Marshall Marinace

Angela White was sworn in as President-elect of ESA at the ESX show in June and will take office July 1 The Electronic Security Association (ESA) wrapped up its annual ESX conference June 8-10 at a new location in Fort Worth, Texas, with keynote speakers, educational sessions, networking events, exhibitions, awards and the installation of new officers. Logging its ninth year, ESX is jointly owned and sponsored by ESA and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). This year’s show hosted some 2,000 security industry companies and personnel as well as central station owners, while some 200 exhibitors participated. Marshall Marinace, outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer of ESA and the President of Marshall Alarm Systems Corp., Yorktown Heights, New York, received one of the association’s highest accolades, named as the 2015 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year. ESA Welcomes Four New Board Members In addition, ESA installed Angela White as the 2016-2018 president. White, who is an equity partner and the Executive Vice President of Central 1 Security in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is currently Vice President, President-elect of ESA and will take office July 1. Other board members elected include: Vice President Tim Creenan, Chief Executive Officer of Amherst Alarm, Amherst, New York; Vice President Chris Mosley, President of Complete Security Systems Inc., Marlboro, New Jersey; Vice President G. Thomas Eggebrecht PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bonds Alarm Co., Phoenix; and Secretary Jon Sargent, Industry Relations/Government Affairs, Tyco Integrated Security, Hayward, California. In addition, Ken Nelson, Vice President of OEM sales for Interlogix, Lincolnton, North Carolina, was re-elected to a two-year term as an associate member representative. Marinace will continue to serve on the Executive Committee for two years as immediate past president. “I look forward to focusing on the full deployment and success of the programs and initiatives ESA has embarked upon over the last few years”, commented ESA President, Angela White Impressive Industry Credentials White is a 30-year veteran of the electronic security industry whose background includes positions as installer, service technician, sales, general management and company owner. She also was the founder and previous owner of Pro-Tech Systems of Vermont, where she co-authored state licensing as the president of Vermont ESA. White says no other event comes close to providing the inclusive professional experience of ESX. “ESX remains a personal event that gives dealers direct access to vendors and allows for one-on-one discovery of new products and solutions," says White. "The ESX Innovation Awards and TechVision Challenge have really gained momentum over the last couple of years, and that is evidence of the vibrant ecosystem that the show creates within the channel. I left ESX inspired and excited about where our industry is headed and what that means for my business." As president, White says she will focus on the future of the organization and continuing its legacy. “ESA has an incredibly strong foundation that was constructed by the diligence of those who proceeded me," she adds. "In collaboration with other team members and our professional partners, I look forward to focusing on the full deployment and success of the programs and initiatives ESA has embarked upon over the last few years. Specifically, these include enhancements to the quality training and insurance solutions we provide along with the ESA mentorship program and workforce development project for the industry. "ESA has dramatically raised the bar as it relates to the value delivered to members, and we will continue to do so. This will ensure continued success as the number one trade association in our field. In addition, the inclusion of our rising leaders for new ideas, energy and vision will position them for leadership roles within ESA and our industry and will provide current leaders comfort in knowing that the association will thrive.”

The ESA Youth Scholarship provides funds to recent high school graduates whose parents are first responders Hikvision USA, North American provider of CCTV and IP video surveillance products, is a supporting the Electronic Security Association (ESA) Youth Scholarship. With co-contributors DMP and Monitronics, Hikvision is making it possible for ESA to provide college scholarships to two recent high school graduates whose parents are first responders.  ESA Youth Scholarship Program Since its creation in 1996, the ESA Youth Scholarship Program has awarded $621,500 in scholarship funds to children of police officers and firefighters. ESA, its affiliated chartered chapters, and sponsoring companies within the security industry make these scholarships possible and help young people achieve their goals of higher education."The police officers and firefighters that protect and serve our communities are true heroes and deserve our unwavering gratitude," said ESA President Marshall Marinace. "These men and women put their lives on the line every day, and ESA on behalf of the electronic security industry is pleased to support these incredible families. Awarding scholarships to the first responders’ impressive children is one of the ways we can thank our deserving public safety partners and do our part to make their lives just a little easier."Scholarship Winners Applicants were asked to write essays explaining what it meant to them to have their parent involved in securing the community. This year’s first-place winner was Katherine Waugh of Joel Barlow High School in Easton, Connecticut. Her father, Steven Waugh, is chief at Easton Volunteer Fire Company #1 and was on the front line when Hurricane Sandy struck Connecticut. The second-place winner, Trevor Carney, recently graduated from Irondequoit High School in Rochester, New York. His father, Patrick Carney, is a member of the Rochester Police Department. Both winners will be recognized at the Public Safety Luncheon at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in Fort Worth, Texas on June 9.“Hikvision recognizes the invaluable contributions of first responders in keeping all of us safe,” commented Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada. “It is our honor to support the children of first responders, and we wish these young people the greatest success in their future endeavors.”To learn about Hikvision’s comprehensive product suite of video surveillance solutions, see them in person at ESX, booth 311, June 8-10.

