TMA Members Make SIA’s Women in Security Forum Power 100

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

TMA is proud to recognize its members who made the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Women in Security Forum (WISF) Power 100 in 2024.  The program honors 100 exceptional women in security who are raising the bar, changing expectations and breaking barriers. They lead, they inspire change and they innovate, and this is their time to be recognized!

Join us in congratulating these amazing women for their outstanding accomplishments:  

JULIE BEACH
Vice President, SONITROL, Securitas Technology

KELLY DELEO
Director, Solutions and Services – Americas, Axis Communications

AMANDA EDWARDS
Senior Account Executive, Paladin Technologies

TIFFANY GALARZA
Senior Director, Telecom & End User Tech, ADT

HRISTINA KOLEVA
Vice President of Customer Success, Stealth Monitoring

RACHELLE LOYEAR
Vice President, Integrated Security Solutions, Allied Universal

CARLA MANZANILLA
Program Manager, Allied Universal Technology Services

CAROLYN MCGRATH
Global Senior Director, Security and Fire Services, Johnson Controls

CHRISTINA PARK
Global Account Manager, Axis Communications

NANCY PETERSON
Executive Vice President/North America General Counsel, Allied Universal

JOEY RAO-RUSSELL
President and CEO, Sonitrol

SHARI WILSON
Director of Monitoring, ADT

Carrier to Divest Industrial Fire Unit in $1.4B PE Deal

/0 Comments/in , /by

Carrier Global Corp. (NYSE: CARR) has agreed to sell its Industrial Fire business, which includes brands Det-Tronics, Marioff, Autronica and Fireye, to Sentinel Capital Partners for an enterprise value of $1.43 billion.

The transaction represents the latest step in Carrier’s ongoing portfolio transformation, following the recent acquisition of Viessmann Climate Solutions and the recently announced agreements to sell Carrier’s Global Access Solutions business to Honeywell for nearly $5 billion and its Commercial Refrigeration business to Haier for $775 million.

Carrier said it continues to prepare for the last of its four announced business exits — its combined commercial and residential fire businesses.

With approximately 1,400 employees operating in more than 20 countries, Carrier’s Industrial Fire business is a global provider in fire detection and suppression solutions for high-hazard applications across verticals such as critical infrastructure, oil and gas, marine and clean energy.

The pending sale will allow the business to build on the strength of its advanced lifecycle solutions, strong customer relationships and high growth potential across key segments, according to the announcement.

“This transaction marks another milestone in our transformation as we become a more focused, higher growth company, and furthers our vision to become the global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions,” said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin.

Carrier expects net proceeds from the transaction to exceed $1.1 billion and intends to use the proceeds to pay down debt. Closing is expected in the third quarter of 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are serving as financial advisor to Carrier. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Linklaters LLP are providing external legal counsel.

Securitas Rolls Out Data Centre Certification Globally to Employees

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Written by Neil Sutton, Editor, Canadian Security, March 18, 2024

Securitas recently announced the availability of a data centre certification for its employees, with plans to train more than 10,000 staff.

The training, which became available in February, complements the launch of Securitas’ Global Data Center Group in 2023.

Securitas staff who successfully complete the training — which focuses on physical access control, emergency response procedures, adherence to ethics and professional conduct — will be recognized as Certified Data Security Professionals.

“Securitas’ certified data centre professionals will serve as vigilant eyes and ears, enhancing client safety by identifying hazards and improving working practices,” said the company in a press release when the training program was first announced.

At the moment, the certification is internal to Securitas, but there are efforts underway which would allow it to be recognized as a global industry standard.

Bert den Hartog, vice-president, global clients, Securitas, said the certification serves a dual purpose: to offer a higher level of service to the company’s data centre clients while providing valuable skills to Securitas staff and allowing them to gain a better understanding of how their role contributes to data centre security.

“Our officers will be security specialists in the data centre environment. Our specialists will be better prepared to provide security and safety service in a data centre and to continue with their professional development,” said den Hartog in an email interview with Canadian Security.

