Insider News &amp; Business: August 2012

In this Issue:

SECURE+ Initiative Aims to Strengthen Security’s Position in the Home

It’s Official: ADT’s Commercial Branch Renamed

ESA Recognizes Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year & Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award Winner

Honeywell Adds Authorized Dealers in N.C., Manitoba

PBFAA Commemorates 30th Anniversary

Tri-Ed / Northern Video Expands With Acquisitions & New Branches

F. E. Moran Alarm Acquires in Indiana

Honeywell First Alert Welcomes Two

ASIS Establishes Certification Scholarship for Military Members

Dave Simon Wins Bill Cooper Award for National Service

ISC Solutions Renamed: ISC East (Again)

Knox Installed as ESA President, 4 Others as Elected Officers

$75 Million Credit Facility Supports Continued Growth for Ackerman

Honeywell Recognizes Stanley With ‘President’s Award’

Oncam Global Acquires Grandeye

Mississippi Alarm Association to Host 18th Annual Convention

SECURE+ Initiative Aims to Strengthen Security’s Position in the Home

Enhanced services have quickly become one of the security industry’s new buzz phrases. There are strong supporters, those who claim the technology isn’t ready, those who believe they are outside of a security company’s core mission, and many in between. Whichever the case was for individuals, discussions on enhanced services came up often during this summer’s Electronic Security Expo, held in Nashville, Tenn. And during the annual Electronic Security Association member meeting, ESA announced it embraced the new opportunities that enhanced services represent with a new education, marketing and funding program: the SECURE+ Initiative.

As other technology companies enter the security space, ESA executive director and chief executive officer Merlin Guilbeau stated, it is important to showcase the range of services ESA member companies have been providing for quite some time. Whether a customer wants to conserve energy by remotely adjusting the lights and thermostat, check to see if a son or daughter has come home from school, or make sure the home is protected from intruders or fire, member companies can provide the appropriate solution.

Kirk MacDowell, SECURE+ committee chairman as well as residential business leader at UTC Fire & Security, introduced the program at ESX and noted, “ESA had the vision to recognize that this trend is a reality and formed a task force to determine the best way for us to maintain and enhance the identity of the security industry while helping ESA members navigate through this wave of the future.”

At the heart of the initiative is the irrefutable need to clear up some of the consumer confusion surrounding enhanced digital services offered by security companies. The SECURE+ Initiative aims to “raise awareness within the industry and increase the public profile for new technologies and services offered by member companies while helping guide and sustain visibility and market share for electric security companies in this growing area of the business,” MacDowell said.

Participating companies will be able to display the ESA SECURE+ Seal of Acceptance company logo on their websites, social media pages and other marketing materials. In addition, an awards program will help sustain the program and offer additional exposure for recognized companies. The award categories include:

Life Safety Award for the most innovative use of interactive services in a life safety situation including fire, carbon monoxide detection or medical emergency.
Peace of Mind Award recognizing the most dramatic use of interactive services to extend connection with family members.
Protect and Connect Award for the best use of interactive services in an intrusion scenario to include alarm activations in a robbery or burglary.
Sustainable Lifestyle Award for installations that reduce energy consumption and costs in a residential home.
I Love My Pet Award for the best use of interactive services in caring for our beloved animals.

Nominations for the ESA Accepted SECURE+ Awards can be submitted in the coming weeks with winners to be announced at the ESA Leadership Summit, Feb. 18-21, 2013 in Orlando, Fla.

For information, visit www.esaweb.org or contact Shannon Murphy, ESA vice president of sales and marketing, at (972) 807-6835 or at Shannon.Murphy@ESAweb.org.

MacDowell announced at ESX that several companies already made sponsorships commitments, including AE Ventures, Alarm.com, Moon Security, Interlogix, Smokey Mountain Alarm and Telguard. — By Sabrina Gasulla, Associate Editor

It’s Official: ADT’s Commercial Branch Renamed

Tyco International, Boca Roton, Fla., announced that its ADT North America Commercial Security business unit will officially go by its new name, Tyco Integrated Security, effective immediately. This name change reflects the company’s exclusive focus and commitment to providing security solutions that help commercial businesses protect the things they value most, Tyco stated in a press release.

