Jewelers Mutual® Group Spearheads Movement to Reduce Jewelry Crime

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Jewelers Mutual® Group, the insurance and business solutions provider, dedicated to the jewelry industry since 1913, is leading a movement to curb the rise of jewelry crime in the U.S. and Canada. Partner for Protection is a rallying cry, encouraging jewelers to take collective action against crime by staying vigilant in their jewelry communities and holding themselves accountable to higher safety and security standards.

Jewelers Mutual is assisting these efforts by investing in additional loss prevention education, collaborating with security experts, and making enhancements to its Risk Services portfolio to help keep jewelers, their staff, and stores safer and more secure.

Crimes against jewelry businesses continues to surge in 2022. In the U.S., jewelry industry crime is up 14% year over year and has surpassed 50% from 2019. According to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, California jewelers experienced a 200% increase in smash-and-grab robberies in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021. In some Canadian communities, daytime crime, including armed robberies, smash-and-grabs, and grab-and-runs, has increased over 300% year over year. *

“What we’re seeing are more high-profile, brazen attacks that happen quickly and result in high-dollar losses,” said Mike Alexander, chief operating officer at Jewelers Mutual. “The threat is real, and it’s affecting the lives and livelihoods of jewelers everywhere. Our industry’s future depends on the actions we take today.”

Known for decades as an industry leader in loss prevention expertise, Jewelers Mutual wants to empower the jewelry industry to think differently about crime and rethink their safety strategy. In a personal address to the industry, Alexander reminds jewelers, “It’s not if crime will happen at your business, but when.”

Jewelers Mutual believes a safer jewelry business is a more successful one. By joining the movement to Partner for Protection, jewelers pledge to:

  • Rethink their security strategy and make safety a top priority for their jewelry business
  • Stay vigilant and follow safety and security best practices
  • Be a leader in getting the message out to their staff, neighbors, and jewelry community

Each jewelry business can help reduce their risks to crime for the benefit of the entire industry. Visit PartnerForProtection.com to learn more and join the movement.

*Data derived from Jewelers’ Security Alliance and Jewelers Mutual Group

High-resolution headshot, logos, and video images are available: https://info.jewelersmutual.com/hubfs/elevate/downloads/Partner%20for%20Protection%20Press%20Kit.pdf

Free Classes on Napco’s Air Access & E-Access Cellular- or Cloud-Based Access Control Now Available Online & Locally at All Napco Distributors

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NAPCO Security Technologies, is pleased to offer expanded free trainings to dealers, locksmiths and integrators on both its easier-to-install, faster-to-deploy, cellular- or cloud-based access control system solutions. Its new AirAccess systems, powered by StarLink Cellular; and, E-Access software-free systems, are a great alternative to complex enterprise systems and far simple to scale for SMBs. These intro classes, cover both systems, and are designed to help security dealers get in on the profitable, in-demand, mass Access Control business, using technologies that save time and complexity, by avoiding conventional networking &/or IT-Dept interactions and delays. At ISC East, Napco held one of these free product trainings to a captivated group, presented by David Donovan, Napco Regional Sales Manager. And Napco is now expanding these free training offerings nationwide, locally and at its distributors, often as popular “lunch & learns”, as well as in online zoom presentations.

Napco offers 2 new scalable access control technology solutions , right-sized for small & medium businesses, and ideal for dealers who want to simply offer clients hotly-demanded access traditionally required by advanced access control enterprise-class networking.  First, is award-winning AirAccess® a cellular- & cloud-based system that uses Napco’s well-known StarLink Cellular to automatically make network connections, outside the customer’s IT dept network and firewall. It eliminates setup hassles, IT delays/interactions, ISP changes, etc, and can use your choice of any Wiegand readers with wireless 1-Door panels, or top-rated wireless access locks inside or out, or both. And it offers twice the RMR-earning potential, because dealers can not only host /manage their accounts’ systems remotely at the dealer’s own server, but also provide them with cellular central station monitoring and SMS cellphone alerts, as well.

