A tax-exempt foundation supported by the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF) is the research arm of the electronic security industry. It is also an educational foundation and has supported the revamping of the ESA National Training School initiative. AIREF has also provided more than $150,000 to bring the courses online, and allowed NTS to strengthen its distance learning.

Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. From that moment forward, ESA has been the voice of the industry. ESA Member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients.

SIAC, Inc is a 501(c)(6) not for profit Delaware corporation. Its board of directors has two members from each of the major North American trade associations: CANASA - Canadian Security Association, CSAA - Central Station Alarm Association, ESA - Electronic Security Association, SIA - Security Industry Alarm Association, and an elected Chairman.