For information, visit www.TycoIS.com.

Byerly Heads to Diebold

Diebold Inc., North Canton, Ohio, announced Tony Byerly was named executive vice president, electronic security. In his new position, Byerly will be leading the company’s electronic security business and executing its growth strategies in electronic security across all markets.

Byerly comes to Diebold from Stanley Convergent Security Solutions (Stanley CSS), where he most recently served as president and chief operating officer. During Byerly’s leadership, Stanley CSS grew to become the second-largest electronic security provider in North America. Prior to his work at Stanley, Byerly gained more than 20 years of security and leadership experience at a variety of private and public corporations including ADT/Tyco International, Honeywell Security Monitoring (HSM), Ameritech, SBC Global Communications, SecurityLink and Cambridge Protection Industries.

“I am confident that Tony’s experience as a security industry leader will prove valuable and enable us to further strengthen, enhance and expand our security business,” said Thomas Swidarski, Diebold president and chief executive officer. “Electronic security has an attractive growth profile and we are dedicated to making necessary investments to build our competency in North America and expand the model globally.”

For information, visit www.diebold.com.

ESA Recognizes Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year & Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award Winner

On June 26, ESX attendees came together in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville to honor two people whose contributions to the industry have made them stand out.

ESA’s Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award was presented to Bob McVeigh, vice president and general manager of Security Solutions Inc. McVeigh has been chairperson of the Industry Affairs committee since January of 2008, but has contributed to various efforts in the association.

According to ESA, McVeigh has filled the role of “go-to” guy for the association, taking on leadership roles in his committee and the association, but also contributing his time and expertise to educate the industry and be an insightful guide to others. His presence in the industry spans more than 20 years, during which he has done everything from sales operations and marketing to being fully responsible for company operations as he is in his current position.

Dan Budinoff was named the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year. Budinoff is the president and owner of Security Specialists in Stamford, Conn. and has supported ESA for more than 35 years.

Among Budinoff’s endless list of contributions, he was instrumental in the founding and formation of the National Training School (NTS) and served as an instructor. He was the recipient of the 2004 Sara E. Jackson award for his work in the education and training committee from 1987 to 2002, serving as vice chairman of the NTS committee from 1993 to 2003 and as chairman of the election committee from 2001 to 2004. Budinoff also held officer positions in the Connecticut and New York alarm associations. In addition, he currently serves as a Class C representative on the Security America Risk Retention Group board of directors.

Honeywell Adds Authorized Dealers in N.C., Manitoba

Honeywell, Melville, N.Y., welcomed Albemarle Sound & Security, Edenton, N.C., and National Industrial Communications Inc. (NICI), Winnipeg, as Honeywell Authorized Dealers for Commercial Security Systems (CSS). The program provides design, installation and support services for the integrators.

Albermarle serves residential customers in the upper eastern part of North Carolina. In addition to traditional security systems, Albemarle provides a range of home automation solutions.

NICI provides a broad range of services including CCTV, nurse call systems, wandering patient alerts, access control, intercom and public address systems.

“Albemarle Sound & Security is a great addition to the CSS Dealer Program, particularly due to their experience in home automation and energy management solutions — areas that are of key focus for Honeywell this year,” said Dave Kaufman, Honeywell’s director of dealer programs.

Kaufman continued, “One of National Industrial Communication’s most-distinguishing characteristics is its focus on keeping people connected and aware of what’s happening in facilities of any size. They concentrate on the human element, and their high level of attention to customer service and experience throughout the private and governmental sectors makes them a welcome addition to the Honeywell CSS Dealer Program.”

For information, visit www.asasinc.net, www.nici.mb.ca and www.security.honeywell.com.

PBFAA Commemorates 30th Anniversary

The Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (PBFAA) hosted its 30th Annual Membership Meeting, Golf Outing and Exposition in June at the Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster, Penn.

The event commemorated the 30 years of association activity through several member activities.

Kicking off the event was the PBFAA’s annual golf outing, hosting more than 75 golfers in a shotgun scramble format. The evening event incorporated the annual membership meeting, election of officers and the presentation of association awards such as the Associate Member of the Year, the Annual Scholarship Awards and the Keith Ladd Leadership Award, followed by a buffet dinner and concluding with PBFAA’s renowned Casino Night.

