New Cellular Jamming Detector from DMP

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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) introduced a revolutionary new device that detects when cellular frequencies are being jammed. JamAlert™ instantly notifies the control panel when cellular communication is being compromised, empowering security professionals to stay ahead of the threat.

JamAlert solves a growing industry-wide problem, particularly for high-end retail businesses and financial institutions. Production and distribution of cellular jammers is on the rise in the U.S. These illegal devices are being used to defeat alarm system communications, allowing thieves to enter compromised facilities undetected. When jammed, cellular alarm signals never make it to the monitoring center and no authorities are dispatched. By detecting cellular jamming on multiple frequencies, JamAlert offers a way to mitigate potential losses.

“JamAlert is a groundbreaking device in this industry,” said Warren Hill, executive director of product management at DMP. “DMP dealers can offer this solution to their entire customer base. It’s backward and forward compatible with DMP panels, as well as universally compatible with other panels.”

Add JamAlert to security systems in retail stores, financial institutions, businesses and homes for an extra layer of protection against the growing threat of jamming devices that interrupt cellular alarm transmission.

Learn more at DMP.com/JamAlert.

Membership Elects 2025-2027 Board of Directors

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On April 24th, TMA members approved the proposed slate of Board of Directors candidates for the 2025-2027 term. Please join in congratulating our returning and new TMA Board of Directors.

Executive Committee

  • Steve Butkovich, CPI Security (Immediate Past President)
  • Alan Gillmore, IV, Gillmore Security (President)
  • Wes Usie, Guardian Alarm Systems (Vice President)
  • Daniel Oppenheim, Affiliated Monitoring (Vice President)
  • Shannon Woodman, Washington Alarm (Treasurer)

Board Reappointments by Member Category Representation

  • Mark Miller, Johnson Controls (National Representative)
  • Scott R. Elkins, Zeus Fire & Security (National Representative)
  • Chester Donati, DMC Security Services, Inc. (Regional Representative)
  • Jack Doyle, Doyle Security (Regional Representative)
  • Tim Westphal, Bay Alarm (Regional Representative)
  • Caroline Brown, Security Central (Contract Monitoring Representative)
  • Mark Hillenburg, DMP (Associate Representative)
  • Stanley Oppenheim, DGA Security Systems, Inc. (Member at Large)

TMA CEO Announces Retirement

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The Board of Directors of The Monitoring Association (TMA) announces the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Celia T. Besore, MBA, FASAE, CAE. Celia has served in successive positions during her tenure with the organization, which spans over 19 years of service. Her final day at TMA is Friday, July 18th.

“With Celia’s guidance, TMA has experienced consistent growth in membership and influence in our industry. We’ve celebrated marked advancements in TMA programs (ASAP, Five Diamond, and FirstNet), standards, and advocacy,” stated TMA President Steve Butkovich. “Her dedication to the monitoring industry has left a lasting impact on our members and partners in the security industry, public safety, and law enforcement. As a result of her competent leadership, TMA is positioned for continued success. The TMA Board deeply thanks Celia for her service to TMA and our industry.”

Celia first joined the then-CSAA staff in April of 1999 as director of marketing & communications, later becoming VP of Marketing and Programs. In the ensuing 11 years, she also guided TMA’s membership and education initiatives—all the while achieving consistent growth of the organization. In August of 2010, she left TMA to become the executive director and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). She returned to TMA in January 2017, assuming the position of vice president of membership and programs. In November 2018, Celia was appointed executive director of TMA, later promoted to CEO.

“I am overwhelmed with both gratitude and pride as I reflect on my time at TMA where I have been afforded many opportunities to grow and advance in my career,” shared Celia. “Above all, my greatest rewards and inspiration have been appreciated in the moments of collaboration with the many dedicated and passionate professionals who are dedicated to the protection of life and property. I will always treasure the relationships I have made over the course of my tenure at TMA.”

Most notable among her accomplishments and contributions to the association during her tenure are: assisting with the development of the original Operator Level 1 and 2 Online courses; the introduction of social media; the creation of the Five Diamond program; the development of the Excellence Awards; the development of an marketing campaign for NAMTSE, which included a virtual expo and was recognized with an award by the American Society of Association Executives; the establishment of the first Compliance Community, which created an online resource of state licensing requirements; and the writing of the history of the first 50 years of the Association. She is also especially proud of TMA’s response to the pandemic, an unprecedented challenge for the industry and association. TMA supported its members during this period by offering highly attended weekly town halls covering the most critical issues of that week and providing them with many other resources and assistance.

