August is the month when AAF regions elect Vice Presidents to serve their local membership after a formal swearing-in ceremony at the Annual General Assembly. This year, the General Assembly will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 at the Radisson Twin Towers Hotel in Orlando.
Without slighting the Directors or other Board members, your Regional Vice President (RVP) really is the most important Board member of all. It's the RVP who is charged with keeping the local membership informed and coordinating local issues with state- wide initiatives. As anyone who has served in this capacity can attest, it's a BIG job! I urge all members to carefully consider just how important this job is and to support those who have expressed an interest in serving their fellow members.
Although the end of my term of office is not yet at hand, I do want to take this opportunity to thank all the RVPs from this year who have met the challenge of keeping their local regions viable and informed, and who have fulfilled their commit- ment to service on the Board of Directors. This great association was built by individuals who took the RVP jobs and worked hard to "grow" their local regions by donating untold hours and resources to the effort.
Today, we are truly fortunate to have a dynamic and energetic Executive Director who knows how to communicate...and does. But, Jude and her fine staff cannot do by them- selves what the RVPs are elected to do. It's a team effort between the association staff and the local elected representative that ensures a cohesive and active local membership.
With the start of a new program year and new faces at the RVP posts, some changes will take place at AAF headquarters that will help guarantee stronger ties between the state and local offices. Regional Vice Presidents will now have a designated staff member at their disposal who will work to coordinate local meetings and build regional membership bases. Jude will share the details with you in her September column.
By now most of the regions have seen the video produced by AAF headquarters and can now look forward to receiving a monthly video and hearing a consistent message on current issues affecting their industry and association. And, in between monthly or quarterly meetings, the AAF's Home Page is an excellent resource for training schedules and registrations, legislative news, magazine articles, convention highlights, license lists, etc.!
Lots of new communication tools are now available to the local membership. But, the RVP is still the integral link in the association chain. I urge you to support your local rep- resentative and maybe even consider running for that post your- self. The time and commitment will be well worth the experience and afford you the unique opportunity to personally help to shape the future of your trade association!
Lots of buzzing, ringing, and beeping going on at AAF head-quarters these days! Most of it is a result of our new Home Page on the World Wide Web. What a wonderful communication tool the Internet has become, and what an opportunity for AAF members to receive immediate access to information from within the association as well as outside data bases!
We've been "on-line" for about three weeks now and each day we're adding more and more items that we think will be useful to you. If you would like to see something that you think would be useful to everyone, let us know.
Very shortly, you'll see a new promotion from us that will provide you with an incredible offer to gain access to "the Net," at cost-saving prices not available through any other Internet vendor. And, we'll begin a regular column, written in layman's terms, in our September issue that will explain how you can access information and use the AAF Home Page to market your business. We'll also have computer stations set up on the floor of the Southeast Security Show to give one-on-one instruction on using the Internet.
CORRECTION: Our Internet address was incorrect in last month's magazine. Our correct address is: http://www.fla-alarms.org. Take a look...I think you'll like what you see!
For Ladies Only... A special Champagne Brunch will be featured on Friday, September 20, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm for ladies attending the AAF Convention only. There is no charge for this very special event, but registration is required.
"The Balancing Act," will be presented by Dr. Gayle Carson, CSP/CPCM: The drowning feeling overcomes all of us from time to time. This program will highlight several things that each of us can do to help us cope and get through the daily pressures. Prioritization, stress, saying no, achieving a relationship balance, how much energy to spend on each of the 6 key areas in your life, preventing burnout (and recognizing it too), while making schedules work, will all be addressed.
Dr. Carson is known throughout the world as one of the foremost experts on turning quality and excellence into increased profits. Her successful record as a business leader, educator, and entrepreneur shows that she has found the preliminary ingredients for success and can convey the information in a clear, precise fashion. She has conducted seminars in 48 states and 16 countries and is one of less than 300 people in the world to be awarded the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation from the National Speakers Association. Her experience building a chain of career schools and multimillion dollar real estate empire allows Gayle to present practical programs that bring you more profits. She knows and understands small and large businesses and helps them profit from emerging trends in the worldwide business arena.