Also new from Napco is E-Access, a Software-Free embedded access system that frees dealers from costs, time, and trouble spent loading access control software onsite and doing perpetual updates to it and associated drivers or hardware down the road. That’s because Napco E-Access 1-,2-, 4-door modular panels are self-contained, and use any web-browser to sign-in and manage the secure Linux-based system. Both systems, sold at Napco distributors, are super-scalable from a few doors and users to hundreds, and they offer easy smart mobile Apps with free built-in credentials and command-control and lock-down security for authorized users.

For more, dealers can contact their local Napco Sales Rep, check our online class schedule at www.napcosecurity.com/seminars, ask about AirAccess & E-Access at their Napco security distributor, or call Napco HQ 1.800.645.9445. New classes are being added daily.

TMA Past President Sevinor Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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TMA Past President and longtime volunteer leader Ralph Sevinor, Wayne Alarms, received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from TMA Associate Member Resideo. Resideo is hosting its #CONNECT22 at the JW Marriott Beach Resort in Marco Island, FL.

Look for updates as additional details are available!

TMA Mourns the Passing of Daniel Demers

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Shared by Patrice De Luca, Consultant

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of friend and business mentor Daniel Demers. He passed away Nov. 10th after an 18-month battle with sarcoma, an aggressive and relentless form of cancer. As always, he faced this final challenge with dignity and determination.

Daniel entered the electronic security industry in 1993 as Director of Finance for Protectron, a division of Videotron. He was promoted to President and CEO in 1997. During his 22 years at the helm of Protectron through four successive majority financial owners (Videotron, Wellspring Capital, Reliance Income Trust, Alinda), Daniel has grown a $10 million annual regional business into a $160 million Canadian national player with 400,000 subscribers to its monitoring services. In 2014, he led the sale of Protectron to ADT for $500 million USD. Throughout this journey, Daniel has consistently secured seamless financing to support the company’s growth and development. He also ensured that the investor-owners understood that high quality products and services were the foundation for sustainable growth.

A few years after the sale to ADT, Daniel also led the creation of GardaWorld Security System from 2017 to 2020.

Over the years, Daniel established himself as one of the leading figures in the North American security systems and monitoring industry, leading Protectron to the 15th position on this list and within a few months of the number one position in Canada before the sale to ADT. A self-taught entrepreneur, he has built a solid and fast growing organization. He has created a “Work Hard Play Hard” culture and a strong sense of belonging by always insisting on total integrity. He also built an extensive business network in Canada and the United States, which allowed the organization to share best practices with many of North America’s best-run companies.

Daniel will be missed as a father by his daughter and son, both in their twenties, as a spouse and as a brother. He will be missed by many as an influential business leader and mentor, and as a true and genuine friend to those who were fortunate enough to be closer to him.

TMA President Recognizes UL Solutions’ Schmidt at AM22

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TMA President Morgan Hertel recognized the outstanding contributions of UL Solution’s Steve Schmit on Nov. 1st at TMA’s 2022 Annual Meeting in Marco Island, FL. A plaque and gift were presented to Schmit during the AM session.

Schmit has worked closely with TMA on many key standards initiatives. Schmit played an instrumental role in the development of Work From Home guidelines and standards at the onset of the pandemic. He’s recently initiated a new certification inline with TMA’s proposed ANSI standard – AVS-01, which is expected to be released by year’s end.

Steve will be retiring from his position at UL Solutions in November 2022.

TRG Associates Releases 2021 Industry Annual Attrition Study

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TRG Associates’ John Brady shared highlights from his Industry Annual Attrition Report in TMA’s 2022 Annual Meeting’s first session on Nov. 1st. He opened by stressing the importance of knowing why your customers are leaving.

In 2021, RMR for participating companies reached a record $784k with “moved” jumping to the second position in the ranking of reasons customers left.

John announced the December 2022 launch of a new series of quarterly webinars on attrition. Look for details coming soon!

View and download your copy of this year’s study at http://trgassociates.com/attritions/

If you’re interested in taking part in future studies, please contact TRG Associates.

Hertel and Butkovich Present 2022 TMA Awards

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TMA President Morgan Hertel and TMA Vice President Steve Butkovich had the honor of presenting TMA’s 2022 awards on Monday, October 31, 2022 on the opening day of TMA’s 2022 Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.