Securitas also plans to add more modules to the data centre training over time.

According to den Hartog, Securitas offers a broad range of training initiatives in addition to the data centre certification. Some training, which focuses on business ethics and values, is mandatory for Securitas employees.

These programs “make sure everyone in our company understands our core values, being integrity, helpfulness and vigilance, to make our world a safer place according to our mission,” he said.

Other, more specialized programs vary depending on the client or industry. “It has been proven that investment in people leads to better service and quality,” he added.

Important Tax Relief Legislation Needs Your Support NOW!

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Did you know that the U.S. House passed tax relief that would improve the Research and Development tax credit, so the full deduction of the investment cost can take place in the year that it occurred? According to ESA, it also would, temporarily, provide bonus depreciation for 100% of purchases made for equipment and short-lived capital assets.

Some TMA members would also benefit from an increase in the portion of interest on borrowed capital eligible to be deducted from businesses’ income taxes. It raises the cap to 30% of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rather than 30% of EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes).

However, the U.S. Senate has not moved on the bill (even with the overwhelmingly bi-partisan support in the House).

Send a message to your Senators now to request passage of this legislation now!

Send a letter to your Senator through ESA at https://www.votervoice.net/ESA/campaigns/112783/respond

Get a sneak peek at TMA’s new Level 3 Video Operator Training Program at the Mid-Year Meeting

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Don’t miss a special, comprehensive session that is designed to unveil TMA’s new Level 3 Video Operator Training Program. Speakers Wes Usie, Guardian Alarm Systems, and Bryan Broadhead, Radius Security, have tailored a presentation for professionals seeking to excel in the evolving landscape of video monitoring.

Through an engaging curriculum that spans from the basics of video monitoring systems to the intricate nuances of operational best practices, participants will be immersed in a learning experience that covers industry overview, camera systems, contemporary issues, and much more. This training not only addresses the technical skills required for effective video monitoring but also delves into the critical aspects of decision-making, communication, confidentiality, cybersecurity, and the impact of artificial intelligence on video monitoring centers. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to update your skills, this session will equip you with the knowledge and competencies needed to navigate the complexities of modern video surveillance with confidence and expertise.

Session Objective: Provide participants with a detailed overview of TMA’s latest online training program which offers practical knowledge of video monitoring, focusing on the development of skills essential for operational excellence, situational awareness, and the ethical handling of sensitive information. You will learn how Level 3 will leverage the nuances of video monitoring, teach best practices in camera operation, and the significance of cybersecurity and AI in the context of video surveillance.

Top Three Take-Aways:

  1.  Foundational to Advanced Knowledge of Video Monitoring: See how Level 3 will help operators gain a holistic understanding of video monitoring systems, including types of monitoring, camera systems, the monitoring process, and best practices for surveillance operations, ensuring a solid foundation for excellence in video surveillance roles.
  2.  Critical Operational Skills: See how the Level 3 course will focus on key operational competencies, such as situational awareness, observational skills, threat assessment, effective communication, and decision-making, vital for enhancing operational efficiency and reducing errors in the monitoring process.
  3.   Ethical, Legal, and Technological Considerations: Understand the importance of confidentiality, privacy considerations, cybersecurity threats, and the role of AI in enhancing video monitoring operations, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate the legal and ethical responsibilities of a video monitoring operator.

Register to attend the 2024 TMA Mid-Year meeting at https://my.tma.us/ap/Events/Register/ZrnOREop. Early-bird rates end March 31st.

Now Hiring? Post Your Job Opportunities on TMA’s Job Board

/0 Comments/in , /by

As a member of TMA, you can post your company’s job opportunities for FREE in TMA’s online Job Board. It takes just a minute to upload the position description, your logo, and contact information. Reach experienced monitoring center talent with just a couple of clicks!

Your listing will be posted on TMA’s website for a period of time that you choose. TMA staff will promote your listing in various member communications, which may include the weekly TMA Signals, and the quarterly TMA Dispatch as well as through email and social media.