David Bleisch, ADT general counsel, addresses the media at a conference Door-to-door selling can be an effective tool to garner new security subscribers, and it’s been practiced for decades, according to Jay Hauhn, executive director of the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), Alexandria, Va. But it has to be done right, he says. A recent conference by ADT Security Services focused on deceptive alarm sales practices and the need to report such practices. In her latest article, Deborah L.O’Mara, SourceSecurity.com's dealer/integrator correspondent, highlights the necessity to educate consumers and alarm companies about fraudulent home sales initiatives. Train Sales Representatives For Door-To-Door Selling “We are not knocking door knocking,” Hauhn continues. “However companies must train their sales representatives to follow the Electronic Security Association’s (ESA) Code of Ethical Conduct and [companies must] take swift and actionable responsibility when they fail,” he adds. Hauhn was one of several panelists at a news conference focusing on deceptive alarm sales practices hosted by ADT Security Services at the ESX Show in Baltimore in June. The session also included David Bleisch, general counsel of ADT, Boca Raton, Fla.; Marshall Marinace, president of ESA and president of Marshall Alarm Systems in Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; Diane Pruitt, a Baltimore resident solicited by a scammer; Derrick Layton, retired Baltimore police officer also solicited by a scammer; and Casey Callaway, director at the Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc., Arlington, Va. Educate Consumers About Fallacious Sales Practices "We believe the ESA’s Code of Ethical Conduct and providing a platform to raise awareness will assist so homeowners don’t get scammed", says David Bleisch, general counsel of ADT ADT continues to spearhead the industry’s awareness campaign designed to educate consumers and alarm companies about fraudulent home sales initiatives, such as telling homeowners their current company has gone out of business, their equipment is obsolete, or promising extra security protection at escalated costs for what amounts to traditional monitoring. “The good news is there is a lot of awareness being raised, which is the number one defense,” says David Bleisch. “We believe the ESA’s Code of Ethical Conduct and providing a platform to raise awareness will assist so homeowners don’t get scammed. We know it’s effective. While year over year the number of complaints did go up, today many more consumers are aware of the issue, took immediate action and didn’t let the salesperson in the door,” he says. In addition, Bleisch says law enforcement and state attorneys general are also taking action, going so far as to ban some companies from doing business. “At the local level and where licensing requires, authorities are more judicious in providing permits for door-to-door sales. We also encourage consumers to call police and we have heard of some arrests,” he says. ADT’s Reward Program –Report Deceptive Sales Initiatives ADT has a program in place offering a reward to anyone who can provide lawfully obtained information showing how alarm companies are training employees to engage in deceptive sales. The company recently refined the process, making it easier and quicker to claim the maximum $5,000 reward. “We have made the program more accessible and easier to use. We continue to raise awareness and explain on our website how consumers or others can submit actionable evidence. We have nothing against fair competition through door-to-door sales or other methods, and it can be done effectively and properly. We don’t want people coming to consumers and lying to them.” Baltimore resident Diane Pruitt recounted how she was solicited by a scammer. She has been an ADT customer for two years and said someone purporting to be from the company said her yard sign was outdated and that potential burglars could look at the back of the sign and determine how to disable the alarm. The door-to-door salesperson also said he was on site to upgrade her equipment. However, when Pruitt asked him if he was with ADT he said “no.” She demanded he leave and immediately contacted ADT to report the incident. “It’s terrible that these types of pushy people are trying to cheat and scam unsuspecting consumers. You should continue to do more to help clean up the industry,” Pruitt said during the news conference.