Steve presented the inaugural DEI Leadership Award to Kimberlite Corp. Joey Rao-Russell accepted the award. She encouraged other TMA members to engage in DEI initiatives – noting the value her company had drawn from such activities.

Morgan presented the following awards to TMA members for their outstanding contributions to TMA:

Mel Mahler Award was presented to:
Anita Owstrowksi, Vector Security
John Brady, TRG Associates

Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award was presented to:
David Carter
Don Young, ADT

Lastly, Morgan presented a special recognition award to Lou Fiore for his decades of service to TMA and AICC. In doing so, he also announced the establishment of a scholarship fund in his name.

Please join in congratulating all of our winners!

TMA 2022 Achievement Highlights

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The value of TMA Membership is demonstrated with an 89%+ renewal rate for 2022. Many thanks to each of you! With your support and participation, TMA has advanced the following initiatives as of September 2022:

  • After two years, TMA’s Alarm Validation Standard (TMA-AVS-01), which uses alarm activation data to evaluate what is occurring at the protected premise and inform public safety, is finalizing the ANSI approval process, and it is expected to become an ANSI Standard by November 2022.
  • TMA has submitted additional changes to the Work from Home section in UL 827, it will be voted soon on by the appropriate UL committee.
  • The Five Diamond Designation was extended to Video Monitoring companies, hosted by a UL827 registered data center. These companies still need to fulfill all the requirements of the Five Diamond program.
  • The ASAP-to-PSAP service continues its exponential growth this year, with 113 active ECCs and plans to reach 120 by year-end. The ASAP infrastructure is being moved to a virtualized cloud environment. ASAP now covers almost 13% of the US population, that’s over 42,000,000 people nationwide!
  • In collaboration with the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), TMA continued to advocate for a delay in the AT&T 3G Sunset. While the sunset was not postponed, AICC and TMA were able to get accommodations from the FCC and AT&T. Following the resignation of Louis T. Fiore as AICC Chair, TMA has assumed additional management responsibilities.
  • The 2022 Mid-Year Meeting was delivered virtually over the course of three days in April. Session topics covered current hiring challenges, the hybrid work environment, and some of the latest technologies and services for monitoring centers.
  • TMA successfully conducted 2022 OPSTech as its first hybrid meeting in September, TMA’s first in-person meeting since Covid. While most of its attendees participated in Charlotte, NC, some attended virtually. In-person attendees toured TMA member CPI Security’s new state-of-the-art monitoring center.
  • Since January 1, 2022, we have sold nearly 2,400 online courses, including TMA Online Operator Level 1 & 2 Courses, with 1,767 students having successfully completed courses.
  • TMA has added 58+ new securityceu.com courses offering 75+ CEUs in its upgraded TMATraining.org platform. TMA is offering member discounts for the CAA’s National Training Program (NTP)’s Field Service Technician (FST) program. TMA is currently further upgrading its training site to facilitate purchase of all courses with one log in.
  • A group of 53 staff and volunteers participated in TMA’s 2022 Long-range Planning (LRP) meeting, developing recommendations to the TMA Board on membership structure, growth strategies, and TMA’s responses to future challenges and opportunities. LRP discussions were led by Mark Hillenburg, Kirk MacDowell, and Pam Petrow.
  • The NextGen group continued with its well-received Meet Your Mentor Series. To date, co-chairs Ryan Brady and Jessica Lambert have conducted 8 video interviews with respected industry leaders including our first in-person session at OPSTech22.
  • TMA launched the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award (DEI), in partnership with Security Systems News magazine. It recognizes a TMA member company that demonstrates a commitment to creating a DEI culture within their company and community.
  • The TMA/SSI Marvel Award, in partnership with Security Sales and Integration magazine (SSI), opened the 2022 award to all member companies to encourage solutions-based entries. SentryAI and USA Central Station won the 2022 Marvel Award. The 2022 TMA/SDM Excellence Awards drew a combination of entries from small-to-medium and enterprise-sized member companies. 2022 winners included: Monitoring Center of the Year – Enterprise: AvantGuard Monitoring Centers; Monitoring Center of the Year – SMB: EPS Security; Monitoring Center Manager of the Year: Marcos Reyes, Kimberlite-Sonitrol Corporation; Monitoring Center Operator of the Year: Sydney Johnston, EPS Security; and Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year: LaMar A. Shroyer, Dynamark Monitoring.
  • In September GSOC Council Chair Richard Flores and Council member Randy Rickert shared a glimpse into the future design of the GSOC to a group of security professionals at GSX, ASIS’ annual exhibit and conference. The goal of the presentation was to raise awareness of TMA and the benefits membership offers security professionals within GSOCs.
  • TMA continues to issue certificates for the FirstNet National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN), with 54 companies participating in the program and 48 certificates issued so far this year.
  • TMA’s Installation Quality Certification Program “IQ Certification,” the only quality control program for installations, maintenance and service of electronic security systems is growing with 13 IQ-certified companies.
  • An article in spring issues of the TMA Dispatch, shared the results of a research on post-pandemic education (“Training and Development Trends: TMA Members share their approach to education post pandemic,”).
  • As a reflection of their growing relationship, TMA and Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR) signed an agreement for TMA to provide administrative, clerical, accounting, and other business services.
  • TMA has published the Spring and Summer issues of TMA Dispatch magazine and 38 issues of TMA Signals weekly e-newsletter. TMA conducted a readership study to evaluate the two publications. TMA social media communities, which include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, have grown throughout the course of 2022.

