BILL ACTION ALERT

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The Texas Legislation is trying to pass a bill that will require populations under 5000 within the state to self-monitor or be monitored by a larger communications facility.  The False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) is working in partnership with the Texas Burglary and Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA) to try and dissuade the mayor that is spearheading this bill.

To be successful, FARA and TBFAA seek to demonstrate that alarm systems do much more than report alarm signals. TMA had been asked to assist with this effort.

VIEW THE BILL – HB538

Data from alarm dealers and monitoring centers that clearly documents and quantifies the full scope of monitoring services provided to their customers is needed. Services beyond alarm signals may include, but are not limited to:

  • Troubles
  • Supervisory
  • Low Battery
  • Signals

Please send the requested data to:

Brad Shipp
Director
False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA)
Email: bradshipp@4yoursolution.com
Tel: +1.301.519.9237

TMA to Support Alarm Companies Participation in FirstNet

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) and AT&T have agreed to collaborate on the verification of eligibility process that will facilitate qualified alarm companies to use FirstNet services to provide an enhanced communications experience, all in the support of the public safety mission.

FirstNet is the dedicated public safety nationwide wireless broadband network, built and deployed through a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership between the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&T.

Since the inception of FirstNet, TMA, through the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), has been working to support the public safety mission through standards based access to this nationwide public safety broadband cellular network.

In order to uphold the FirstNet public safety mission, FirstNet eligibility will be limited to those alarm companies who meet accepted industry standards for transmitting public-safety related alarms (e.g., robbery, burglary, unlawful intrusion, fire, emergency medical) to an alarm monitoring facility that confirms and verifies the authenticity of the alarm and notifies a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for relay to a public safety agency for the purpose of initiating an emergency response.

The transmission of verified public safety related alarms using FirstNet services helps first responders to quickly be aware of an event requiring their response to prevent the loss of life and property.

Companies interested in using the FirstNet communications platform for alarm transport will apply to TMA for a Certificate of Verification indicating that they follow recognized industry standards including the ANSI/CSAA CS-V-01 Standard (Alarm Confirmation, Verification and Notification Procedures) which is designed to minimize false alarms. The alarm company would then present the TMA Certificate of Verification to AT&T as part of the process to assess eligibility to operate on the FirstNet communications platform as an extended primary user in support of public safety.

“I am very pleased to announce that TMA will be assisting in the approval process for security alarm companies to transmit signals over FirstNet,” said TMA President Ivan Spector. “This is a great step in helping critical monitored conditions be securely sent to first responders on a segregated network platform that is dedicated for the purpose of public safety when they need it.”

“It has been my sincere pleasure to work since the inception of FirstNet with the public safety community,” said Lou Fiore, chairman of AICC and past president of TMA. “We see this as an important step in support of our public safety partners – one that we have been working toward for many years to ensure more secure communication of alarms from our customers through our central stations to the responding authorities.”

“Adding emergency alarm alerts to the FirstNet ecosystem brings an extra layer of support to public safety. This helps first responders get the critical information they need to quickly respond to an alarm-initiated incident. But as public safety’s network, it’s vital that any communication allowed to transmit across the FirstNet communications ecosystem is in fact integral to the public safety response,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president of FirstNet, AT&T. “By working with TMA as part of the rigorous eligibility process, we can make sure that the alarm communications brought to FirstNet are relevant to and align with the public safety mission and truly serve on the frontlines of notification should a public safety incident occur.”

For more information, please contact TMA Executive Director Celia Besore at 703-242-4913 or at cbesore@tma.us.

Professional Installation and Monitoring Associations Dispute Google’s Statement, “Security Systems Often Use Microphones”

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Recent reporting by Business Insider, CNN Business and many other publications have highlighted the undisclosed, on-board microphone discovered in Google’s Nest Guard Security Device—raising serious privacy concerns among consumers. The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), trade associations representing professionals who install and monitor security and life safety technologies in homes and businesses, call into question the validity of Google’s published statements concerning the use of microphones in security devices. According to TMA and ESA, statements such as, “security systems often include microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing,” misrepresent the vast majority of today’s residential security systems installed throughout the country.

Since audio recording includes privacy and legal complexities, it’s not extremely common in residential installations. Security professionals and integrators consult with customers and ensure all federal and state laws are abided by.

“Adding audio surveillance can certainly make for a more robust system,” says ESA President, Chris Mosley. “We’re seeing exciting advancements in the audio surveillance category, such as acoustic sensors and microphones that can help us detect gunfire or when voices become elevated that could indicate potential violence. However, sweeping statements to infer that residential systems commonly have this feature are simply not accurate.”

