rescue at a southwest Chicago residence in March 2009. Martinelli saved a civilian while sustaining second-degree burns to his face.

Sergeant Michael G. O'Malley was recognized by Chicago Police Commander Eric Carter and honored for his actions in apprehending a suspect while under gunfire during the incident.

ASIS 2010
Ready, Set and On the Go!

We've assembled the latest and greatest, need-to-know news for you as you make your journey to the 56th annual ASIS Seminars & Exhibits in Dallas, October 12 through 15. And we found a great way for you to keep pace with all that's happening...a new mobile application from ASIS.

You're on the go and ASIS still knows how to reach you. ASIS launched ASIS Mobile in early September, an innovative mobile solution available as an iPhone application as well as a Web mobile version for all other smartphones.

ASIS Mobile will help you plan your participation and navigate throughout the show floor like never before. It puts at your fingertips, information on exhibiting companies, information on new products, show specials, collateral materials in pdf format, show news and alerts, interactive floor plans and way-finding as well as sessions and other events. In addition, it can help you request an appointment to meet exhibitors, schedule a callback before or after the event, get directions on the show floor with one simple touch, identify your preferred exhibiting companies and add them to your agenda, shortlist and favorites. Information on how to access ASIS Mobile will be made available prior to the launch, but you can check it out now by going to www.asis2010mobile.org.

We've also got the scoop on the newest, just-added sessions at ASIS:

Ensuring Your Growth in the Homeland Security Market (3118)-The Homeland Security market is ever-expanding with the evolution of new technologies and innovative solutions. But when it comes to expanding your business and investing for future growth, what are the important factors that will set you apart from your competitors? Learn how to anticipate challenges, build new capabilities, acquire strategic solutions and manage expectations to prepare your company for successful growth.

Healthcare Reform: Costs, Compliance and Communication (4107)-Healthcare reform legislation is complex and demands your attention now. With some provisions going into effect in January 2011, and others in 2014, are you prepared? Act now to ensure a smooth transition and compliance.

Forming Public/Private Partnerships to Implement Local Leadership Training: The Gallo Wines and Modesto PD Model (4316)-The Modesto, Calif., Police Department has partnered with E & J Gallo Winery to implement a behavioral science-based leadership training program developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Explore how the Modesto police and Gallo are working together to make this partnership a success.

Don't forget to stop by booth 2947 at the show to pick up the latest issues of SD&I magazine, where we will have both the September and October issues on hand for show-goers-we're listed under Cygnus Security Media in the exhibitor's handbook. Visit ww.asis2010.org for all the latest on the show.