ESA opens the 2015 exhibit show floor with a ribbon cutting ceremony The Electronic Security Association (ESA) wrapped up ESX 2015, June 24 to 26 in Baltimore, Md., drawing integrators, manufacturers and association members from across the country to attend the annual educational, exhibits and networking event. Security Integration Companies Celebrating its eighth year, the show is jointly owned and sponsored by ESA and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). ESX includes education targeted exclusively to the needs of electronic security integration companies and monitoring firms, including peer-hosted sessions featuring business strategies centered on navigating the new world of technology with increased profitability. This year’s show hosted more than 2,000 security industry companies and personnel as well as central station owners, while some 200 exhibitors participated. ESX 2016 show dates were also announced: June 8 through 10 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Marshall Marinace, president and chief executive officer of ESA and the president of Marshall Alarm Systems Corp., in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., says ESX 2015 was extremely successful, with educational, networking and social events well attended. “The design of ESX is relevant to alarm companies and our members,” Marinace says. “For our attendees, it’s a quality show. What I mean by that is that one integrator told me how difficult it is to connect with the right people at the larger shows. This smaller, more intimate gathering allows one-on-one conversations. He was so pleased he was able to sit down with a manufacturer for some 30 minutes, connecting with the right people about a product and its application. After the conversation, he decided the product was the right fit for his business.” Awards And Presentations The opening keynote speaker was Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer Major General James “Greg” Champion, who spoke about leadership and the concept of leading by example. In addition, ESA raised some $20,000 for its ESA Gives Back campaign, this year supporting the Green Beret Foundation, an organization that Champion previously served as chairman. ESA’s insurance company, Security America Risk Retention Group, sponsored the keynote, and the Foundation had a booth in the exhibit hall, where attendees could learn more about the organization and see weaponry demonstrations. ESA raised some $20,000 for its ESA Gives Back campaign supporting the Green Beret Foundation A first at ESX was the presentation of two William N. Moody Awards. Started in 2004 by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the Moody award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing positive alarm management and best industry practices. Presented on behalf of SIAC, Honeywell executive Ron Rothman received the 2014 award. Rothman, who retired July 1, was the president of the global business of Honeywell Security Group, Melville, N.Y. He spent some 35 years with Honeywell, starting his career with Ademco in the 1980s. The 2015 Moody Award was presented to Stan Martin, executive director of the organization in Frisco, Texas. Martin has been a fixture in the industry for decades, promoting professionalism and spearheading documents such as the Model Alarm Ordinance, designed to educate installers and end users on proper alarm use with the goal of alleviating false alarms. Accolades presented during the CSAA 2015 Central Station Excellence Awards breakfast included: 2015 Central Station of the Year, Guardian Protection Services, Warrendale, Pa. Central Station Manager of the Year, Randy Ambrus, Cooperative Response Center (CRC) Inc., Austin, Minn. Central Station Operator of the Year, Susan Farris, Security Central, Statesville, N.C. Central Station Support Staff of the Year, Kyle Johnson, DMC Security Services, Midlothian, Ill. Finally, ESA awarded $10,000 in scholarships to students from Pennsylvania and New Jersey as part of the association’s annual Youth Scholarship Program. Douglas Leonard of Maple Glen, Pa., received top honours with a first-place scholarship of $7,500, and Caitlin Murphy of Morristown, N.J. won $2,500 for second-place. Since the ESA Youth Scholarship Program was created in 1996, the association and its affiliated Chartered Chapters have donated $541,500 in scholarship funds to children of police officers and firefighters.

Hikvision’s commitment to security technology and enrichment opportunities for customers makes them a valuable partner to ESA Hikvision USA, North America’s leading provider of innovative, award-winning video surveillance products and solutions, was honored as an Executive Strategic Partner of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) at a special event on June 24, 2015. Electronic Life Safety & Security Industry Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association representing the electronic life safety and security industry. Member companies install, integrate, monitor, and/or manufacture intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. ESA established the Executive Strategic Partnership (ESP) program in 2008 to provide funding and support for ESA programs that promote and augment the security industry. Hikvision’s commitment to innovative security technology and enrichment opportunities for their customers make them a well-suited partner to ESA, which provides leading industry education and valuable benefits to security installing member companies, enhances public safety, and serves as a leader in the industry. Electronic Security Expo A special reception, ESA Celebrates, was held in Baltimore on June 24, the first evening of the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) there. This event provided an opportunity to network and celebrates the contributions of ESA volunteers, committees, professional groups and Executive Strategic Partners. The reception also provided attendees the chance to learn more about ESA’s annual philanthropy project, ESA Gives Back, and their chosen charity for 2015: The Green Beret Foundation. The event included recognition for ESA’s Executive Strategic Partners and Professional Group Sponsors. Alex Asnovich, Director of Marketing for Hikvision USA, accepted a plaque on behalf of Hikvision. Hikvision’s Rapid Growth In North America “Hikvision is proud to support ESA and we are thrilled to be recognized as one of their most valuable partners,” Mr. Asnovich stated. “As Hikvision continues its rapid growth in North America, we are dedicated to cultivating strong relationships with industry-leading organizations such as ESA.” “On behalf of all of our members, I would like to thank Hikvision for their support and commitment to ESA and the industry,” said ESA president Marshall Marinace. “Hikvision’s financial support as a Silver Executive Strategic Partner of ESA ensures that we are able to continue to raise the bar for our members and offer valuable member benefits. We look forward to working with Hikvision as part of our ESP program for years to come.”