Louroe Electronics, an ESA Member company and 40-year-old manufacturer of audio-based technologies concurs with this analysis. “Sound-based technology in security systems is common in law enforcement, institutional, and smart city installations. However, the use of microphones for surveillance in residences is extremely rare on account of heightened expectations of privacy,” says the company’s CEO, Richard Brent.

“Security systems are now an important part of the customer home experience in that we can integrate with audio assistance,” says Ivan Spector, TMA President. “However professionally installed and monitored security systems are not designed to record data and conversations unbeknownst to our customers.”

According to both associations, adding microphones and audio capabilities to security systems adds another level of precaution that must be taken to install the system in a way that protects the privacy of the consumer.

Professionally installed systems have the backing of technology experts who know the full capability of the system and its components and can appropriately safeguard these systems, so as not to compromise privacy.

Visit www.tma.us to learn more about The Monitoring Association or to  find an ESA security professional in your area, visit www.alarm.org.

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About The Monitoring Association

The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, security systems integrators, and providers of products and services to the industry. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. Learn more online at http://tma.us/about-tma/.

About the Electronic Security Association (ESA)

Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. Together, ESA member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients. To find an ESA security professional in your area, visit www.alarm.org

Cisco Systems Chief Technology Evangelist to Keynote TMA 2019 Tech Summit

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TMA is pleased to announce Jim Grubb, Chief Technology Evangelist, Cisco Systems will provide the keynote address Thurs., Feb. 28 at TMA’s 2019 Tech Summit in Salt Lake City, UT.

Mr. Grubb is a visionary Cisco leader who is passionate about early positioning and differentiation of Cisco innovation and technology. Instrumental in bringing new solutions to life, Jim ensures that Cisco is delivering products, solutions and services that enable our customers to accelerate their journey towards digital transformation.

As an expert in Digitization even before it was called Digitization, Jim has spent most of his career inventing and explaining the Art Of The Possible with technology. He is an exponential thinker and charismatic speaker working with most of Cisco’s largest customers as they build their Digital Strategies.

As John Chamber’s longtime product-demo sidekick, he delivered over four hundred keynote demonstrations at industry, technology, and CXO events, including Cisco Live, CES, HIMSS, NRF, Oracle World, Salesforce, DODIS, Cisco Partner Summit, and Cisco’s World-wide Sales meetings.

Jim has also presented to many Government and World Leaders, including Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Madeleine Albright, Dimitry Medvedev, Al Gore, Viktor Chernomyrdin, Vicente Fox, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jean Carnahan, and Jim Gilmore.

Register now to attend. Room reservation deadline (at special rate) has been extended to Feb. 8.

The Monitoring Association Appoints Two New Directors

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 Association management professional Illeny Maaza and security industry veteran marketer
Leigh A. McGuire join The Monitoring Association headquarters staff

VIENNA, VA (December 17, 2018) – The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Illeny Maaza to the position of Director, Membership and Programs and Ms. Leigh A. McGuire to the position of Director of Marketing and Communications. Both association management professionals joined TMA, an internationally recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, in December 2018.

“Illeny and Leigh each bring a unique scope of knowledge, experience, and talents to their new roles within TMA,” stated Celia Besore, MBA, CAE, executive director, TMA, adding, “As TMA looks to build upon its firm foundation of excellence across the security industry, these two new additions to our team of professionals position the organization to advance its strategic goals in the core areas of membership, education, advocacy, and standards.”

Maaza comes to TMA from the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) where she served as Business Analyst and Member Group Liaison. Prior to ATA, she held the positions of Director of Certification & Systems Integration at Idealliance and Manager of Customer Solutions at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Maaza brings a wealth of experience and expertise in project management, membership, and customer service to her new position in TMA.

McGuire’s career in the security industry began at ADEMCO (now Honeywell) on New York’s Long Island. After a short tenure in the company’s advertising and commercial marketing division, she relocated to Virginia where she joined the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) in 2000 and, later, ASIS International in 2008—serving both security industry organizations in various marketing communications, public relations, and event management roles. McGuire’s expansive skill set coupled with her security industry tenure and network open distinct and valuable new growth opportunities for TMA and its member companies worldwide.

To learn more about TMA, visit www.TMA.us.