Educational sessions were offered in technical, business and sales tracks. A special keynote seminar session was conducted by industry expert witness Jeffrey Zwirn, titled Alarm Science Bootcamp, which educated attendees on the actions and inactions of their daily activities that can land them in court, trying to defend their business practices.

The PBFAA’s vendor exhibits featured more than 40 industry product and service providers.

Tri-Ed / Northern Video Expands With Acquisitions & New Branches

Tri-Ed / Northern Video, Woodbury, N.Y., an independent security distributor, announced its continued expansion with the acquisition of Seabreeze Security Distributors, a security distributor in the Orlando, Fla. market.

Tri-Ed / Northern Video will maintain the Seabreeze office at 839 Clay Street, Winter Park, FL 32789. “We are very excited to increase our North American footprint and continue to exceed the expectations of security professionals in this market,” noted Pat Comunale, president and chief executive officer. “We welcome the Seabreeze sales staff to the Tri-Ed / Northern Video team.”

In addition to the Seabreeze acquisition, Tri-Ed / Northern Video will be opening two new locations, one in Detroit, Mich. and the other in Raleigh, N.C. in August.

For information, visit www.tri-ed.com.

F. E. Moran Alarm Acquires in Indiana

On the heels of completing his second acquisition in as many months, F.E. Moran Alarm President Brett Bean said to “expect significant growth in the coming years” from his Champaign, Ill.-based company. Bean commented that the acquisition of Myers Protection Services in Indianapolis is another step toward becoming one of the “Top 20 by 2020” alarm companies in the country, as ranked by recurring monthly revenue. Bean continued, “This platform purchase gives us entrance into a new market from which we will aggressively expand. David has built an extraordinary, well-respected company with dedicated employees and a strong customer base. We’re going to build on those attributes.”

Owner David Myers had the desire to grow his company with the capital and influence of a larger organization having the same goals and beliefs of making the customer experience a top priority. Myers said, “One of my goals has always been to become an ‘Employer of Choice’ in the markets we served. Our customers are our first priority, but we can’t provide best-in-class service without the best staff. I was thrilled when I realized that Brett and F.E. Moran shared all of our core values, our hometown values, not to mention the large number of similarities that Brett and I share. My clients will find the same caring, attention to detail and service-minded person in Brett that they have with me. It’s the perfect match for us and the perfect company for our clients. I truly believe that there is now no better alarm company in any market. It’s an exciting time for us and also for our customers.”

The acquisition of Myers Protection Services added more than 3,000 residential and commercial subscribers to the F.E. Moran Alarm customer base, primarily in the Indianapolis area.

Honeywell First Alert Welcomes Two

Honeywell, Melville, N.Y., announced that southern California’s Pacific Alarm Systems and Minnesota-based Floyd Total Security joined the Honeywell First Alert Professional Dealer Program, an independent security dealer network. Pacific Alarm Systems provides installation, security monitoring and response services to approximately 4,500 homes and businesses throughout Los Angeles County. Floyd Total Security is a security provider that serves residential and commercial customers primarily in the education, government, retail and healthcare industries.

Pacific Alarms is a family-owned company that has served residential and commercial customers in L.A. County since 1959. The company designs, installs and monitors high-tech security and fire alarm systems as well as CCTV and IP camera systems, and access control systems. Pacific Alarm Systems also owns and operates a local central monitoring station, and operates a guard service with the capability to provide armed response services.

Floyd Total Security began as a small locks and safe company in 1945 and has evolved into one of the Twin Cities’ longest-running security providers. The company provides intrusion and fire protection solutions, digital video surveillance, access control, high-security locks and full-service alarm monitoring for both commercial and residential customers. Floyd also owns and operates a UL-listed central monitoring center, Security Response Services Inc., for security alarm, fire and sprinkler alarms, and video alarm monitoring services.

With approximately 600 dealer locations in North America, the First Alert Professional Dealer Program provides customized support in sales techniques and marketing strategies for intrusion, fire, CCTV and access control systems in commercial and residential facilities. The program is designed for dealers with expertise in intrusion and fire, video surveillance and access control.