ESX is designed to provide information and knowledge alarm companies can’t get at any other event For those of you who have been honky-tonking the last several years during the ESX Show, there’s a new game in town – as the annual educational, exhibits and networking event moves to Baltimore, Md., June 24 to 26, and the excitement of the Inner Harbor. Focused And Futuristic Celebrating its eighth year, ESX focuses on peer-to-peer education and strategies – with this year’s theme designed to help professionals “run, grow and maximize their businesses, as well as rethink the future.” The show is jointly owned and sponsored by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and is promoted as the only major national show focusing exclusively on the needs of electronic security integration community and monitoring companies. Last year in Nashville, the show hosted over 2,000 security industry companies and their personnel as well as central station owners, while some 200 exhibitors participated in the event. With the change in venue, ESX 2015 is expected to drive participation by more owners, managers and technicians from up and down the east coast of the U.S. ESX has stayed primarily in Nashville, with one prior event in 2009 held in Baltimore. Embracing Innovation In The Security Industry Marshall Marinace, president and chief executive officer of ESA and the president of Marshall Alarm Systems Corp., in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., says the event is designed to provide information and knowledge alarm companies can’t get at any other event, and the time away from the office is well spent. “We are all extremely busy running our businesses and balancing our personal lives. However, sometimes you need to push the ‘pause button’ and take a step back for a few days. ESX is the perfect event to attend as it will enable you to clear your head for a moment, take in all that is happening in the industry outside of your business, and head back to the office inspired and motivated to continuously improve your operation.”ESA has some 2,500 member companies in its ranks. "ESX is the perfect event to attend as it will enable you to clear your head for a moment, take in all that is happening in the industry outside of your business, and head back to the office inspired and motivated to continuously improve your operation", says Marshall Marinace, president and chief executive officer of ESA New on this year’s exhibit floor is the ESX Innovation Awards Showcase, where attendees will be able to take a look at winning products and services all in one place. The ESX 2015 Innovation Awards (previously known as Maximum Impact Awards) honor industry products and services for their innovative design or application and how well the product or service helps security and life safety professionals run, grow, and maximize their businesses, as well as rethink the future.  Motivational Keynote “If you have not been to an ESX event yet, 2015 is the perfect year to change that,” Marinace continues. “The Opening Keynote will be presented by Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer Major General James ‘Greg’ Champion, who will talk about how leadership is a 24/7 job. Champion will share stories from both his civilian and military life that exemplify the concept of leading by example. I’m certainly looking forward to his presentation and the work that ESA Gives Back is undertaking to support the Green Beret Foundation, an organization that Champion previously served as Chairman. ESA’s insurance company, Security America Risk Retention Group, is sponsoring this keynote and making it possible to deliver what is sure to be an educational and inspiring presentation,” he says. ESX educational sessions are tailored to the security industry and include these four tracks for 2015: Run Your Company – insights and methods from other business owners sprinkled with best practices and tips and tactics. Grow Your Business – fine-focus on brand building, increasing revenue and RMR, with tangible go-to-market strategies. Maximize Your Central Station – information on cloud-based services, training, vital monitoring processes and more. Rethink the Future – opportunities, threats, emerging trends and new products, technologies and services. Registration is currently open for the event, with early signup discounts available.