Following last month's challenge by the Western Gate Region, the Goldcoast Region of the Alarm Association of Florida voted at their June meeting to contribute $400 of their treasury to the AAF's Legal Defense Fund.
"There was no question that we all wanted to do this as a sign of unity and support for our fellow association members," said Roy Pollack, Vice President of the region. "The individuals named in the suit have given much of their time and service to help all of us and our members wanted to express a solidarity of spirit in making this donation," Pollack continued.
To sweeten the pot, Pollack himself made a personal contribution in addition to the region's donation.
Contributions from members are still needed! To date, the legal defense bill is approximately $19,000. All members are encouraged to contribute what they can to defend these past Board members, who have been individually named in the wake of the filing for bankruptcy of the former AAF Health & Welfare Benefit Plan Trust in 1989. Mail your check, payable to the AAF Legal Defense Fund, to AAF Headquarters, 1349 E. Lafayette St., Tallahassee, FL 32301. Each month, we'll print the names of all contributors to the fund. Thank you!
Surf Enterprises, Inc.: Clyde Thodey, Jr., 675 Oleander Drive, Merritt Island, FL 32952.
Ron Walters: 9800 Sheridan Street, Unit 112, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024, Phone: (954) 450-5979.
The highlight of the AAF Convention every year is the Annual Awards Banquet. And, the focal spot of the banquet is the presentation of the "Most Valuable Person Award" to the individual who has given extraordinary contribution to the association and/or alarm industry over the past year.
The recipient need not be a member of the association to be nominated. A complete listing of past recipients of this prestigious award are list on page 17 of the 1996 AAF Membership Directory.
Ballot forms have been sent to all AAF regions to be distributed to local members. The award is voted on by Regular Members in good standing of the Alarm Association. All nominations must be mailed or faxed to AAF Headquarters by 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 30, 1996. The winner of the award will not be notified in advance. Presentation of the honor will be made on September 21, 1996 during the Annual Awards Banquet at the AAF's Convention at the Radisson Twin Towers Hotel in Orlando.
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Please circulate the form below to all members in your area and remind them to submit the forms to aaf headquarters by August 30! Take a minute to recognize the person (member or non-member of aaf, in or out of the alarm business) who you feel has done the most for your association and industry this year.
Test your knowledge of the history and current programs of your association by taking this short "pop quiz."
1) What year was the association registered with the Secretary of State?
2) What are the association's official colors?
3) What is the official slogan of the association?
4) When did the Florida alarm contractor license law become effective?
5) How many categories of membership does the association offer?
6) What is the minimum amount of Regular Member dues?
7) What is the 1996 annual budget of the association?
8) For what does the acronym "SMART" in the AAF's federal job training grant mean?
9) How many staff members work out of AAF headquarters on a daily basis?
10) How many committees does the association have?
11) What is the monthly circulation of the Handshake magazine?
12) How many students were trained by AAF from January 1 through June 1, 1996?
13) What are the dates of the 1996 Convention & Southeast Security Show?
14) How many false alarm ordinances has the association created?
15) Who is the association's lobbyist?
16) Which state agency regulates the state alarm contractor license?
17) What is the required quorum for AAF General Assembly meetings?
18) What is the name of the association's legislative bulletin?
19) What IRS tax category does has the AAF been granted?
20) What is the mission statement of the association?
AAF Pop Quiz Answers 1. 1970
2. Teal/Gold
3. "Setting a Higher Standard"
4. 1989
5. Six (6)
6. $295.00
7. $738,202.00
8. Selected Multiple Approaches for Retraining & Teaching
9. Five full-time; one part-time
10. Ten (10)
11. 800 copies nationwide
12. 421 individuals
13. September 19-21, 1996
14. Two/Burglar & Fire
15. Jude Ann Burk
16. Department of Business & Professional Regulation
17. The voting members present
18. "The Signal"
19. Non-profit, 501(c)(6)
20. See page 1 of your Membership Directory!
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Vice President/President-Elect: Roy Pollack, R.S.P. Security, Boynton Beach;
Treasurer: Clyde Thodey, Jr., Surf Enterprises, Inc., Merritt Island;
Secretary: Curtis Donahou, Sound & Security Systems, Longwood;
Director: Harvey Hudgins, Emergency Systems, Inc., Jacksonville;
Director: Ray Yauchler, Active Security Systems., St. Petersburg.
