Airlifting For A Better Perspective
Micro Key Software president Wayne Torrens was recently airlifted in a military KC-
135 refueling aircraft with 34 other local employers as part of Employer Support of the
Guard and Reserve's (ESGR) Operation Bosslift program, operated by the Department of
Defense. According to ESGR's Web site, "Bosslifts transport employers and supervisors
to military training sites where they observe National Guard and Reserve members on
duty as part of the Total Force. This provides the employer a better understanding of what
their Reservists do when they are away from their civilian occupation for duty with their
military units. Employers see firsthand the type and quality of military training and
leadership activities National Guard and Reserve members receive."
This trip was coordinated by ESGR volunteer U.S. Army Col. Marty Rosen (retired) who stated, "We want employers of Reservists to observe what really takes place while their employees are on active duty and this trip enabled them to meet with key military personnel and get their perspective on the importance of the contributions received from the Guard and Reserve personnel. We were able to take this group to Langley Air Force Base, take part in a refueling mission and then stay overnight at Oceana Air Station."
Wayne Torrens and the rest of the group were busy day and night going on tours, sitting in on briefings and having the chance to meet and greet those who serve our country. Among the highlights of this trip was a briefing at the Joint Forces Command Center by Col. Craig Grabowski, USMC, and a trip to the Assault Craft Unit Four headquarters. Torrens was also with the group when they boarded and visited on the USS Harry Truman, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
In addition, Torrens received the coveted Patriot Award for Support of the Guard and Reserves during the program dinner with senior military officials. ESGR awards this certificate and a Patriot lapel pin on behalf of the Department of Defense. All members of the National Guard and Reserve forces are eligible to nominate their employers for the "Patriot Award" certificate.
"The entire Operation Bosslift experience was something I won't soon forget," says Torrens. "The military is to be praised for their effort in keeping the private sector aware and informed as to what they are doing on a daily basis to ensure that all Americans are safe both at home and abroad. This tour left me with the knowledge that we are free to conduct business and normal day activities because there is always someone out there doing their utmost to protect us. I was impressed with the tours we were on as well as with all the military personnel we met."
The New Wizard of Oz
Ed Mallen joins OzVision as its new president and CEO. He has over 25 years of
systems and software executive management experience in the computer industry with
demonstrated success in developing and managing companies across multiple domestic
and international sites. Mallen's background in both enterprise software and embedded
solutions companies, and experience in guiding companies through transition and scaling
them for growth, make him a perfect fit for OzVision, which develops and markets cost-
effective remote video compression technology for the security, cellular
telecommunications and data communications industries.
Mallen's selection as president and CEO follows the recent $7.5 million raised in Series A financing. Proceeds from the funding are being used towards general corporate development, including research & development and marketing. Mallen is based in the company's Woburn, MA corporate headquarters and may be reached at 800-385-2317 or by e-mail at [email protected].
NBFAA Members: Hold the Dates
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association's (NBFAA) Spring Conference and
CSA Symposium will be held April 3-7 in Las Vegas, NV.
This year, NBFAA will initiate its NBFAA/Chartered State Association (CSA) Symposium. The day-long symposium begins at 12:30 p.m. on April 3, and will provide NBFAA and CSA leadership, as well as the general membership, a platform to engage in discussions about current industry affairs, explore the CSA/NBFAA model, and provide leader-to-leader interaction between national and state officers.
On April 5, the day before ISC West opens, NBFAA and the Alarm Industry Research and Education Foundation (AIREF) will host the second annual AIREF/NBFAA Golf Tournament. With proceeds from the event going to support AIREF's industry research and outreach, this is truly a day of "golf without guilt" for participants at one of Las Vegas' premier golf courses-Troon's Revere Golf Club. Afterwards, the NBFAA will host "It Happened One Night," an evening reception and awards ceremony, where the prestigious Morris F. Weinstock and Sara Jackson Awards will be presented.
