Serving Our Country, And Our Industry
Micro Key Software general manager Brenda L. Judy received yet another promotion, to Master Sergeant (MSG), which is one of the highest ranking non-commissioned officers (NCO) in the Army. The promotion is in recognition of her leadership skills and dedicated service in the United States Army Reserve. Brenda adds this promotion to her four previous commissions and the 16 awards and decorations received during her 23 years of meritorious service to our country.
She was called to duty during a recent conflict in Iraq and assisted in the mobilization of Troops while stationed at the Fifth U.S. Army Headquarters, Fort Sam Houston, TX. “The discipline, training and focus on objectives that I have received while serving in the Army Reserve has assisted in my development as a manager in the private sector,” says Judy.
“My military training has been instrumental in developing and maintaining 100 percent teamwork and dedication to quality service at Micro Key Software,” she continues. “I truly enjoy being able to contribute in both the military and the private sector.”
Happy 1st Anniversary
US Express Leasing (USXL), an independent lease finance company offering personalized service to security dealers and their customers nationwide, recently celebrated its first year in business. According to CEO Jim McGrane, USXL’s focus on personalized service has resonated with hundreds of dealer partners, fueling the start-up company’s rapid growth. The company is expanding its Parsippany, NJ headquarters and continues to open regional offices throughout the U.S.
A Great Dinner, For a Good Cause
Members of the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) will present the Triton Award to Marc Mineau, president of Brivo Systems, Inc. on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the 2005 Tri-Association Awards Dinner. Dubbed the Thomas Crown Affair, the event will be held at the Three West Club in Manhattan from 7pm to 10pm in conjunction with the ISC East Expo in New York City, NY.
The evening will be an opportunity to network with colleagues, enjoy a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, seated dinner and live entertainment. International travel safety and security expert Bob Arno will provide his entertaining insight into the world of safety and security.
Tickets to the 2005 Tri-Association Awards Dinner are on sale now at www.siaonline.org. Tickets cost $250 each with a portion of each to be donated to the KlaasKids Foundation, a non-profit organization that partners with concerned citizens, the private sector, law enforcement agencies and legislators to develop ways to safeguard children against violence.
The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), established in 2002 to address alarm activation issues at the local and national levels, is putting in appearances at 15 ADI Expos throughout the U.S. The mission of these staff members is to brief alarm company owners and managers on the critical issues of false alarm reduction and No Response. They are providing information on programs designed to support cooperative efforts with law enforcement and the community related to effective alarm management.
Stan Martin, executive director of SIAC, points out, “Security alarms play a critical role in public safety, and they work most effectively when everybody involved utilizes the best alarm management practices available.” He knows of which he speaks. SIAC’s alarm management techniques have successfully reduced calls for service around the country. The protocols include equipment standards, the ECV (Enhanced Call Verification) protocol that confirm the need for police dispatch via alarm owner cell phone, and expanded training and communication resources for alarm users and local police. For more information, contact Stan Martin at [email protected] or visit the SIAC website at www.SIACinc.org.
Upcoming 2005 SIAC briefings at ADI Expos:
- 7/21 - Denver, CO
- 7/26 - Raleigh, N.C.
- 8/4 - Boston, MA
- 8/11 - Philadelphia, PA
- 8/18 - Houston, TX
- 9/20 - Montreal, Quebec
Bachelor’s Degree In Homeland
Security Offered
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has received state approval for a Bachelor of Arts degree program in homeland security and emergency preparedness. The undergraduate degree program was developed by faculty in VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs with the help of several federal and state agencies. These include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
“Government officials told us that an academic background in these areas is absolutely necessary if the theory and practice of homeland security is to develop in a mature direction,” says Robert D. Holsworth, Ph.D., director of the VCU Wilder School. For more information, visit www.vcu.edu.
DeFina Earns Appointment
Frank DeFina, president of Panasonic System Solutions Company, has been appointed a Director for the Security Industry Association (SIA). DeFina has been actively involved in the industry and has contributed continuously to its advancement.
“I am honored and highly appreciative of the opportunity to assume an active role in the SIA. As the convergence of technologies and the migration to a digital platform continues to change the nature of our industry, it’s important that SIA provides guidance and education to its members so that they can implement these technologies in the most efficient and effective ways possible,” DeFina notes.
An NBFAA STAFF First
Although the NBFAA’s President’s Award is typically given to an NBFAA volunteer, this year, its Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau was the first, and only, staff person to ever receive it. The award was presented to him by NBFAA President Scot Colby at the Association’s annual Award’s Luncheon held during the NBFAA Spring Conference & Chartered State Association Symposium.