Those wishing to express wishes to Celia before July 18th may reach her by email at ceo@tma.us or by phone at (703) 660-4913. Thereafter, she may be emailed at celia@strategia.cc.

Vivint Refreshes Brand Identity

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Vivint has renewed its brand identity, unveiling a new visual identity that represents both an evolution and expansion of its focus: redefining a truly smarter home experience to include smarter energy management.

“We are entering a rapid phase of innovation, where energy management concerns are beginning to rival security concerns,” said David Porter, Managing Director of Vivint. “As part of NRG and under new leadership, Vivint is poised to lead this phase and redefine the smart home experience like no one else can. By integrating security and energy management, and making it accessible to millions more homes, we’re at the start of an exciting new chapter for our customers and for Vivint.”

Vivint was acquired by NRG, a Fortune 500 energy and home services company, in March of 2023. NRG brings smart energy solutions to millions of homes and businesses in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s recent consumer research found that nearly 70 percent of people want an “all-in-one’ unified smart home management system inclusive of energy management.

Recently, Reliant, also an NRG company, announced the Smarter Home Bundle, a joint offer from Vivint and Reliant that enables customers to start their smarter home journey. Qualifying current and new Reliant customers receive a free Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro and Vivint Smart Thermostat paired with complimentary installation to ensure everything is properly set up from day one.

Vivint said its brand updates include a new logo crafted to emphasize the focus on the home and what it means to live intelligently. The company said its wordmark carries the familiarity of the prior identity but with a more approachable and human touch, and the new home icon conveys the idea of intelligence coming into the home and represents the brand’s unique approach that has brought peace of mind for millions of families.

This announcement appeared May 5, 2025 on SDMmag.com.

FTC Delays Enforcement of its Negative Option Rule

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In March of 2023 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested comments from industry on their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to change how the agency enforces the 1973 Negative Option Rule. This rule has allowed the agency to combat unfair or deceptive practices related to subscriptions, memberships and other recurring-payment programs. As online retail has become ubiquitous in recent decades, the agency is reviewing all automatic renewal programs continuity offers in which customers are continually billed for products or services unless they expressly signal their wish to exit their agreement for said products or services.

The new rule would require companies to provide specific express disclosures, obtain the consumer’s unambiguous affirmative consent to the negative option rule separately from the rest of the transaction as well as offering one-click cancellation mechanisms. All the proposed changes would be applicable to all forms of negative option marketing in all media (i.e. telephone, internet, traditional print media, and in-person transactions).

The Federal Trade Commission’s decision to expand their role in monitoring renewal continuity agreements by new rulemaking will require companies offering subscription services to revisit their legal agreements. The new rulemaking will broaden to apply to: automatic renewals, continuity plans, free-to-pay conversions and pre-notification negative option plans. The FTC will be increasing disclosure requirements, imposing specific consent requirements, mandating acceptable cancellation options and limiting the ability of a company to attempt to “save” a deal.

Significant Rulemaking Ramifications:

Clear Disclosures: The FTC will not be altering what companies need to disclose rather how companies disclose information. If an advertisement is made both visibly and audibly a disclosure for a continual subscription and negative options must be detailed visibly and audibly. A hidden hyperlink to the disclosure will not be acceptable.

Consent: The new rulemaking would be expanding the expressed informed consent to “unambiguous affirmative consent”. The negative option offer must be separately and clearly defined in the transaction. A check box or simple click may be used to signal a consumer’s unambiguous affirmative consent.

Simple Cancellation: Companies must provide an easy cancellation method of the negative option method and the FTC offers a “click-to-cancel” option.

Annual Reminders for Non-Physical Goods: Companies offering non-physical goods must offer at least annual reminders of the service and terms along with a means to cancel. The definition of “annual” is under review at FTC and has not been fully determined.

Penalties:

A key change to the FTC’s enforcement are new financial penalties for companies in violation of the new rulemaking.

Any violation of the FTC’s negative option rule will come at a penalty of $50,120.

 Additional Information & Dates:

In October of 2024 the FTC published its final Negative Option Rule, which applies to any negative option program, including those using online, telephone, print, or in-person mediums. The ruling will apply to all business to business and business to customer transactions. The final Rule requires businesses to obtain a consumer’s “express informed consent” to the negative option feature before charging the consumer.