The Day on Capitol Hill gave Hikvision a powerful opportunity to discuss legislation Hikvision, the world’s leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning video surveillance products and solutions, participated in the Electronic Security Association’s Day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. A representative from Hikvision’s leadership team met with Congress members in Washington DC to discuss important issues affecting the security industry, including apprenticeship programs, school security, and telecommunications. The Day on Capitol Hill allowed Hikvision a powerful opportunity to discuss legislation that would have a positive impact on the security industry and on the safety and job stability of millions of Americans. Legislations For Security Industry With over fifty ESA member companies in attendance, participants in the Day on Capitol Hill served as mouthpiece for the security industry. ESA representatives and members convened with lawmakers and their staffs to discuss three pieces of legislation that are currently facing Congress. Bill S.574, the “Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs Act,” provides a tax credit for businesses that hire apprentices via a federally approved apprenticeship program such as the ESA National Apprenticeship Program. This would address the dearth of skilled workers in the electronic security industry as well as help sustain the economy with a positive impact on job creation. Another topic of discussion was the “Secure Our Schools” program, which would allow K-12 school districts to apply for federal grants to improve school security. Finally, Section 275 of the Telecommunication Act of 1996 was discussed, including ESA’s recommendation that Congress bar anticompetitive activities when considering Net Neutrality issues in order to maintain a level playing field for the electronic security industry. "The Capitol Hill event was a fantastic opportunity for Hikvision to gain a better understanding of the needs of those in the security industry",says Chris Zenaty, Sales Director, Hikvision USA ESA Program For Security Sector Hikvision USA was represented by sales director Chris Zenaty, who spoke highly of the Washington event. “The Capitol Hill event was a fantastic opportunity for Hikvision to gain a better understanding of the needs of those in the security industry, and offer our support to the Electronic Security Association as they work to promote the safety of Americans nationwide,” he noted. As an Executive Strategic Partner of ESA, Hikvision supports ESA programs that promote and enhance the security industry. “Through their relationship as an ESA Executive Strategic Partner, Hikvision shows a deep level of commitment to the industry’s progression and to ESA as the industry leading association,” said ESA President Marshall Marinace. “Furthermore, participation in key industry events like ESA's Day on Capitol Hill demonstrates not only Hikvision’s passion for our industry, but their dedication to our government relations efforts to protect our members’ businesses.” Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada, offered commentary on why Hikvision’s participation in the Day on Capitol Hill was significant to the quickly growing company. “Issues that are important to the American security industry are important to Hikvision USA,” Mr. He elaborated. “As a leader in the industry, our concerns are aligned with what best serves our valued customers. We are committed to supporting the success of the security industry for years to come, as demonstrated by our meetings on Capitol Hill.”

loT will assist installers and integrators to position themselves as total solution providers and professional connectivity consultants to consumers  The buzz over the Internet of Things (loT) isn’t likely to subside anytime soon, given recent developments over consumer adoption of network-connected technologies. According to the 2014 State of the Internet of Things Study from Accenture Interactive, 69 percent of consumers plan to buy an in-home device in the next five years. The study also confirms that by the end of 2015 about 13 percent of consumers will have an loT device, such as an in-home security camera or automated thermostat. It also points out that as of fall 2014 only about four percent of survey participants owned these categories of devices. Adding to the excitement is the January 27, 2015, Federal Trade Commission (FTC)-released report, “Internet of Things: Privacy and Security in a Connected World,” which focuses on data and privacy concerns with the ongoing implementation of connected devices. According to the FTC, experts estimate that as of the end of this year there will be 25 billion connected devices, and by 2020, 50 billion. In the report the FTC defines IoT as “devices or sensors – other than computers, smartphones, or tablets – that connect, communicate or transmit information with or between each other through the Internet.” The growing popularity of these types of products prompted the study, and came on the heels of an FTC-hosted workshop on November 19, 2013 similarly titled: “The Internet of Things: Privacy and Security in a Connected World.” The new report summarises the workshop and offers a number of recommendations for IoT device makers – steps for enhancing data security, implementing data minimisation and giving consumers choices about how information collected by such devices will be used. Connected solution provider The loT is good news for installers and integrators who embrace new technologies and want to position themselves as total solution providers and professional connectivity consultants to consumers. It’s another way the industry can differentiate itself in a crowded marketplace and add value to their businesses. And according to the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the products and technologies are perfectly in line with the security industry. “The IoT is here to stay, and our industry is already leveraging many of the applications such as interactive services that enable the monitoring and control of video, lighting, thermostats, water sensors and electronic locks to name a few,” says ESA Executive Director and CEO Merlin Guilbeau “The IoT is here to stay, and our industry is already leveraging many of the applications such as interactive services that enable the monitoring and control of video, lighting, thermostats, water sensors and electronic locks to name a few,” says ESA Executive Director and CEO Merlin Guilbeau. According to the 2014 ESA Member Profile Survey, 54 percent of the organization’s members are already offering interactive services and “enjoying the increased RMR opportunities surrounding these applications,” he says. However, Guilbeau cautions that dealers must weigh which technologies might co-exist best with their current offerings. “With the rapid influx of products flooding the market, security companies need to consider carefully which products make sense to add to their businesses. Therefore, ESA recently released the ESA Product Selection Guide to help member companies walk through a methodical process to evaluate new products and services. Early adopters of these technologies will be poised for strong growth in the foreseeable future.” ESA President Marshall Marinace, president of Marshall Alarm Systems Inc. in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., says increased demand for lifestyle features benefits consumers and security companies. “This is a very exciting time for our industry as it evolves from installing and monitoring traditional security systems to integrating and monitoring complete technology solutions for residential consumers and commercial end users. Companies interested in diversifying their offering and boosting RMR have moved quickly to add additional IoT devices and services,” Marinace concludes.