David Mims, Georgia/Florida Alarms, will automatically become President this year as the current Vice President/President-Elect for the association. Nominations may be offered on the floor of the General Assembly in addition to names being offered as write-in candidates on absentee ballot. Refer to AAF Bylaws, Article IV, Section H4 for details.
The following suppliers have reserved booth space at the September 20-21 Southeast Security Show in Orlando in conjunction with the AAF Annual Convention. Be sure to note the booth number of the companies you want to meet with first when you enter the trade show floor:
11 - Heitnereps
12 - Optex
15 - American Alarm Supply
16 - American Alarm Supply
17 - Tane Alarm Products
22 - Power & Systems Innovations
35 - Digital Security Controls (DSC)
36 - Digital Security Controls (DSC)
37 - Digital Security Controls (DSC)
38 - Silmar Electronics
39 - AES
40 - A-1 Alarm Supply
44 - Fire Lite Alarms
54 - Ademco
55 - Ademco
65 - Keystone Wire & Cable
66 - Security Lock Distributors
67 - Suncoast Distributors
68 - Suncoast Distributors
69 - Suncoast Distributors
70 - Suncoast Distributors
74 - Keenan Insurance Agency
75 - Computerized Monitoring Service (CMS)
76 - Fire Burglary Instruments (FBI)
77 - Fire Burglary Instruments (FBI)
78 - ADI
79 - ADI
80 - ADI
81 - Sentrol
82 - Alarm-It Distributors
83 - Alarm-It Distributors
84 - System Sensor
85 - Richardson Electronics
86 - Ark Automatic Gate Systems
87 - Financial Security Services, Inc.
88 - DigiCom
89 - Independent Alarm Distributors
90 - J.C. Gury Company
91 - Cen-Signal
92 - Elk Products, Inc.
93 - Visonic
94 - King Alarm
95 - King Alarm
96 - Central One
97 - Security Information Systems
100 - Micro Key Software
104 - International Electronics, Inc.
105 - X-10 Pro
106 - Alarm Product Distributors Worldwide
107 - C & K Systems
115 - Texecom
116 - Linear Corporation
Manufacturers/distributors or anyone interested in obtaining booth space at this exclusive Southeast show should contact AAF headquarters right away! Space is limited! Call (800) 899-2099.
The AAF is pleased to welcome Sandra Machado to the staff at association headquarters in Tallahassee. Sandy will be responsible for outbound telemarketing, and our members will be hearing from her on how the AAF can provide technicians through the AAF "SMART" grant program.
Sandy brings the added dimension of a multicultural background. She was raised in the United States, but her family is from Bayamon, Puerto Rico.Fluent in Spanish and French, Sandy will provide important communications and translation skills to enhance AAF activities.
She is a Master's degree candidate at Florida State University, studying multilingual/multicultural education. She has a Bachelor's degree in French Literature from the University of Central Florida, and has studied English and Spanish translation at the Universite Jean Moulin, Lyons, France.
Sandy will be working part-time with the AAF with the remainder of her work day serving as an administrator of the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program with Leon County Schools. !Bienvenidos, Sandra!
The Alarm Association of Florida is pleased and honored to include General Robert Milligan, Comptroller, State of Florida, in our convention agenda. General Milligan will be the keynote speaker at our group dinner honoring employers who have participated in the "SMART" grant program, on Thursday, September 19.
As Comptroller, Milligan is the state's chief financial officer and consumer watchdog. He heads the Florida Department of Banking & Finance, and serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet. He has established as the top priorities of the Department: concern for the future and well-being of the citizens of Florida; and the assurance that the state's budget is legally and properly expended.
He made political history by becoming Florida's first Republican Comptroller after his stunning defeat of the Democrat incumbent who had sought a sixth term in office. He holds a distinguished record of 39 years of military service, rising in the U. S. Marine Corps to the rank of three-star general. His career culminated as commanding general of Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific and Marine Corps Bases, Pacific, and was responsible for two-thirds of operating forces of 92,000 Marines and sailors serving at 18 bases and stations.