Companies must be in compliance with obtaining informed consent and providing a simple cancellation mechanism by May 14th.

 The FTC provided an extended compliance deadline for the remaining provisions of the ruling for July 14th.

Alarm monitoring companies should use this additional time to ensure full compliance with the rule’s requirements, which include clear disclosures, obtaining express consent, and providing straightforward cancellation methods for all negative option features, including auto-renewing subscriptions and sales.  The rule is currently facing legal challenges before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and a decision there could impact the rule’s future enforcement.

Donna Soloway Joins Industry Hall of Fame

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NAPCO Security Technologies proudly congratulates Donna Soloway on her induction into the 2025 Security Sales & Integration (SSI) Hall of Fame. She joins her husband, Dick Soloway—NAPCO’s Founder and CEO and an inaugural Hall of Fame inductee—making the Soloways one of the security industry’s few celebrated husband-and-wife duos. Together, they’ve built a thriving business and played a pivotal role in driving innovation across the modern security landscape.

Dynamic partnerships are rare but impactful. Hollywood has Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, music has Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and the tech world, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. These power couples combine drive, talent, and complementary strengths to achieve remarkable things, both personally and professionally. The Soloways are no exception, having shared decades of marriage and collaboration, growing NAPCO, and helping secure a safer world, 24/7

Donna Soloway’s long-standing contributions span publishing, philanthropy, and industry advocacy. She has been a tireless supporter and organizer for national associations, including the Security Industry Association, Electronic Security Association, and The Monitoring Association. She was instrumental in founding the Metropolitan Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Scholarship Program for children of first responders—a model now replicated across many states. She also played a key role in relocating ISC West to Las Vegas, cementing it as the security industry’s premier trade show.

NAPCO and its Board proudly join Security Sales & Integration in honoring Donna’s many years of service, leadership, and lasting influence—not only as a board member and partner to Dick, but as a trailblazer in her own right. Her Hall of Fame recognition is a fitting tribute to her legacy of innovation, advocacy, and industry advancement.

EY US announces Scott R. Elkins, CEO, Zeus Fire and Security as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award Finalist

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Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.

An independent panel of judges selected Scott R. Elkins, CEO of Zeus Fire and Security (“Zeus”), among other finalists for the 2025 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, recognizing his visionary leadership, resilience, and relentless pursuit of innovation.

A second-generation fire and security entrepreneur, Scott built Universal Atlantic Systems into a thriving business operating across North America before leading its acquisition and becoming the founding CEO of Zeus in 2022. Since then, he has transformed Zeus into one of the fastest-growing, tech-enabled life safety companies in the nation, completing 20 acquisitions, doubling profits, and expanding to over 800  employees across seven hubs.

With a mission to protect people, property, and profits, Scott has championed a culture of purpose, investing in talent, innovation, and local legacy brands to deliver world-class services at scale.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with over the course of my career,” said Scott. “At Zeus, we’ve always believed that our strength lies in our unity. Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible by the collective effort of a truly exceptional team and the belief that we’re better when we’re together.”

Scott continued, “I’m honored to stand alongside such an inspiring group of finalists. It’s an honor to be part of this community, and I look forward to learning from the experiences and insights of my fellow finalists. The future is bright, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

Regional award winners will be announced on June 12 during a special celebration in Philadelphia and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

 Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa LLC, Marsh USA, and SAP. In Greater Philadelphia, sponsors also include Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN), ADP, Solomon Edwards Group, and DLA Piper.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society, and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data, and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

 

Audio Central Alarm Partners with DICE Corporation to Implement Full Nationwide Branded Call Display

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Audio Central Alarm, a client of DICE Corporation, has become the first alarm company in the industry to implement full nationwide branded call display. This groundbreaking service ensures that both service and sales calls from Audio Central now display the company’s logo and identity to recipients across the country—including calls from its central station partner, CSA Monitoring, based in Lansing, Michigan.

Historically, the alarm industry has struggled with call answer rates, as many customers assume unidentified or generic numbers are spam—especially on mobile phones. To address this issue, more than a year ago, Dice began addressing this issue by developing branded calling technology in partnership with telecom providers. The goal: to restore consumer trust and improve the visibility of life safety-related calls.

DICE has been recognized as a leader in bridging the needs of the alarm industry with the priorities of the telecommunications sector, particularly around critical life safety communications. Three of DICE’s engineers have worked closely with mobile carriers to integrate branded calling into DICE’s PBX systems and its advanced alarm and video event management solutions.