Marshall Marinace is on a mission - to continue to infuse value into ESA If you haven’t met Marshall Marinace, you probably will soon. He’s the new President of the Electronic Security Association (ESA), and he’s instantly likeable. He’s a homespun security dealer with decades of service who knows that the new world of systems integration requires change and involvement of every member at the association level. Marinace was sworn in as the 41st President at ESX Nashville in June and took office on July 1, 2014. He has served as Vice President for nine years and is the former Chairperson of the Membership Committee. He’s on the Board of Directors of Security America Risk Retention Group (SARRG) and was involved with the Standards/Fire Life Safety Committee.  Marinace is the former President of both the New York Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, now known as the New York State Electronic Security Association (NYSESA), and the Regional Alarm Association. Marinace is the kind of person who always takes time from his busy schedule for an interview or to speak one-on-one with members about concerns or issues. He’s passionate about the alarm business, beginning his career as an installer and launching Marshall Alarm Systems Corp., Yorktown Heights, N.Y., in 1976 with wife Michele, Vice President. Like many companies in the industry, it’s a family operation. Sons Matthew and Marshall Jr. have been working at the company for about eight years, and daughter Jessica’s husband also works for the company. ESA has six critical strategic initiatives, long-range plans that tie to its overall mission and vision to 'lead the electronic life safety, security and systems integration industry for the benefit of our members, consumers and public safety' Now he’s on another mission: To continue to infuse value into the organization and encourage active involvement and participation. He knows the security industry is changing, and dealers have to adjust and embrace change. And he believes associations only work — and can only attain real impact — if members are active. “Associations are unique organizations,” he says. “They depend on members to guide the organization and its numerous committees, taking time from the day-to-day of running a business to volunteer for the greater good of the industry. And it isn’t easy. Most ESA members are smaller, independent organizations with one to 50 employees. It’s difficult to take time out from running operations or helping a customer, but it can be done.” Today, ESA has evolved into the largest professional trade association in the industry, making an impact on Capitol Hill, addressing frequent and ongoing technology changes, providing industry-specific insurance solutions through SARRG and the most comprehensive training through the ESA National Training School (NTS).  “As we look to the future, and as the association grows, we need to accept change, just as you do in your business. We need to be flexible and ready to make adjustments,”he says. Marshall Marinace began his career as an installer, launching Marshall Alarm Systems Corp. in 1976 Currently, ESA has six critical strategic initiatives, long-range plans that tie to its overall mission and vision to 'lead the electronic life safety, security and systems integration industry for the benefit of our members, consumers and public safety.' Those key initiatives and his thoughts include: 1. Training & Certification: Identify, develop, deliver and certify professional education for the electronic life safety, security and systems integration industry 2. Government Relations: Effectively advocate and communicate on behalf of members before Congress, federal regulatory agencies, and, as requested, at state and local levels. 3. Technology and Emerging Issues: Identify industry issues and communicate their potential impact on membership. 4. Public Awareness: Effectively promote the professionalism and expertise of members to consumers, public safety officials and regulatory agencies. 5. Codes & Standards: Enhance public safety by proactively monitoring, influencing and developing codes and standards that affect electronic life safety, security and integrated systems. 6. Organizational Excellence: Operate a world-class association that serves members by delivering exceptional value. Marinace says ESA has made incredible strides in representing the industry, but there is more work to be done, and he encourages everyone to look at how they can assist. “Together, we can continue to elevate the stature of the industry. But it takes everyone’s input, participation and support. Membership works, but only if you do.”