TMA Announces Next Executive Director

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Celia T. Besore is New Executive Director of The Monitoring Association

 Accomplished Association Executive is TMA’s First Female Executive Director

VIENNA, VA (October 2, 2018) – Next month, Celia T. Besore, MBA, CAE will become the new executive director of The Monitoring Association. An astute executive and dynamic strategist, Besore has established a solid career of success representing national associations and members, nurturing key alliances, and influencing and inspiring change through advocacy, education, and professional opportunities.

Besore, previously executive director of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as well as a former member of the board of directors of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), is well-recognized for expertise in delivering strong revenues, generating growth, driving turnarounds, and building organizational value in diverse sectors, including healthcare, electronic security, packaging, and trade association management. Besore currently serves as TMA’s Vice President of Membership and Programs and previously worked at the association as Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

“Frankly, choosing Celia to lead TMA was an easy choice,” said TMA President Ivan Spector. “Throughout the years that I have known her, she has been a tireless advocate for the association. Her energy, passion and enthusiasm for the industry will spur TMA to grow to the next level in a rapidly changing landscape.”

“I am honored to have been chosen for this position,” commented Besore. “I love our industry and the critical role it plays in the well-being of our communities. I greatly admire our members and look forward to working with the board, our many volunteers, and my staff colleagues on TMA’s mission to advance the professional monitoring industry.”

Besore holds the prestigious Certified Association Executive credential from ASAE as well as an MBA from George Mason University. She is a recognized association management community leader, volunteering countless hours to ASAE programs such as the Diversity Executive Leadership Program for which she serves as a mentor.

The first woman to lead The Monitoring Association staff as executive director, she will assume her new position on November 1, following the retirement of Executive Director Jay Hauhn on October 31.

2018 Excellence Awards: Affiliated, ADT, Vector

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Affiliated Monitoring is TMA 2018 Monitoring Center of the Year

 ADT, Vector and Affiliated Honored with Personnel Awards

The four winners of the 2018 TMA Monitoring Center of the Year Awards were announced at the 2018 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) on June 19. They are:

  • Monitoring Center of the Year: Affiliated Monitoring
  • Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year: Beth Bailey, ADT LLC
  • Monitoring Center Manager of the Year: Carmelo Mosca, Affiliated Monitoring
  • Monitoring Center Operator of the Year: Patricia Fody, Vector Security

“We congratulate our winners for being recognized as the best of the best,” said TMA Vice President of Communications Elizabeth Lasko. “The TMA Excellence Awards recognize the operators on the front lines of the monitoring process, helping customers every day through very challenging situations. The managers who lead the personnel and oversee the functions of the monitoring center to achieve the best performance possible. The support people who keep the monitoring centers running through every challenge imaginable. And of course, the monitoring centers that have proven to deserve a spot at the pinnacle of our industry.”

“All of us at Affiliated Monitoring are gratified to receive this honor,” said Daniel Oppenheim, Executive Vice President, Affiliated. “It validates our deeply held beliefs in professionalism, kindness and technological innovation. The Monitoring Association represents the best of our industry and being recognized in this way is very fulfilling. Affiliated looks forward to supporting our dealers and their customers through this exciting era of growth and opportunity.”

“This award belongs to our ADT team members on the phones right now protecting our neighbors, family members, and our communities,” said Support Person of the Year Beth Bailey, ADT Sr. Manager, Customer Care. “It is my honor to support them and my passion to find ways to make it easier for them to do what they do best – take care of our customers.” ADT had finalists in all four categories this year.

“I feel grateful and honored to receive this award from The Monitoring Association,” said Manager of the Year Carmelo Mosca, Managing Director, Monitoring Operations, Affiliated. “It’s a pleasure to go to work every day with the hundreds of caring and hardworking monitoring specialists in Texas and New Jersey. I’m proud of this personal award and how it reflects positively on the entire Affiliated family.”

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards recognize any FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL or UL-listed monitoring center (TMA members and non-members) and outstanding personnel who perform in the highest professional manner, thereby making a significant contribution to the betterment of the alarm industry and the alarm profession while demonstrating exceptional service to their customers and community.

The purpose of the awards program is to:

  • Establish and promote the inherent value of professional monitoring services in general.
  • Honor those who have made the most significant contributions to the service.
  • Promote the distinct level of professionalism attained by NRTL-approved monitoring centers.

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards Program is sponsored by SDM Magazine, which will publish a feature story detailing the accomplishments of the winners later this summer. Entries are judged by a blue-ribbon volunteer judging panel appointed by TMA.