For information, visit www.pacificalarms.com and www.firstalertpro.com.

ASIS Establishes Certification Scholarship for Military Members

The ASIS Foundation in partnership with the ASIS Military Liaison Council (MLC) established a new scholarship to recognize outstanding ASIS military members for their duty performance, community leadership, and self-improvement achievements and to assist them in advancing their career by achieving ASIS board certification. The ASIS Foundation/Military Liaison Council Certification Scholarship will award funding to cover direct expenses associated with preparing for and achieving an ASIS board certification (CPP, PCI, or PSP).

According to Joseph Rector, CPP, PSP, PCI, co-chair of the ASIS Military Liaison Council, “Government funding for professional certifications varies greatly among the military services, as it also varies from nation to nation. As a result, many military members must pay for certification costs out of their own pockets. We are excited about this partnership with the ASIS Foundation which provides an opportunity for military members, who are ASIS members, to pursue and enhance their development in the security profession.”

Visit http://www.asisonline.org/foundation/noframe/scholarships-awards/certification-scholarship.html.

Dave Simon Wins Bill Cooper Award for National Service

The Wisconsin Electronic Security Association (WIESA), Pewaukee, Wisc., recognized Dave Simon with its annual “Bill Cooper Award,” for his industry efforts in Wisconsin and nationally. It is the first year the state association expanded its award to include national recognition.

“Dave has had a national impact with his extensive work for the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), and countless other committees, meetings and events,” said WIESA former president Mike Horgan, who presented the award.

The award is given in recognition of ADT’s Bill Cooper. The award “embodies the ultimate in hard work and fun, tenacity and getting the job done, but with a lighter side — qualities that Bill has in abundance,” Horgan explained.

“Dave has a long history of working in Wisconsin, going back to the Milwaukee non-response days, and has continued his involvement in Wisconsin events over the years, including emceeing this year’s membership event at the Harley Davidson Museum,” Horgan added.

A video of Horgan’s presentation can be viewed on SIAC’s website, www.siacinc.org.

ISC Solutions Renamed: ISC East (Again)

ISC Events announced that it is changing the name of its New York-based ISC show back to ISC East. For the past two years it had been known as ISC Solutions, with a focus on bringing more end-users into the mix of other attendees; thus, a complete solution. But after consulting with ISC attendees, exhibitors, supporters, and associations to determine what was working and what needed improvement, the consensus was to have the Northeast’s largest annual gathering of security professionals go back to its roots, the show organizer explained.

“Over and over, people familiar with the show told us that ‘We don’t care what you name it, we call it ISC East,’” emphasized Ed Several, senior vice president, ISC Events. “They want it to be the East Coast version of ISC West for all segments of the security channel. They want a place where they can network with peers, meet their customers, see new products, and get relevant education to improve their skills. Therefore, we will be adding the best of ISC West along with some distinctly Northeast features to ISC East,” he said.

The exhibition, to be held Oct. 30-31, 2012 at the Javits Center, will feature more than 300 exhibitors showcasing new products, technologies and services. For dealers, installers, integrators, and specifiers, the event will focus on retrofitting and updating to increase profits. For end users, achieving business optimization is the main theme. Both concepts will be supported by key exhibitors and free, high-quality education.

For information, visit www.isceast.com.

Knox Installed as ESA President, 4 Others as Elected Officers

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) installed John Knox as the 2012-2014 ESA president and announced the election of four officers on June 28 during the annual membership meeting at the ESA Summer Conference at Electronic Security Expo (ESX).

Knox is owner and president of Life & Property Security Systems in Knoxville, Tenn. and has been an Executive Board member for ESA since 2006, serving as secretary and as vice president. He began working for Life & Property as a technician in 1984 while attending the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, and became owner of the company in 1989.

He said one goal as president is reaching out to smaller companies who may not feel connected to the association.

“I think a lot of the smaller companies think they can’t make a difference because of their size,” he said. “I want to work with them and show them that they really can make a difference, especially at the local level. I also understand larger companies, and the kind of things they need to take away from their membership.”