Additionally, the NBFAA Spring Conference & CSA Symposium includes the Industry Breakfast, Board of Directors and Committee meetings and the Awards Luncheon, featuring the 2005 Leadership Awards to recognize Committee Chairs and Leaders. For more information, contact Michelle Hariston, membership and meetings manager, at 301.585.1855 x117 or visit www.alarm.org.
In With the New
ELMO Mfg. Corp. of Plainview, NY is now known as the ELMO USA Corp. In
addition, Keith Isogai, who has been associated with ELMO in the U S. since 1974, has
been named the new president. He will direct U.S. operations for this manufacturer and
marketer of electronic imaging presentation products and CCTV cameras for security and
industrial TV applications. He replaces Vincent J. Giovinco, who will remain with the
organization as assistant to the president and consultant.
Isogai also announced the promotions of Howard Winch, ELMO national sales manager to the position of executive vice-president/sales and Shinji Asano as executive vice president/marketing for all ELMO product lines.
The company is also introducing a new corporate logo and motto, "Focus on the Future." Isagai comments, "The new name, logo and motto reflect our company's commitment to the research and development of enhanced video capture and display technologies."
Product Line Purchase
SecurityInc, LLC has purchased the Insignia product line from Integral Technologies of
Indianapolis, IN. Insignia is a PC-based product that was developed for sites with new
and existing access control solutions. The I-4000 Controller is compatible with the
approximately 250,000 currently installed N-1000 access control systems and offers
dealers the opportunity to leverage the training and support services they already have in
place.
SecurityInc, LLC is a newly formed, Milwaukee, WI-based company with a management and engineering team with over 25 years experience in the access control industry. "We are very fortunate to have highly skilled professionals on our team, many of whom are recognized as the originators of existing, industry leading software programs," states Jim Vinson, President of SecurityInc. For more information, call 414- 858-9413.
Teaming Up
EverFocus Electronics, Inc. is pleased to announce the company has joined forces with
Security Rep and is opening East Coast offices and warehouse in New York. EverFocus
credits Security Rep with making them a key player in the security industry through their
support of the EverFocus' East Coast region for the last eight years.
The new regional sales director Joe Troiano says, "Joining the EverFocus family seemed the most logical step for Security Rep." He continues, "I always felt a part of the EverFocus family and have been working closely with them for the last seven to eight years."
EverFocus' vp of sales Grady Speaks agrees. "EverFocus is proud to have Security Rep join the family. We have long depended on Security Rep's expertise in sales for our East Coast region. We are indebted to Security Rep's tireless support of the EverFocus product and look forward to working closer with our new team. We are confident that the East Coast office will bring new opportunities, better service, and greater support to our distributors".
The East Coast Office team includes: John Ruggerio-Office Manager, Bob Carrino, Account Executive, Michael Schuman, Account Executive, EJ Colvell, Sales/Technical Support, Chris Schuman, Warehouse Manager.
New Directors On Board
ObjectVideo, maker of intelligent video surveillance software, appoints to its Board of
Directors Jack Kemp, Founder of Kemp Partners and the 1996 Republican Vice
Presidential candidate; Mario Morino, Special Partner, General Atlantic Partners; and E.
Scott Beattie, Chairman and CEO of Elizabeth Arden, Inc. The company also raised $11
million in a Series C round led by Novak Biddle Venture Partners.
In addition to Morino, Kemp, Beattie and Fernandez, other members of ObjectVideo's Board of Directors include John F. Burton, Managing General Partner, Update Partners; and Andrea Kaufman, Partner, Novak Biddle Venture Partners.
In addition to current ObjectVideo investors Novak Biddle, ABS Ventures, Updata Venture Partners and CMGI, new investors include several partners from General Atlantic Partners and Washington-area businessmen Rick Kay, Ted Leonsis, Jeong Kim, Jim Kimsey and Mark Ein. The capital will be used to further fuel the adoption of ObjectVideo's software, including a joint offering with partner Texas Instruments that will make intelligent video surveillance technology more accessible to multiple industries by enabling it to reside directly on devices such as video cameras and digital video recorders.