“Each nominee must submit an extensive application detailing company systems like disaster recovery plan, education and training programs, technical innovations, and even community outreach,” said Lasko. “In the case of individual nominations, we ask for examples of how these employees go above and beyond their job descriptions to pursue excellence. Our judges had an extremely difficult time choosing winners from the amazing submissions we receive each year. We hope everyone will read SDM’s profiles of the winners this summer for inspiration!”

For past winners and more information, visit www.tma.us.

 

NMC Wins 2018 Technology “Marvel”

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NMC is Winner of the 2018 TMA/SSI Monitoring Technology “Marvel” Award

 Winner of Inaugural Award Revealed at ESX on June 19; Ackerman Security and COPS Were Finalists

VIENNA, VA (June 25, 2018) – The Monitoring Association and Security Sales & Integration announced that NMC (National Monitoring Center) has won the “the Marvel” — the inaugural TMA/SSI Monitoring Technology “Marvel” Award. This new award honors innovations in monitoring center technology. It is co-sponsored by TMA and Security Sales & Integration (SSI) and coordinated by the TMA Technology Committee.

NMC submitted an application that outlined how the company has used video technology to tie video verification to an alarm, which in turn triggers a video camera to generate a clip in an intrusion/reaction model that records criminal activity. They recently partnered with Netwatch to be the first and only entity to offer proactive video monitoring tied to a vast analytics program that filters non-suspicious activity and IDs threatening ones.

“This kind of service is impressive and raises the bar for new video monitoring capabilities,” said Steve Butkovich, co-chair of the TMA Technology Committee. “This is where the industry is going next in our goal to protect life and property, and NMC is leading the way.”

The purpose of the Marvel is to provide recognition for monitoring centers creating and/or using cutting-edge technology and to raise awareness of these new technologies. “Technology is consistently mentioned as one of the most important challenges our industry faces. We are pleased to team up with SSI to spotlight these innovators in our industry,” said Butkovich.

The winning Marvel entry was chosen for the “best adoption of new technology to advance your business.” NMC was announced as the winner of the Marvel on June 19 in Nashville (as part of the 2018 Electronic Security Expo). View Photos. NMC will be featured in the August 2018 Monitoring Issue of SSI.

Runners-up Ackerman Security and COPS Monitoring will also receive coverage in the issue.

Ackerman detailed their move to a new cloud hosting solution which they believe provides customers with increased protection without the concerns of alarm errors due to legacy panels or aging infrastructure. By being an early adopter of hosting alarm monitoring software in the cloud, Ackerman has been able to set the trends for what is possible for an alarm monitoring company.

COPS Monitoring submitted an entry focusing on redundancy to provide “failsafe” monitoring above “disaster recovery”.  Their technical architecture of 6 UL listed monitoring centers along with off-site servers in one of the world’s most advanced data centers provide a higher level of redundancy than other professional monitoring companies.

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About The Monitoring Association
The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, including those listed by a TMA-approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as FM Global, Intertek/ETL or UL. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. TMA’s mission is to advance the professional monitoring industry through education, advocacy, and public safety relationships. www.tma.us. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lasko at TMA, 703-242-4670 x 16.

About Security Sales & Integration
  “The #1 Technology & Business Authority Since 1979” reaches executive, sales & technical professionals who recommend, buy and/or install electronic security equipment, including video surveillance, access control, biometrics, IT networking, intrusion, fire alarm, home controls/automation plus other security products and services. Editorial features include commercial & residential product applications, technology updates, systems design installation techniques, sales & marketing case studies, statistical research and operation management. A publication of Framingham, MA-based EH Media, SSI is celebrating its 40th year in 2018. For more information, visit www.securitysales.com.

2018 Public Sector Award: MD’s Corea

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Maryland State Police’s Christopher Corea is Recipient of 2018 TMA Public Sector Award

VIENNA, VA (May 15, 2018) – First Sgt. Christopher Corea, Executive Officer of the Maryland State Police Information Technology Division, is the recipient of The Monitoring Association’s 2018 Public Sector Award. This special honor is given by TMA in recognition of a public sector individual’s contribution to the alarm industry. Corea will be presented with the award at the 2018 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) Public Sector Luncheon on Friday, June 22, at Music City Center in Nashville.

“It is our pleasure to recognize Chris Corea for his tireless efforts to advance the implementation of ASAP – the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol – in the State of Maryland,” said TMA President Ivan Spector. ASAP is a technology that automates communication between alarm monitoring centers and 9-1-1 centers, resulting in improved accuracy and speed of emergency response. In March 2018, Prince George’s County, MD became the first municipality in Maryland to implement ASAP as well as the 37th nationwide to implement the service and, at 499 square miles, the second largest.

