Kirk MacDowell Honored as ESA’s 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced TMA member Kirk MacDowell, President of MacGuard Security Advisors, as the recipient of its 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who exemplify extraordinary dedication and leadership in advancing the electronic security and life safety industry. MacDowell’s illustrious career and unwavering commitment to industry excellence align seamlessly with the legacy of Morris F. Weinstock, the award’s namesake and a pioneer in the security sector. Through his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy, MacDowell has significantly contributed to the growth and prosperity of the industry, embodying the spirit of innovation and service that defines the Weinstock legacy. Join us in celebrating Kirk MacDowell’s outstanding achievements and profound impact on the security industry. 

The award will be presented during ESX 2024 at the ESA’s annual Weinstock Celebration on Wednesday, June 5th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Derby City Gaming.

Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing for Minnesota NPA 507 Announced


This is a second notice.

Attention: Alarm, Security, and Elevator Service/Equipment Providers

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Minesota Public Utilities Commission approved the addition of the new 924 area code to the geographic region served by the 507 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.

What will be the new dialing procedure?

The new dialing procedure will require that all calls in the 507 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using area code + telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers that are assigned in the new 924 area code.

How does this affect providers of alarm and security services and equipment?

As a result of the overlay, a new local dialing procedure requires callers to dial area code + telephone number.

Alarm, security, and elevator services and equipment currently located in the 507 area code and programmed to dial only seven digits must be updated or reprogrammed to dial ten digits (area code + telephone number) for all calls in the 507 and 924 area codes.

Reprogramming of alarm equipment must be completed by July 30, 2024.

To verify that equipment can complete calls to the new 924 area code, a special test number, 924-924-1924, will be in service beginning May 30, 2024, and will remain active through September 30, 2024.

When will the change begin?

Beginning July 30, 2024, the new dialing procedure must be used, as described above. On and after this date, if callers do not use the new dialing procedure, calls will not complete. A recording will instruct the caller to hang up and dial again including the area code.

Beginning August 30, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 924 area code. Anyone with a telephone number in the 924 area code must dial the area code + telephone number or the call will not complete.

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IPtelX Announces the Deployment of Dealer Branding for Voice Alarm Calls


IPtelX is pleased to announce the deployment of Dealer Branding for voice alarm calls. This innovative solution tackles a major pain point for alarm companies: unanswered calls to the contact list due to showing up as spam on wireless phones.

Call for participation in TMA-VMS-01 video procedural standard committee.This has been a serious problem for the industry. In the last few years, wireless companies have had the calls appear as spam on caller ID. Without being able to cancel an alarm, this has caused unneeded dispatches to PSAPs. The result has been more false dispatches, giving the industry a “black eye†and a bad reputation.

IPtelX’s Dealer Branding technology solves this problem by displaying the dealer’s name. Along with the name, the branding will also appear as “Alarm Emergency Call,†or a similar type of alarm message urging the user to answer.

Beyond displaying the dealer’s name, IPtelX is taking its new Dealer Branding to the next level in two more phases that will be coming soon. For the second phase, IPtelX will be providing its clients a significant advantage by going beyond what the other carriers can provide by also displaying the dealer logo. For the third phase, end users will also see the type of alarm (intrusion, fire, PERS, etc.). With this technology, end users receiving the call will have all the needed information to know that it is not a spam call.

“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing our clients with the latest communication technologies,†says Cliff Dice, Senior Software Engineer at IPtelX. “Dealer Branding gives our clients a clear advantage, which is why IPtelX is the leading choice in the industry for alarm company phone services in North America.â€

This innovative service works seamlessly with any PBX system and any monitoring station. As a North American carrier, IPtelX offers Dealer Branding across its entire footprint, encompassing all central offices in Canada and the USA.

For more information about IPtelX’s Dealer Branding and other exclusive telecom services visit iptelx.net or call (877) 7-IPTELX.

The Palm Beach County FL Sheriff’s Office Implements TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP)

The Palm Beach County FL Sheriff’s Office became the 144th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 11th ECC in the state of Florida to implement The MOnitoring Association’s (TMA) Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Palm Beach County went live the week of May 13th, 2024 with the following alarm companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, ADT, Affiliated Monitoring, Alert 360, Brinks Home Security, Dynamark Monitoring, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Protection One/Everon, Securitas, Security Central, Tyco (Johnson Controls), United Central Control, Vector Security, and Vivint.