"The global war on terror will be won in part by leveraging technology," states Jack Kemp. "ObjectVideo will play an increasingly prominent role in the effort to protect America."
Women In Security Electronics Group Forms
Women In Security Electronics (WISE) is a non-profit professional networking
organization serving the North American security electronics market. Membership is
open to both men and women, from all segments of the industry, who are committed to
recruiting and retaining top-talent women in the security industry.
WISE is focused on assisting women by providing professional development, mentoring, networking and greater industry exposure. WISE plans to encourage the development and training of higher-caliber, talented women from which industry companies can hire. WISE will also recognize and acknowledge companies that successfully promote women.
Coordinating the group is Holly Lagsdin, vice president of sales for GE Infrastructure, Security, International Fiber Systems. When asked what prompted her to organize the group, Lagsdin states "There are women in this industry doing great things yet we, for the most part, don't know one another. We are missing a great opportunity to support and learn from each other."
"Don't let the name of our organization fool you," adds Jennifer Walczak, membership chair and executive vice president of Dedicated Micros. "We encourage men in the industry to become members too. They play a big part in our success because they appreciate the important contributions women in the security industry have made over the years."
WISE is hosting its first networking event on April 5, 2005 in conjunction with the ISC West show in Las Vegas. Prospective members and sponsoring companies can learn more about the benefits of membership, upcoming events, and sponsorship levels by visiting www.womeninsecurityelectronics.com.
New Offices
Per Mar Security Services has opened two new branch offices in Sioux City and
Waterloo, Iowa to better serve its customers. Established in 1953, Per Mar Security
Services is a family-owned business that's become one of the largest full service security
companies in the country. More than 1,800 security professionals operate from their
offices throughout the Midwest, offering services for burglar and fire alarm systems,
integrated access control and CCTV systems, uniformed security officer services,
business investigation services, security consulting, and special event services. Per Mar
also operates a modern, UL-listed central alarm station that monitors more than 35,000
customers.
Reorganization Creates Systems Solution Group
Panasonic Corporation of North America has merged a group of its related technologies
into one umbrella division, Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America
(PSSA). The new group includes previous company's divisions of Panasonic Security
Systems, Vision Systems and Information Systems, plus the recently formed Corporate
Systems division that includes the products like the Astrovision large-format LED
displays, and digital signage products for retail applications.
"The continued evolution and convergence of voice, video and data technologies is changing the markets for business-to-business electronics on a global scale," states new PSSA President Frank DeFina. "There is a growing demand for more advanced systems solutions on an enterprise level where all critical data and communications will eventually exist on a common platform."
The formation of Panasonic System Solutions Company of America, according to him, combines the diverse range of product technologies required to realize this goal and best serve the needs of our growing customer base."
Panasonic indicates that the new PSSA group will combine efforts in the areas of sales, marketing, product development and support services. According to a Panasonic spokesperson, the new organization officially takes effect on April 1, 2005.
In other related corporate news, Panasonic's SV-AV50 digital multimedia camera earned the Best of Innovations Award in the Eco Design category in the annual Innovations Awards competition hosted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The program recognizes products in 27 categories that exemplify excellence in design and engineering.
United Alarm Systems of Savannah Changes Name to ADS
Security
United Alarm Systems of Savannah has changed its name to ADS Security, the name of
its parent company it was announced by Mel Mahler, president of ADS Security. In
addition, United Alarm Systems has moved to a new location announced Scott Reinke,
general manager of the Savannah office. ADS Security of Savannah is now located at 2
Park of Commerce Boulevard, Suite F; it was previously located on North Gamble Road.
"United Alarm Systems may have a new name and location, but it has the same team and the same commitment to its customers and this community," comments Reinke.
The name change to ADS Security will benefit customers according to Reinke. He noted that ADS Security is increasingly recognized throughout the Southeast as the premiere provider of electronic security services.
ADS is among the top 50 largest alarm companies in the U.S. and has a UL listed central station which features modern computer systems, alarm industry software, and highly skilled operators. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, ADS Security, is a regional alarm company with 13 branch offices in the Southeastern U.S.