Scott Valentine, President of Audio Central Alarm, praised the new system: “This is amazing. We’ve already seen an increase in answered calls, and CSA Monitoring has reported fewer voicemails and more real-time responses from clients.”

Cliff Dice, President of DICE Corporation, added, “This marks the first phase of branded call deployments, now live across the T-Mobile network. We expect to roll out branding to Verizon and AT&T later this year. It’s a major step forward in helping alarm dealers build trust and visibility with their clients.” He continued, “The future is very exciting as we continue to lead with innovations in AI and interconnected services tailored to the alarm industry.”

PureTech Systems Wins TWO 2025 GOVIES Awards for Excellence in Autonomous Security Solutions

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PureTech Systems Inc., a leader in AI-powered perimeter protection and geospatial video analytics, is proud to announce it has been named a winner in the 2025 Security Today GOVIES Government Security Awards. PureTech earned top honors in two categories: Autonomous Border Systems and Autonomous Perimeter Systems for its latest release, PureActiv®v16.

The GOVIES Awards recognize outstanding government security products that deliver innovation, functionality, and performance. PureActiv® v16, the latest version of PureTech’s flagship solution, continues to set the standard in autonomous detection, identification, and response for critical infrastructure and border protection.

“We are honored to be recognized by Security Today for our work in advancing autonomous security technologies,” said Larry Bowe, President and CEO of PureTech Systems. “PureActiv v16 reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the most reliable and intelligent solutions to protect vital assets and enhance national security.”

“We have heard directly from government leaders about the critical need for autonomous capabilities in surveillance towers. With the v16 release, we’re combining our latest technological innovations-proven in border security programs with the invaluable experience and feedback from agents who tested these capabilities in the field,” says Ilia Rosenberg, PureTech V.P Federal Sector.   “This ensures our solutions truly meet the operational demands of today’s border environment and what USBP is expecting from us.”

PureTech Systems remains at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions that empower government and commercial agencies to detect and respond to threats faster, more accurately, and with greater autonomy.

Tampa Police Department Implements ASAP Service to Handle Alarm Notifications

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) announced today that the Tampa (Florida) Police Department (TPD) recently implemented its ASAP Service to lessen the impact of alarm/sensor-generated calls that its 911 Communications Center receives. The solution leverages the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP), which was developed jointly by TMA and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO).

Each year, the center handles about 300,000 calls for emergency service and dispatches the appropriate police, fire/rescue, and/or emergency-medical response. Roughly 20,000 of these calls are generated by alarms and sensors. The center is the 150th 911 center nationwide and the 12th in Florida to implement ASAP Service.

Traditionally, alarm/sensor-generated alerts have been delivered to 911 centers via telephone. Each one required manual interaction between alarm-monitoring-center personnel and 911 telecommunicators. Sometimes it takes as many as five voice calls to deliver the information needed by the 911 center to dispatch the appropriate emergency response. This approach is time-consuming and prone to human error — both outcomes are highly detrimental to the ability of emergency responders to save lives and property.

ASAP Service eliminates these challenges by electronically transmitting alarm and sensor data directly into the 911 center’s computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) system, reducing response times by two minutes on average and freeing telecommunicators to prioritize 911 calls that require their unique skills and expertise.

“The Tampa Police Department aims to serve our community in the most effective way possible, and technology plays a crucial role in achieving that goal,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “We are constantly seeking out and integrating innovative tools that empower officers to respond to community needs with greater efficiency, precision, and ultimately, increased effectiveness. This proactive approach ensures we are able to provide the best possible service and improve safety in our community.”

According to Mike Terracciano, public-safety-technology manager for the city of Tampa’s Technology and Innovation department, telecommunicators are trained to ask only those questions that will enable them to quickly determine the best response to the emergency. As a result, useful information that the alarm company possesses for each of its clients typically went untapped.

“Now, with ASAP Service, that supplemental information — which might ring important from a responder-safety perspective — is readily available and easily accessed,” Terracciano said.

Learn more about how TMA’s ASAP Service is saving lives every day nationwide at www.ASAP911.org.

About Tampa 911 Communications Center

The 911 Communications Center receives requests for emergency and nonemergency services from the public and various city agencies. The center’s primary mission is to provide effective and efficient communication between citizens requesting police, fire/rescue, and/or emergency-medical service and the units that respond. It also endeavors to expeditiously provide various other support services for police, fire, and administrative operations.