TMA would like to acknowledge and thank our many volunteers; your efforts allow us to succeed in elevating the professional monitoring industry. With your continued support and engagement, we look forward to another productive year.

Rapid Response Announces Indira Emmadi as Vice President of Information Technology

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Indira Emmadi,RRMS

Jeffrey Atkins, President of Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Inc., announced the appointment of Indira Emmadi to Vice President of Information Technology at Rapid Response. Indira joined Rapid Response from Palo Alto Networks where she served as a Solutions Engineer managing engagements with their key strategic accounts and led a team that provided cybersecurity solutions to organizations like Google and Microsoft for their Cloud services globally.

Indira started her career working as a Support Engineer for Cisco TAC. After leaving Cisco, she had successful careers at Broadcom, Inc., Riverbed Technology, Citrix Systems, and Radware. She holds two Master’s degrees, one from Wichita State University in Electrical Engineering and a second from Syracuse University in Computer Science.

Indira is an expert in Cyber Security regarding network and security architectures for Hyperscale Enterprise Networks, Service Providers, Data Centers and Cloud Infrastructures, and she has served in various Engineering roles, as well, including Software Engineering, Pre-Sales, Post-Sales and Technical Services. Underscoring her role at Rapid Response will be a focus on the 99.999% Uptime Initiative and continued development of our network supporting Rapid’s growth in Hosted Monitoring Services.

Axis Communications Announces a New Cybersecurity Feature for its Body Worn Cameras

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Axis Communications announces a new cybersecurity feature for Axis body worn cameras. Available with firmware release 11.0, signed video provides an additional layer of protection for body worn solutions helping to enforce trust in video evidence. This valuable feature adds a cryptographic checksum into the video stream allowing the video to be reliably traced back to the unique Axis camera where it was produced and verifying that the footage hasn’t been tampered with.

Whether in criminal or civil investigations, it’s vital that the authenticity of video surveillance can be presented without question. Because any doubt, however small, can be used to undermine the relevance of the video evidence. Now, thanks to signed video, it’s possible to verify the authenticity of video throughout the entire chain of custody.

Within Axis cameras, signed video uses the Axis Edge Vault hardware component, one of the key security features built into Axis products. Axis Edge Vault is a secure cryptographic compute module which can be used for cryptographic operations on securely stored certificates. It provides tamper-protected storage, enabling each device to securely store sensitive data and provide for secure execution of applications.

Key benefits of signed video:

•    Helps ensure trust and assurance of video evidence
•    Provides authentication at the point of capture
•    Easy integration thanks to open-source framework

Axis body worn solutions allow wearers to view video files on a mobile device or even in the VMS/EMS after the camera is docked and synched. However, for security purposes, camera wearers cannot access or share footage directly from the camera. Signed video provides an additional layer of protection for body worn solutions so customers can rest assured that the authenticity of video evidence is protected — from the point of capture to the court room.