The four newly elected officers are Roy Pollack, elected to one-year term as vice president, Marshall Marinace, re-elected to two-year term as vice president, Robert Michel, elected to two-year term as vice president, and Bill Cooper, re-elected to two-year term as secretary.

Pollack is director of compliance for Devon Security Services Corp. in Hollywood, Fla. Marinace is president of Marshall Alarm Systems of Yorktown, N.Y. Michel is president of Valley Alarm in Sun Valley, Calif., and Cooper is industry liaison manager for ADT Security Services in Louisville, Ky.

Also, Jon Sargent was elected to a two-year term as national company rep, while Ken Nelson was elected to a two-year term as associate member rep.

Knox praised outgoing President Dominic D’Ascoli for his leadership. “In my opinion, over the past couple of years, Dom has been the orchestrator of the greatest amount of change that the association has ever gone through,” Knox said.

$75 Million Credit Facility Supports Continued Growth for Ackerman

Ackerman Security Systems closed a $75 million five-year financing led by RBS Citizens as lead agent with Capital One as syndication agent and TD Bank as a major participant.

According to Jim Callahan, president, “This credit facility will provide Ackerman with the financing it needs to continue its growth strategy. This includes funding for additional initiatives we are considering such as entering new markets or acquisitions.”

Ackerman provides residential and commercial security solutions in Atlanta and Washington D.C., and it serves multi-site commercial customers throughout the United States. The company reported it grew four-fold since 2005 to more than 85,000 customer sites and $2 million in recurring monthly revenue. Its growth has been primarily through expanding market share using a direct sales force of more than 100 professional representatives.

Jeff Cohen, chief financial officer, said, “While our internal cash flow supports most of our growth, availability of specialized bank financing has enabled us to grow our account base at a pace of more than 20 percent per year over the last several years making us one of the fastest growing of the top 25 companies in the industry.”

Honeywell Recognizes Stanley With ‘President’s Award’

Honeywell announced that global security integrator Stanley Security, was named the 2011 recipient of the Honeywell Integrated Security President’s Award. As a Gold-level certified member of the Honeywell Integrated Security (HIS) authorized integrator program, Stanley Security demonstrated a high level of expertise and commitment in designing and deploying Honeywell’s security products and services, including Honeywell’s enterprise level Pro-Watch® security management system, Honeywell stated in a press release.

The President’s Award recognizes the company for the greatest number of new Pro-Watch software licenses issued over the course of 2011. Honeywell added that Stanley Security continues to be a top performing partner in designing and deploying integrated security systems, as well as installing Honeywell’s portfolio of video surveillance and intrusion detection offerings. Stanley Security also uses the Pro-Watch security management platform in its own corporate facilities worldwide.

Stanley Security is ranked No. 5 in SDM’s Top Systems Integrators Report. For information, visit www.honeywellintegrated.com or www.stanleycss.com.

Oncam Global Acquires Grandeye

Oncam Global announced it took full ownership of Grandeye, the 360-degree innovator. The combined company was named Oncam Grandeye.

Oncam Global acquired the remaining 51 percent of shares from Creative Technology, to take full control of the imaging technology specialist. Grandeye will now be fully integrated as Oncam Global’s technology and engineering arm, providing a suite of 360-degree technology for security and liability protection applications.

Ahmed Jawad, executive chairman of Oncam Global Group, said the deal would allow the business to take control of the 360-degree development market across the security and commercial sectors. He added: “Grandeye has been a pioneer in the development and use of 360 degree imaging across a range of security solutions and to this day remains synonymous with 360-degree technology.

“With the global video surveillance market predicted to grow by more than 12 percent in 2012, it is vital that we are positioned effectively to continue our leadership in 360-degree technology and exploit new growth opportunities across the market place. Taking full control of Grandeye will enable us to do this, ensuring that we are geared towards delivering the next generation of 360-degree technology, as well as being positioned to take forward exciting technology deployment partnerships.”

Jawad also announced Oncam Global will invest heavily in a sustained research and development (R&D) program. “This investment is critical for us to remain at the forefront of the industry,” he said. “Grandeye will benefit from increased investment in R&D and it will also be our objective to attract the best people into our business, ensuring that we maintain our market position and continue to lead technology development and innovation in the 360-degree technology market.”