The Alarm Association of Florida (AAF) will actively pursue new legislation that will eliminate a requirement for pre-payment of sales tax on monitoring contracts. Following an inquiry from David Weston, Precision Security Systems, on behalf of the Dade Region, the AAF Board voted to include the pursuit of legislation in the organization's 1997 legislative agenda.
Currently, the Florida Department of Revenue has ruled that sales tax on monitoring contracts is due at the timeof invoicing. For instance, if an annual monitoring contract is billed in quarterly installments, sales tax is due when the invoice for the quarterly service is generated. However, if the payment for the service is not received by the time the alarm company must transmit notice of taxable service at the end of the month following the end of the quarter, the company must pay the tax anyway. The Department advises that a credit would be issued to the company for the next cycle of tax payments.
The Board felt that payment of tax on uncollected fees was excessive government interference with business and directed the association's lobbying team to initiate legislation to amend the tax law. AAF members will receive regular updates on the progress of this activity.
by Roy Pollack, CPP, Chair,
AAF Training Committee
Here it is...summer of 1996. Do you know what the importance of August 31, 1996 is? If not, you need to! That's when the state alarm contractor license renewal deadline takes effect, and all holders of the license must have obtained 14 continuing education (CE) credits in order to get a renewal. The Training Committee and the AAF Board have worked very hard over the past two years to register the necessary courses with the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board to help you improve your skills as a security professional while obtaining CE credits.
In addition to the AAF's own courses, the association has provided sponsorship of vendor courses that provide free instruction and license credits. With all registration fees being cut by $50 this year and an additional savings of another $50 if you take advantage of the "early bird" price, the old complaint of, "It costs too much to attend," is a hollow one.
But, think about this: What does a false alarm costyou? Did it cost you a service call? Did it cost $50 for a false alarm fine? Did it cost customer goodwill, an immeasurable dollar amount? Better training in a variety of areas could probably have prevented it:
* Correct detector placement
* Proper programming techniques
* Selection of the right equipment for the job
* Testing and inspection procedures.
And then, the second most popular excuse is, "I have done everything they will cover in that class." Well, so have I. But every time I instruct a class, I find I learn something new as well. I learn how others have remedied problems I might have had. I learn what problems may be lurking behind a control panel door that I have yet to encounter. I learn how to instruct my class better. You can learn how to installyour next security system better.
Training just to get your CE requirement won't do anything to change the standards in our industry. Training because you want and need to improve your skills will.
If you still need ce credits, IT'S NOT TOO LATE...CHECK OUT THE AAF TRAINING CALENDAR ON PAGE 13...ALL AAF CLASSES CARRY 14 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS EACH!
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) recently announced that a new logo has been created for the National Training School (NTS). According to Brad Shipp, Assistant Executive Director, the new logo is another step in the evolution of NTS, which has training more than 20,000 security professionals since its creation in 1986.
NTS recently made news when an agreement was signed by the three main associations involved at the national level in the security alarm business. The school will be co-sponsored by the NBFAA, the Security Industry Association (SIA), and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA).
Department of Business & Professional Regulation Secretary Richard Farrell will soon announce his appoint-ments to the Construction Industry Task Force. The 1996 Legislature directed that a committee be established and a study be undertaken to review statutes relating to the licensing and regulation of construction, electrical, and alarm system contracting to determine whether any statutory or rule changes need to be made. The Task Force will be comprised of 18 members representing specific segments of the industry as well as city and county governments, unionized labor, and consumers.
The law specifically directs the committee to study issues relating to the current board structure, regulatory and disciplinary jurisdiction on the state and local level and revenue and budget issues, including the potential benefits of privatizing regulation.
The committee must hold public hearings, complete the review and provide a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 1996.
Need a good technician? How about $2,000. of free training? If you've got the position and the desire to have pre-screened, tested individuals work for you, call Bob Webb or Andy Witzleban at AAF Headquarters and find out more about the AAF's "SMART" job training grant. We find the employee, we pay for the training. Don't miss this golden opportunity...call today!