Learn more about ASAP-to-PSAP on this website at https://tma.us/programs/asap/.

Elite Interactive Solutions Announces the Launch of its New Website


Elite Interactive Solutions announces the launching of its new website, eliteisi.com. Several months in the making, the site has been designed with the security end-user customer across a diverse range of vertical markets in mind, highlighting myriad benefits of Elite’s solution and company differentiation in an appealing and user-friendly format.

Whether viewing quickly at a glance or opting to dig deeper, site visitors can easily learn more about the technology, processes, partnerships, market applications, service options, and more.

“Elite has perfected the industry’s most effective, efficient and elegant remote guarding solution that mitigates active crime scenes in real-time — with tens of thousands of direct annual interventions through its command center and zero false alarms reported to law enforcement while assisting in thousands of arrests and detainments,†says Elite Interactive Solutions Marketing Director Scott Goldfine. “The new website has been designed to convey this message in a straightforward and engaging way, while also detailing the unique facets that set Elite apart in the field as well as its unbeatable value proposition. The real proof is in the customer testimonials and impressive list of loyal, high-profile clientele that speak to Elite’s amazing 99% customer retention.â€

Call for participation in TMA-VMS-01 video procedural standard committee.Navigating eliteisi.com is a breeze, with four ever-present menu items atop the site: Industry Solutions; Crime Prevention; Company; and Get a Quote. Industry Solutions explains how remote guarding solves issues for markets such as automotive dealers and storage; shopping malls and retailers; multifamily and affordable housing; and commercial and campus properties. Crime Prevention elaborates on the four essential pillars of successful remote guarding: leading-edge technology, personnel, partnerships (including law enforcement), and processes. The Company section not only tells everything about Elite, but also has relevant news, articles and blogs, as well as a FAQs section and more.

Throughout the site — which also includes informational and compelling actual crime scene videos — visitors can easily and quickly request a free remote guarding demo or quote, or instantly access any section through a comprehensive linked sitemap on the footer of all pages. The clean, sophisticated design is not only exceedingly helpful and pleasing to the eye but also highly intuitive for the user.

Written and designed by Elite’s marketing leads Scott Goldfine and Robert Gutierrez, the new website was developed by SD Marketing of Irwindale, Calif. Eliteisi.com is standing by to educate visitors about remote video guarding in general, and more specifically about Elite Interactive Solutions’ innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence.

About Elite Interactive Solutions

Established in 2007, Los Angeles-based Elite Interactive Solutions is a remote guarding pioneer and leader in offering security solutions that provide clients with dramatically more effective security at greatly reduced costs when compared to traditional guard services. The proprietary combination of systems and processes helps clients avoid losses and set new standards in crime prevention. More info: eliteisi.com.

Johnson Controls appoints IBM veteran as new CMO


Call for participation in TMA-VMS-01 video procedural standard committee.

Johnson Controls Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Bontempo

Johnson Controls announced it has appointed Chris Bontempo as vice-president and chief marketing officer, responsible for marketing strategies across the enterprise to drive demand generation and enhance brand equity, including market development, research and planning.

Bontempo joins Johnson Controls from IBM where he spent nearly 20 years, most recently as chief marketing & communications officer, Americas. In that capacity, he led all aspects of marketing for IBM across the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Bontempo will report to Chairman and CEO George Oliver.

“As we continue our transformation and solidify Johnson Control’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider for commercial buildings, our unwavering focus on solving customer problems drives our strategy at every stage of the sales cycle,†said Oliver in a statement. “We remain relentlessly focused on leveraging our digital capabilities to capture those opportunities, and Chris’ unique expertise and understanding of data, AI and the digital ecosystem will assist us in those efforts.â€

Dr. Clary to Receive Prestigious Moody Award


Shane M. Clary Vice President, Codes and Standards Compliance at Bay Alarm Company will receive the prestigious recognition of the William N. Moody Award.  The award will be presented on June 4th, at 5 p.m. on the ESX Main Stage in Louisville.