Let TMA boost exposure for your open positions!

To upload your company’s open positions:

STEP 1: Login to TMA’s InfoHub.

STEP 2: Select “Job Board” from the lower lefthand navigation.

STEP 3: Once on the Job Board page, select the “Add” button in the upper righthand corner of the page.

STEP 4: Fill-in the online form. Note – you may include your logo.

STEP 5: Click the Submit button.

Your posting will automatically display in the TMA Job Board online at https://my.tma.us/jobboard

If you have any questions, please contact membership@tma.us.

New CA 738 Area Code Coming 11/1/24

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

The new 738 area code will overlay the existing 213 and 323 area codes in the Los Angeles area so that all three area codes serve the same geographic region. The new 738 area code that becomes effective on November 1, 2024.

Mandatory 1+10-digit dialing is already required in the 213 and 323 area codes and will be required in the new 738 area code as well.

For additional information, contact:

CA 213/323/738 overlay implementation committee co-chairs
Dana Crandall (Verizon), dana.crandall@verizonwireless.com, 682-831-3662
Javier Rodriguez (AT&T), jr1515@att.com, 512-457-2260

 

DMP’s Bush Joins Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association Board

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association announced that Cory Bush has accepted the position of Associate Board Member. Cory will represent the non-voting membership and act as a liaison between them and the Board of Directors. Cory started in the industry in 1994 working for a dealer in Metairie, La. 10 years later he went to work for LRG as a manufacturers rep and in 2019 he went to work for Digital Monitoring Products. 

“I have been working with the LLSSA organization for many years and I am very proud of what they do for the state of Louisiana and our industry,” stated Bush. “I am looking forward to working with all the vendors in 2024.”  

About LLSSA:  

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association is a 501(c) (6) trade association for Security, Fire, Locksmith, CCTV, Access Control Companies, Manufacturers, and Distributors that are doing business in the State of Louisiana.  As a trade association, they represent, promote, and support the life safety, security, and systems integration industry through education and advocacy, empowering members to grow their business. Their vision is to lead the electronic life safety, security, and systems integration industry for the benefit of our members, consumers, and public safety.

SecurityCEU.com Creates Library of Online Essential Skills Business Courses

/0 Comments/in , /by

Recognizing that security industry business companies need more than technical training, SecurityCEU.com, a division of The CMOOR Group, now offers a library of essential skills business courses, sometimes also called “soft skills” courses.

The topics for the essential skills training include Meeting Management, Organizational Skills, Creative Problem Solving, Negotiation Skills, Crisis Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Workplace Harassment, Goal Setting & Getting Things Done, and Risk Assessment & Management.

There are 130 courses in the new library spread out into seven categories: Administrative and Office Skills, Career Development, Human Resources & Business Management, Interpersonal Development, Sales and Marketing Skills, Management Skills, and Essentials for the Workforce. Each course is between one and three hours.

This new library directly compliments the existing library on the SecurityCEU.com site, which hosts over 165 hours of technical security, fire, and life safety courses.

This new library offers the best of both worlds, as each course can be taken in the classroom, in an online format, or hybrid. Regardless of how a student takes the courses, the student receives a certificate upon completion.

In addition, all the courses may be white-labeled so a client’s branding is applied to the user interface and client-specific examples can be built into the courses.

“We have not only seen the need for business courses for security industry companies, but the library is in response to client requests,” said Connie Moorhead, CEO of The CMOOR Group. “Our goal is to provide a more robust suite of courses to help companies succeed, assist integrators and dealers with workforce development, and assist all security professionals to become more well-rounded in all areas of business.”

The essential skills courses are priced similarly to the pricing of the security and fire CEU library. Individual 1-hour courses are $25 per student, and the individual Essential Subscription rate for the entire library is $250 per student. Corporate volume rates are available for companies with as few as five (5) students.

For more information, click the link to Essential Skills Training on SecurityCEU.com or call 502-254-1590, ext. 101.