As security integrators struggle to stay afloat amid the rising business challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important not to forget the many non-profits who advocate, educate and provide for our industry. Industry associations are getting as hurt by COVID-19 as the security integrators who they serve. Trade shows postponed. Golf outings canceled. Fundraisers shelved – the list goes on.
Luckily, the list of prominent associations in our industry looks to be able to weather the storm while integrators get back on their feet; however, they will eventually need a little help as well.
“In tough times, the community and crowdsourced knowledge provided by associations can be a powerful resource and comfort to business owners,” says Merlin Guilbeau, CEO of the Electronic Security Association. “During times like these, it can feel like nobody has any answers – until we connect and realize that together, we do have the solution.”
ESA has stepped up to help the entire industry during this time, as its National Training School is offering free online CEU courses through the end of the month to allow companies to extend the opportunity for employees to learn new skills while many may have reduced workloads.
“Associations foster the connections that so many business owners lean on during shared times of crisis,” Guilbeau says. “Through these connections, leaders often find not only the resources they need, but a friendly face to inspire them to carry on. When we come together, we can do more. ESA is proud to play its part in providing ways to connect and resources to get companies to the other side of hardships.”
Faced with the cancellation of many of the state and national law enforcement meetings it normally attends, the Security Industry Alarm Coalition is staying busy, according to Executive Director Stan Martin. “Though we are grounded, we are using the time to re-tool and update ways of communicating and documenting activity,” he says. “Additionally we're developing training and presentations to help on-board new part-time retired chiefs who will be covering states in the east and southeast as Glen Mowrey transitions from full-time to part-time. Hoping that everyone will continue their financial contributions to SIAC as we navigate these challenging times.”
Adds Guilbeau: “As we all face this challenge, we realize how vital government advocacy and legislation monitoring truly is. There is enough value in all the association offers in terms of networking, community building, discounts on training and insurance and business purchases; but government advocacy is something that is easy to forget about until you need it. Contributing to that effort – that allows our industry to have a voice – is a responsibility we all share.”
While the national organizations like ESA, the Security Industry Association, TMA and others are vocally doing their part, your local industry associations might be having a harder time. If you have been following the news on SecurityInfoWatch.com, you probably know that organizations like the Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (PBFAA), the New England Alarm & Controls Council (NEACC), and the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF) have all been forced to cancel or postpone major annual events that not only provided integral education and networking for their members, but also served as prime fundraisers for the organization.
Giving back when times are tough is not easy, but please consider doing whatever you can to help – whether it is time, money or even making sure you are registered for a rescheduled event – a little goes a long way.
Paul Rothman is Editor-in-Chief of Security Business magazine. This article was taken from the magazine’s upcoming April issue, which will feature a special section on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the security market. You can also check out our special COVID-19 section on SecurityInfoWatch for the latest industry news related to the virus.