Mississippi Alarm Association to Host 18th Annual Convention

The Mississippi Chapter of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) will be hosting its 18th Annual Convention at Harrah’s Casino in Tunica, Miss., Sept 19 and 20.

Twelve hours of continuing education units (CEUs) are required in Mississippi for residential electronic security dealers to renew their license each year. The MAA Convention provides opportunities for electronic security dealers in Mississippi, as well as Arkansas and Tennessee, to get those CEUs. Wednesday events include a skeet shoot, slot tourney, golf, continuing education classes, a Meet & Greet reception for vendors and registered attendees, and ending the night with a laugh at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. Thursday activities include more continuing education classes, a Statewide Meeting/Luncheon with elections and special guest speakers, and the grand finale — a vendor trade show.

Registration is open at http://mississippi2012.eventbrite.com/. Attendees may book accommodations in the Veranda Tower by calling (866) 635-7095 by Aug. 22, 2012 using the group name MS Alarm Association or go to the Harrah’s website at https://www.totalrewards.com/hotel-reservations/main/?propCode=GTU&groupCode=S09MSA2.

Trade Show News: ASIS 2012

ASIS International (ASIS) is preparing for its 58th Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2012) to take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 to 13. According to organizers, ASIS 2012 will bring together more than 20,000 security professionals from more than 90 countries for education, networking, and an expansive exhibit floor of security products and services.

The keynote speaker, Mohamed ElBaradei, former director general, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (1997-2009), will address attendees of ASIS 2012 on Tuesday, Sep. 11.

“The impact of Dr. ElBaradei’s work to strengthen the non-proliferation regime is far reaching. His advocacy of nuclear disarmament and his dedication to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a means to increase quality of life for many around the world is remarkable,” noted Eduard J. Emde, CPP, president, ASIS. “Seminar attendees will have an invaluable opportunity to garner Dr. ElBaradei’s unique, first-hand perspectives on global security and international law.”

In addition to the keynote, veteran political broadcaster Chris Wallace and high-profile American astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson will address attendees on Thursday, Sept. 11.

“We are honored to have two of the most notable and respected professional figures in their fields of practice,” noted Emde. “Wallace’s experience and unique political perspective will offer ASIS 2012 attendees incredible insight into the inner-workings of American government and presidential campaigning. Likewise, Dr. Tyson will most certainly challenge, engage and intrigue our audience as he shares his knowledge of a world beyond our own.”

“Security threats know no boundaries. Offering professionals fresh, broad perspectives are the reason (ISC)² and ASIS joined forces in the first place,” added W. Hord Tipton, CISSP-ISSEP, CAP, executive director for (ISC)². “The leadership these gentlemen embody will surely inspire all who attend and give them ideas they can apply to their unique environments.”

ASIS 2012 will once again be colocated with the second annual (ISC)2 Security Congress. (ISC)2 is a not-for-profit membership body of certified information security professionals worldwide. Registrants of either conference will gain access to each event’s education sessions and the exhibit hall. Both organizations also will offer review courses for their respective certifications, as well as separate, members-only activities.

More than 200 educational sessions will be presented at ASIS 2012, including expanded IT security offerings in collaboration with (ISC)2. The exhibition area will feature more than 230,000 net square feet of the latest security technology and innovations, providing a showcase for more than 700 companies demonstrating cutting-edge products and services that are shaping the security industry today.

To register, visit www.asis2012.org.

Companies You Should Know

During a career that spans more than 35 years in the security market, Quick Response Monitoring Alarm Center, Cleveland, Ohio, has been a staple in Midwest security for some time. Recently, the company showed tremendous growth due by-and-large to the acquisition of American Response Center, Euclid, Ohio, a series of technological improvements, and serious station expansions.

Quick Response is Central Station Alarm Association Five Diamond certified, as well as UL listed in both fire and burglary. The company currently runs two central stations, both of which are in the Cleveland area and collectively employ more than 60 people.