Home Control Company Supports Multi-Room Audio
HAI is supporting multi-room audio systems by both Nuvo and Russound via its
OmniPro II home control system and OmniTouch touchscreen interface, which provides
integration of home automation and audio functions.
For the Russound and Nuvo products, the OmniTouch can be used to control on/off, volume, muting, and source selection for each of the audio zones. Additionally, audio zones can be controlled by "OmniPro II modes" such as preset volume and lighting levels for "party" mode or outside speakers and lights turn off with "night" or "away" modes.
NEWSMAKERs
Tadd Richards joins the Alarm Insurance Agency (AIA) as the company's new account
executive. He is responsible for developing new accounts and servicing current
customers with the company's insurance programs. Tadd is based in the Alarm
Insurance Agency's Charleston, SC office and can be reached at 800-474-0933
or by e-mail at [email protected]....Continental
Instruments, Inc. welcomes Dario Bellido as Latin American Sales Director. He
will be servicing all of Latin America and the Caribbean. Continental Instruments
also announces the promotion of Gene Cronin to Product/Sales Support Manager....Jim
Ellis joins Security Integrator Dakota Security Systems as Commercial Sales
Manager for the state of Iowa....Kastle Systems appoints Steven Rindner to Executive
Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development....Joe Russell now heads up
a new Lead Program as Director of Lead Development at Monitronics International,
Inc. He will spearhead the expansion of the company's efforts to deliver sales
leads to its national network of authorized dealers....Practical Video Solutions
appoints Lewis Cohen its new president and CEO. He is an experienced information
technology executive, with more than 20 years of experience in providing technical
leadership to high-growth, world-class companies in highly competitive markets....PSA
shareholders recently elected Gary Venable as the new board chairman and re-elected
Jim Taylor as vice-chairman. In addition to Venable and Taylor, the PSA Board
is now comprised of Jeff Marcus, Past Chairman; John Colley, Northeastern Regional
Director; Mark Olive, Midwestern Regional Director; Mike Kobelin, Western Regional
Director; and Mike Richmond, Southern Regional Director....Security Associates
International, Inc. (SAI) hires Raymond DiTomas as Northern Regional Director
of Dealer Development. The hiring marks the fourth senior level SAI Authorized
Dealer executive recently appointed with extensive experience in dealer programs.
As Northern Regional Director of Dealer Development, DiTomas will lead the sales
and growth effort of SAI's Authorized Dealer Program in the Northern United
States....W. Scott Reinke has joined ADS Security as general manager of United
Alarm Systems' Savannah branch. Steven Kappel also joins ADS Security as Senior
Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Kappel is responsible for the overall
sales and marketing activities of the company and its 13 offices in Tennessee,
Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia, which serve more than 50,000 commercial,
institutional
and residential clients.....X10 PRO (Lighting and Appliance Control Products)
appoints Sabrina L. Cadena to its U.S. Sales and Marketing force. She is responsible
for X10 PRO's Sales and Marketing efforts within the Central United States
Region...Universal
Security Instruments, Inc. appoints Karen Yaggie to Marketing Manager....MDI
Security
Systems announces that Michael M. Garcia has joined the company as Vice President
of Worldwide Marketing and Product Marketing....SecurityNet member VTI Security
Integrators (Videotronix Inc.) has appointed Keith Kober as general manager
of VTI offices in Golden and Colorado Springs, CO, according to Thomas Asp,
chief operating officer and president. Kober will have overall responsibility
for sales, marketing, operations and service for VTI's two Colorado offices.
SecurityNet member D/A Central Inc. announces that its president, Paul David
Shelton, has been awarded the Certified in Homeland Security (CHS) Level II
designation from the American College of Forensics Examiners Institute. Shelton
has further been appointed to serve as a member of the CHS Preparation & Response
team for Security in the Michigan area. Shelton has 34 years of security industry
experience and has served as president of D/A Central, a 47-year-old systems
integration company serving Michigan and northern Midwest, for the last 30 years.