Created in 2004 by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the Moody Award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing positive alarm management and best industry practices.

Call for participation in TMA-VMS-01 video procedural standard committee.“Shane has made a tremendous contribution to our industry throughout his long career at Bay Alarm Company,†said Stan Martin, SIAC executive director. “He has been a leader in the development of standards and codes that help govern our industry and that contribute to the overall safety of our communities.

“Most recently Shane has been leading the effort to overcome some very harsh ordinance provisions in several California cities,†said Martin. “His perseverance in the face of adversity is one of the many attributes associated with those who receive the Moody Award.â€

Shane is also the recipient of the California Alarm Association’s George A. Weinstock Award for lifetime achievement and service to industry as well as the Art Kane Memorial Award for lifetime achievement from the California Automatic Fire Alarm Association.

“Shane has provided the expertise and technical knowledge that has helped our company become the largest independently owned and operated alarm company in the United States,†said Tim Westphal, Bay Alarm Company CEO.  “In addition, he has devoted countless hours as well as his expertise to supporting the industry as a whole through education programs, setting industry standards and working with government agencies on alarm management issues.â€

“I am honored to be selected to receive this award and appreciate the significance based on a review of the past recipients,†said Clary. “SIAC has played an important role in creating evidence-based research to support policies and ordinances that reduce the number of calls to public safety agencies while maintaining police response. By doing so SIAC has become a credible voice for our industry with law enforcement agencies here in California and across the country.â€

About the William N. Moody Award   

The William N. Moody Award was established in 2004 by the SIAC Board of Directors to recognize those who embody Bill’s dedication to alarm management issues. The award honors individuals who reflect attributes that include integrity, fairness and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

About SIAC

SIAC represents one voice for the electronic security industry on alarm management issues –communicating solutions and enhancing relationships with law enforcement.  SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations–Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). For more information, go,  For more information, visit www.SIACinc.org or follow us on Facebook.

Per Mar Security Services Ranked #16 in SDM’s Top 100

Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions, is proud to announce its ranking of #16 on Security Dealer Magazine’s (SDM) prestigious SDM 100 list for 2024. This recognition signifies Per Mar’s continued commitment to excellence in the security industry.

The SDM 100 is an annual ranking of the top security dealers in the United States, based on a comprehensive review of factors such as revenue, recurring revenue, growth rate, and customer service. Inclusion on the list is a coveted distinction, and Per Mar’s #16 ranking reflects its dedication to providing its clients with innovative security solutions and exceptional service. This marks the 34th consecutive year that Per Mar has held a ranking in the SDM 100 Report.

Chris Edwards, President of Per Mar Security’s Electronic Security Division, said: “We are honored to once again be ranked in the top 20 companies in our industry. To be a part of this list for over 30 years speaks well of our team and their dedication to our customers as we continue to grow in all of our markets in the upper Midwest.”

Public Comment Period for the ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 Standard is Now Open, Closes June 9, 2024

The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) AVS-01 Standard Committee has completed revisions to the ANSI/TMA AVS-01-2023 Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS) Standard and the draft is available for comment. In accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) directives, a 30-day public review period opened May 10, 2024, and will close June 9, 2024.

TMA is a Standards Development Organization, or SDO, accredited by ANSI, which facilitates and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system. As an SDO, the TMA Standards Committee works on standards that benefit consumers, regulators, and the security industry.

View the proposed changes: AVS-01 Markup | Summary

Comment Form: https://tma.us/standards/comment-form-for-avs-01/

Learn more about the ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 2023 standard at https://tma.us/standards/tma-avs-01-alarm-validation-standard/

SSN Interview: Pioneering Standards: Rapid Response Leads with TMA AVS-O1 Validation

Security Systems News (SSN) Editor in Chief Cory Harris interviewed TMA President Steve Butkovich and TMA Immediate Past President and Standards Committee Chair Morgan Hertel, Rapid Response Monitoring, at ISC West in Las Vegas on the topic of TMA’s standards development initiatives.

View the full interview at Pioneering Standards: Rapid Response Leads with TMA AVS-O1 Validation