NEWSMAKERS
Monitronics International, Inc. appoints Michael R. Haislip as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this new position, Haislip is responsible for overseeing all direct operational matters for the company…John F. Weir is named president of SMG Communications, a marketing communications and public relations agency specializing in the electronic security and fire/life safety industry. SMG Communications is a division of Syncomm Management Group, Inc., and the announcement was made by CEO Jerry Lenander. With more than 30 years experience, Weir has developed and managed national programs for KFC, DARE, U.S. Olympic Volleyball teams, and the March of Dimes.… i3 DVR International Inc. appoints Shawn Murphy as its new Canadian Sales Manager. A former Chair of the Canadian Society for Industrial Security (CSIS) in Ontario, Murphy has over 15 years of industry experience…Ernie McDaniel joins ADS Security, L.P., as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.…Marcos Lozano, Judy Padera, and Deanna Blair join Bold Technologies, a central station and alarm company software company. Both Lozano and Padera will focus on sales in the United States, while Lozano will also develop sales in the Latin America market.…Bosch Security Systems announces that Leon Chlimper recently joined the company as Vice President of System Sales. Operating out of the Fairport, NY office, he will be responsible for further expanding the company’s system business in the North American marketplace…CenturyTel, Inc. hires Jim Stevens as the Product Manager in its expanded security systems division, in charge of developing and managing the expansion of the security marketing program throughout the company’s entire service area.…Dedicated Micros, Inc. welcomes Art Cunnington to its sales team as the IT Integrated Solutions Manager. Cunnington will manage U.S. business in the Information Technology sector of Dedicated Micros’ sales efforts with a concentration on video security technology and applications into the IT framework…Erik Hostetler joins Group 4 Technology as graphic designer.…HID Corporation promotes Holly Sacks to executive Vice President of Marketing. Duties include product management functions as well as her current worldwide marketing and communications responsibilities for market research, advertising, web marketing, media relations, customer communications, trade events, promotional programs, and branding…Honeywell Fire Solutions Life Safety Group promotes Steven Rossi to Vice President, Communications.…Middle Atlantic Products names Warren Associates of Livermore CA its 2005 AV Rep of the Year.
Gambling Service Supplier License Granted
North American Video has extensive capabilities and expertise in providing digital security solutions for the gaming industry and has been awarded a Gaming Service Supplier License by the Washington State Gambling Commission. Licensing regulations in the state have recently been amended to include gambling service suppliers; North American Video meets eligibility requirements for this license.
According to the new regulation, gambling service suppliers are defined as businesses that provide gambling related services, including installation, integration, maintenance or any other service of digital surveillance systems that allows direct access to the operating system. North American Video recently completed installation on a large fully digital video surveillance and security system at the new Wynn Las Vegas casino and hotel, among its many other casino installs.
Monitoring Company Acquired
Richard Perry. president and CEO, Security Networks, LLC, announces the acquisition of Kissimmee, FL-based Marlin Central Monitoring.
According to Perry, it should be a seamless transition for both companies’ dealers and customers. Marlin Central Monitoring will remain an independent division and continue to provide dealer services. The entire staff will remain on board under the Marlin trade name and remain in the current facility. Marlin Central Monitoring, a UL Listed central station is a fully automated redundant facility with all fiber optics, and several redundant backup utility companies. The central station specializes in leading-edge technology including Dealer/Subscriber Access, Two-Way Voice, Video Monitoring and Video Verification.
The Russians Are Coming…To The U.S. Market
STR International, Inc., manufacturer of electronic security equipment, is bringing its extensive product line to the American market, making the Russian technology on which STR International’s product line is based available in the U.S. for the first time.
To assist in their expansion efforts, STR has hired Rico Lucia as Director of U.S. Sales. Lucia will be based in the company’s Toronto, Canada office, and will focus on adding sales representatives, signing on U.S. distributors and agreements with companies that would like to offer STR International’s technology.
Founded in 1993 with headquarters in Moscow, STR International also has manufacturing and Research & Development facilities in Western Russia and Israel. The company has been selling its products mainly in Eastern Europe and has recently expanded into the Middle East and North America. Current customers include Microsoft’s Moscow headquarters, the Russian Ministry of Defense, Ford Motor Company’s Canadian manufacturing facility and the Brazilian Department of Corrections, to name a few. STR International’s Microwave Perimeter Protection systems are currently used in virtually every prison in Siberia.
The brand is already well recognized in Russia and the rest of Eastern Europe. STR hopes to build upon it in the U.S. market.
