Joseph F. Cioffi

As part of the NJESA´s (New Jersey Electronic Security Association) 50th Anniversary celebration, plans are underway to organize a special gala dinner to honor ‘pioneers’ of the association. The NJESA is seeking individuals, alarm companies, manufacturers, distributors and central stations that have played an important role in the growth of our industry and the origins of the association. These Pioneers, many now living across the country, will have the opportunity to share about their involvement in the industry. Archived For Future Generations “We are now in the planning stages of organizing a formal dinner to recognize and honor these individuals. If you have been part of the NJ association for at least 35 years, we want you!” explained Ken Gould, President-elect of the NJESA and Chairperson of the Pioneer Event, along with Joe Cioffi III. The NJESA has a rich history. Fifty years ago, three men from the alarm industry, Joseph Cioffi Jr, John Belleque and William C. Pollock, formed the New Jersey Alarm Association. Each of the three founding members reached out to friends and brought in other alarm companies they knew. Membership was $50 and the New Jersey Alarm Association grew from there, as members from the entire state joined. “This is a once in a lifetime event,” added Cioffi. “We plan on giving out awards, plaques and trophies, as well as documenting the reminiscences of our Pioneers in pictures, video, and the written word that will be forever cherished by those attending and archived for future generations.” The gala is currently planned for October 5 at Caesar´s Palace in Atlantic City.

Nationally recognized as the premier show in the northeast, the New Jersey Electronic Security Association (NJESA) held its Annual Symposium on March 14-16, at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. The three-day Symposium featured training, education and trade exhibits, as well as networking, raffles and social events with over 700 individuals on the trade show floor. The Symposium opened with a reception at the pool with an attendance of more than 250 people and an open bar. During the reception, outgoing president Jerry Duffy thanked the entire board and gave each one a token of thanks. Duffy noted the association’s strong membership base and support of the annual event. “One of the key strengths for NJESA is the input and involvement of our board and membership in our activities.” Attendees had the opportunity to earn up to 14 NJ Approved CEU credits with courses that included Wireless Network Design Considerations; Fire SafetySecurity And Fire Safety Training Thursday and Friday featured full days of CEU classes filling eight different classrooms and 34 courses. Attendees had the opportunity to earn up to 14 NJ Approved CEU credits with courses that included Wireless Network Design Considerations; Video Surveillance and Access Control in the Cloud; Fire Safety; Mass Notification/Emergency Communication Systems; Understanding Your Alarm Contracts; Access Control – Code Requirements; Advanced Biometric Access Control Training; and Selling Your Alarm Company-Buying Another Alarm Company. The trade show floor was filled with almost 100 exhibitors including COPS Monitoring, DMP, Vivotek, Napco, Affiliated Central, Honeywell and Hikvision. Friday afternoon featured a formal lunch. Executive Director Christine Higgins thanked outgoing president, Jerry Duffy for his dedication and passion for the industry and the association. Ken Gould of Ken Gould Consulting had the honour of speaking about Mission 500. He shared how the organization works closely with the security industry to serve the needs of children living in severe poverty across the United States. Not only did Ken raise money, but many at the dinner were moved to speak with him how they could help and become involved.During the luncheon, the entire board, consisting of both new and current members, was sworn in by attorney Michael Revness Recognition For Contribution Several awards were given out during the luncheon. Bill Ackerman of Ackerman Services accepted the award for Dealer of the Year and Dan Lajoie of Honeywell accepted the award for Associate Member of the Year. The Public Safety Award went to the Linden Police Department. In addition, three Marines in full uniform came to the podium, presented the association with a public service award and thanked the New Jersey Association for collecting for Toys for Tots during their annual holiday party. During the luncheon, the entire board, consisting of both new and current members, was sworn in by attorney Michael Revness including Christine Marzano, the new president of the NJESA and Ken Gould, the president-elect.   Improved Content And Course Selection Attendees were unanimous in their praise for the Symposium. John P. McClellan, the owner of Blue Knight Security Systems, LLC said, “I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Symposium. As usual, it was well organized and well run. The CEU course selections and content are improving constantly. I am already looking forward to next year’s Symposium.” Joseph Cioffi, III, vice president of Bergen Protective Systems added, “It was a fantastic Symposium!” While Mark Withers of ABE Alarm Service stated, “It was really nice! Good location, excellent food, rooms and trade show…”The NJESA Annual Symposium has been the biggest and most successful show we have had" Feeback For Planning Future Events In addition to the great comments, the association added 30 new members and collected for the important PAC fund. Sponsors for this year’s Symposium included Promo Sponsor, COPS Monitoring; Badge Sponsor, Security America Risk Retention Group; Lanyard Sponsor, eDistsecurity Distributing; and Break Sponsor, Kurtz & Revness. “The larger number of attendees and positive feedback clearly indicates that we’ve struck a chord with our exhibits and training, making the NJESA Annual Symposium an ideal format for this professional gathering,” stated Marzano. “The NJESA Annual Symposium has been the biggest and most successful show we have had. The feedback we get from attendees and exhibitors is extremely important to us, as it helps keep us in touch with their needs as we plan future symposiums and other events,” added Higgins. While no specific date has been selected yet for the 2019 NJESA Annual Symposium, initial thoughts are to continue in March at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.