ESA – TMA 10/18/24 AVS-01 Webinar Available to Stream

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On Oct. 18th, ESA hosted “Selling and Installing for Escalated Response – The Benefits of Selling AVS-01.” TMA-AVS-01 (Alarm Validation Scoring Standard), a new TMA Standard, the defines how monitoring centers and 911 ECCs will communicate the alarm level of burglary signals during the dispatch process with the goal to increase the safety of first responders and drive escalated response to the highest priority alarms. This webinar explored the current state of this impactful standard and what the future holds for sales and installation companies.

SPEAKERS:

  • Jeremy Bates, Bates Security
  • Steve Butkovich, TMA President, CPI Security
  • Chris Denniston, Rapid Response Monitoring
  • Morgan Hertel, Rapid Response Monitoring
  • David Holl, Lower Allen Township (PA)

Stream the 10/18/24 presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP9a9NEC20s&t=4s

 

CPI Security Commits $1M to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Initiatives

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CPI Security has pledged over $1 million to assist those in need as Hurricane Helene’s devastation continues to affect communities in Western North Carolina.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., CPI Security is sending crews of its own employees weekly, focused on helping its customers and employees in need. The crews are equipped with generators, Starlink satellite internet service, chainsaws and other much needed supplies.

CPI has already sent over 75 employees who have volunteered over 1,000 hours, according to an announcement.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is like none I’ve ever seen before,” Ken Gill, CEO and founder of CPI Security, said. “Many of our employees, customers, and neighbors are trying to rebuild from this storm, and we’re committed to standing alongside them.”

In addition to CPI’s direct engagement with its affected employees and customers, CPI Security has donated to organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, the American Red Cross, High Country Charitable Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

“There are many lives, homes, and businesses that will need to be rebuilt,” Gill said. “This effort will be ongoing for quite some time. Please continue to pray for those affected and give of your talents.”

SDM Magazine, October 24, 2024

Donate to Support Helene Victims in NC

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TMA Board of Director Caroline Brown, a North Carolina resident, shared information on two charities assisting communities in North Carolina that have been impacted.

Please consider making a donation.

https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/event/Supportbannerelk

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-those-in-helenes-path/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGND-B24V&utm_content=HurricaneHelene&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpP63BhDYARIsAOQkATb6wV68kcjmmT72m30gWkBJJ2er3cYDTbOappPIXtK0cVuaPHUW6poaAsQWEALw_wcB

Reminder – new TN 729 area code

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The Tennessee Public Utility Commission issued a news release about the new 729 area code that will overlay the existing 423 area code in eastern Tennessee earlier this year. Please be aware of the key dates for the overlay implementation:

  • August 5, 2024: Permissive 7- or 10-digit dialing began for customers with the 423 area code
  • February 5, 2025: Mandatory 10-digit dialing begins for customers with the 423 area code
  • March 5, 2025: The new 729 area code becomes effective, and mandatory 10-digit dialing is required in the new 729 area code too.

October is Cybersecurity Month – Stay Safe Out There

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Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

Over the years it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk, and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2024 marks the 21st Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Find free resources to support Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities on CISA’s website.

Download CISA’s Resources & Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Toolkit

 

Register to attend:

Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity
A TMA VPR hosted by OneTel Security

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM

The WASH Foundation Identified as TMA Annual Meeting Beneficiary

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Each year, TMA hosts a fundraiser to benefit a local charitable organization in conjunction with the TMA Annual Meeting. This year’s beneficiary is The WASH Foundation, an organization what aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations through increased access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). To accomplish its mission, The WASH Foundation works with partners to strengthen policies, governance, systems, infrastructure, financing, and health-seeking behaviors while empowering women and underserved communities. To date, we have helped serve over 15 million people in need globally.

To learn more about the work of The WASH Foundation, visit https://thewashfoundation.org/

To donate, scan this QR code, or visit the website. Important! If you donate on the website or use the QR code, select the amount that you would like to donate and complete your information. In the “Leave a Comment” section, add: TMA

All who donate are entered into a raffle for prizes! A drawing will be done on Wed., October 7th in the afternoon. You do not need to be present to win.

TMA Dispatch, Fall Issue, Is Now Available

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The fall issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! Login to the TMA member portal to read.

Our Cover Story…With the increasing demand for advanced and scalable video monitoring solutions, the debate between Edge AI and Cloud AI has gained significant attention. Traditionally, edge devices focused on on-premises storage and video management. Members of TMA’s Technology Committee came together and drew upon their collective expertise to construct this issue’s cover story, the first of a three-part series, to help TMA members navigate the complexities of these technologies and make informed decisions when it comes to AI technology and its application.

In our Guest Column…Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO International, explores the decade-long discussion on the topic of NG9-1-1. In this column, he writes about the key benefits and make the case for the “comprehensively interoperable and an end-to-end solution.”

In Technology…Cyber-attacks – you hear about them…you read about them nearly every day. Is your company of the many that remain unprepared? TMA Technology Co-Chair Matt Narowski takes on this HOT topic. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it can’t be you.

In Research…The sale of smart smoke/CO detectors is booming! According to Parks Associates, 9-10% of U.S, Internet households own a smart smoke/CO detector and more than half of smoke/CO detector owners pay for a service. Parks Associates VP Jennifer Kent explores the latest trend.

In the GSOC Column…It’s important to put your best foot forward when hiring and onboarding a new team member. Training is critical. GSOC TMA GSOC Council Co-Chair Randy Rickert shares what every GSOC training program should have.

Read these and more in the latest issue the TMA Dispatch now!

Seattle Issues New Response Parameters

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Starting October 1, 2024, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will only dispatch officers to calls from alarm companies with supporting evidence, such as audio, video, panic alarms or eyewitness evidence that a person is illegally entering or attempting to enter a residence or commercial property. SPD will no longer respond to calls from alarm companies based only on sensor or motion activations. With depleted resources we cannot prioritize a patrol response when there is a very low probability that criminal activity is taking place.

Read the full announcement HERE.

TMA Annual Meeting Keynote to Address Impact of AI on Businesses

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Q&A With Keynote Kevin Surace 

QUESTION #1: In your keynote, “Harnessing AI: Unlocking New Possibilities for You and Your Business,” you’ll discuss how AI is reshaping industries. Without giving too much away, what are some of the most exciting practical applications of AI that businesses should be aware of right now?

From marketing to sales to customer support…AI changes everything. Create a year’s worth of interesting blog posts in a day. Train sales people with AI as the trainer. LLM backed chatbots can handle 90% or queries without human intervention. And much more.

QUESTION #2: You emphasize that it’s important for industry leaders to embrace AI as a tool for innovation and growth. What mindset shifts or strategies do you believe are crucial for leaders to successfully integrate AI into their organizations?

Trust is important and doesn’t come quickly. Productivity gain improvement is the gold standard to measure AI results.

QUESTION #3: As AI continues to evolve, how can organizations prepare their teams for these changes?

Educate and train. Try many technologies. Most won’t help you but the ones that do can be game changers.

 

Florida’s Broward County Goes Live with ASAP

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Broward County in Florida became the 147th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 12th ECC in the state of Florida to implement TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Broward County went live the week of August 12, 2024 with the following alarm companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, ADT, Affiliated Monitoring, Alert 360, Brinks Home Security Protection, Doyle, Dynamark, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Protection One/Everon, Quick Response, Security Central, Securitas (Stanley Division), Tyco (Johnson Controls), United Central Control, Vector Security, and Vivint.

Learn more about ASAP HERE

View the agency’s press release HERE