Quick Response continues to show signs of growth in the future. There are already plans to build a new central station headquarters in the Cleveland area, and a new disaster recovery center should be finished in the near future. The new disaster recovery center will be located just 20 miles away from its main facility, giving the company a desirable proximity to shuttle resources and personnel between the facilities in the event of a disaster. The proximity of these facilities also allows for a fiber optic connection between the headquarters and the disaster recovery center, which ensures fast relay of information.

The new headquarters presents an opportunity for Quick Response to experience internal growth. In an interview Quick Response’s chief executive officer, Jeff Cohen, articulated how the addition of this new headquarters would benefit the company, saying, “This is a much bigger building and a much nicer space. I think that we will be able to do things at this building that we couldn’t before, like on-site training. We were not able to do those things before because of the size of our headquarters. We will also be able to expand certain departments and work on new services.”

This physical growth has also allowed the company to grow in the tech field as well, Cohen stated, “Currently, we are deploying a managed access control service, as well as host access control service and cloud-based access control. We are currently in beta testing on that, and are in the process of releasing the first portion of its features very soon.”

Quick Response plans to incorporate video surveillance and remote video monitoring to its central station repertoire in the near future as well. This will allow the company to move into a new category of central station, one which has a symbiotic medium of technological advancements and personalized service. — By Grant Gosizk, Contributing Writer

A Giant Grand Opening

A Giant Grand OpeningNew York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz shakes the hand of Tri-Ed / Northern Video President and CEO Pat Comunale at the Grand Opening celebration of the Elmsford, N. Y., branch. Tri-Ed / Northern Video’s Elmsford branch hosted its official Grand Opening on May 3, 2012. More than 200 guests and 20 manufacturer sponsors celebrated the opening of this new branch that serves dealers and installers in the Westchester, N.Y. area.

Maria Malice Joins SIAC Board

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), Frisco, Texas, a representative of the alarm industry on alarm management issues, announced that the Electronic Security Association (ESA) appointed Maria Malice as its representative to the SIAC board of directors. Malice will replace John D. Knox who served on the SIAC board for the past six years and recently became president of ESA.

Malice serves as vice president of special projects for C.O.P.S. Monitoring, Scottsdale, Ariz. She is currently the president of the Arizona Alarm Association, where she has served as a board member since 1992.

“Maria’s work in Arizona, such as implementation of our model ordinance in numerous local agencies as well as other innovative programs, has led to dramatic decreases in unnecessary calls for service while preserving police response and building strong relationships with law enforcement,” said Stan Martin, SIAC’s executive director. “There remains much work to do and there is no doubt Maria is up to the challenge.”

Martin added, “We want to thank John for his service on the board. He has been and continues to be a visionary leader in our industry and we look forward to continuing to work closely with John at ESA.”

News Briefs

Protection 1, Romeoville, Ill., announced that Brandy Watson, agency liaison permit analyst of Protection 1, recently received recognition as a Certified Alarm Manager (CAM). The CAM designation affirms knowledge and expertise in the management, coordination, preparation and implementation of a false alarm prevention program.

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Watson is one of only five people from the security industry who have taken and passed the exam in order to achieve CAM certification. The assessment was given by the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) at the FARA Symposium, May 1-3, 2012 in Albuquerque, N.M.

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Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, Denver, is expanding its presence in the North American physical security arena with the hiring of Frank Abram as director, national sales and marketing, Security Systems. In his new role, Abram leads Security Systems initiatives to expand market share.

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SentryNet, Memphis, Tenn., welcomed Michael Turner to the Florida office as a sales and dealer relations representative. Turner divides his time helping existing dealers build RMR through enhanced services; and recruiting new dealers.

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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) named Michael Carr as the dealer development manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region, which includes Tenn., Ky., N.C., Va., and W.Va. The company also named Mike King as its dealer development manager for the Midwest region, which includes Ill., Wis., Iowa, Minn., N.D., S.D. and south-central Canada. They will each be responsible for developing new sales and providing on-going service to DMP-authorized dealers.

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Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution, Woodbury, N.Y., announced that Jeff Stout was named director of national integrator sales. Stout joins Bill Donahue, vice president of corporate accounts and the rest of the national accounts team to secure large integrator accounts and manage the relationships with these key customers.