The award recipient must be nominated by one or more TMA members in good standing. TMA Past President Pamela Petrow and Past President (and current Executive Director) Jay Hauhn put Corea’s name forward for consideration.

“Implementation of ASAP in Maryland was a strategic priority for the program given its proximity to the nation’s capital,” said Hauhn. “Funding and scheduling obstacles hampered our ASAP implementation efforts in Maryland. Because of Sgt. Corea’s ability to manage through the challenges and his perseverance, Maryland’s statewide CJIS network is now ASAP capable.”

First Sergeant Corea has been with the Maryland State Police for 18 years. After graduating from Richard Stockton College of NJ with a B.S in Criminal Justice in 2000, he joined the Maryland State Police. Following graduation from the academy, he began his career patrolling 45 miles of Interstate 95 between Delaware and Baltimore City.  Throughout his time on the road, he was recognized by multiple organizations for his enforcement efforts in impaired driving.

Corea became a Drug Recognition Expert in 2004 and an instructor for the program soon after.  In 2005, he was transferred to the Information Technology Division where he began developing enterprise level applications for the State of Maryland. As he worked his way through the ranks to First Sergeant, he continued to support multiple projects and applications improving the technology being used by all law enforcement agencies in Maryland. In 2014, he became the Nlets representative for the State of Maryland where he is working on improving the use of the Nlets network for Maryland law enforcement. His work in this area including the implementation of ASAP.

The ASAP service is based on an American National Standard developed jointly by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and TMA, then the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). The service provides a standardized method through the use of automation and the power of Nlets to deliver alarm notifications to 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points. The result can be an increase in the likelihood of law enforcement apprehensions for crimes in-progress and of fire quickly extinguished with minimal property damage. ASAP can be a life-saver for a medical emergency patient when every second counts.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my passions for law enforcement and technology in my current position with the Maryland State Police,” said Corea. “Improving law enforcement response and giving officers the information they need at their fingertips has always been my goal. Being able to navigate the obstacles we had as a State and implement the ASAP protocol in one of the largest counties in Maryland is just the beginning. I look forward to many more technological advancements as a State while in my role with NLETS and the Maryland State Police.”

For more information, contact Elizabeth Lasko at TMA, 703-242-4670 or elasko@tma.us.

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About The Monitoring Association
The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, including those listed by a TMA-approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as FM Global, Intertek/ETL or UL. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. TMA’s mission is to advance the professional monitoring industry through education, advocacy, and public safety relationships. www.tma.us. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lasko at TMA, 703-242-4670 x 16.

Finalists for 2018 TMA Excellence Awards

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Four Winners to Be Revealed at ESX on June 19

VIENNA, VA (May 7, 2018) – The Monitoring Association is pleased to announce the twelve finalists for the 2018 TMA Excellence Awards. Listed in alphabetical order by company within each category, they are:

  • Monitoring Center of the Year Finalists
    ADT, Affiliated, Vector
  • Monitoring Center Operator of the Year Finalists
    Duane Hilton, ADT; Linda Reed, Dynamark; Patricia Fody, Vector
  • Monitoring Center Manager of the Year Finalists
    Shari Wilson, ADT; Carmelo Mosca, Affiliated; Bill Fisher, UAS
  • Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year Finalists
    Beth Bailey, ADT; Lamar Shroyer, Dynamark; Boris Pejic, G4S

“We congratulate our finalists for being recognized as the best of the best,” said Elizabeth Lasko, Vice President of Communications, TMA. “Our judges really had a challenging time choosing the finalists, let alone the winners, from all the nominations. Our applicants all submitted stories that clearly demonstrate the breadth of excellence in companies and individuals across our industry.”

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards recognize any FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL or UL-listed monitoring center (TMA members and non-members) and outstanding personnel who perform in the highest professional manner, thereby making a significant contribution to the betterment of the alarm industry and the alarm profession while demonstrating exceptional service to their customers and community.

The purpose of the awards program is to:

  • Establish and promote the inherent value of professional monitoring services in general.
  • Honor those who have made the most significant contributions to the service.
  • Promote the distinct level of professionalism attained by NRTL-approved monitoring centers.

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards are co-sponsored by SDM Magazine, which will publish a feature story on the winners later this summer. Entries are judged by a blue-ribbon volunteer judging panel appointed by TMA. The four winners will be announced at the Opening Reception of the 2018 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) on Tuesday, June 19. For past winners and more information, visit www.tma.us.