Pat Comunale

Thousands of security professionals gathered Nov. 14-15 at the Javits Center in New York City to explore new products, solutions and technologies, network with security luminaries and obtain high-quality industry education. ISC East, sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), is the Northeast’s largest security industry event; more than 7,000 security professionals attended or exhibited at this year’s conference. Following day 1 of ISC East, SIA gathered industry luminaries and experts for SIA Honors Night, an annual event featuring a cocktail reception, a gala dinner benefiting Mission 500, engaging entertainment and an awards ceremony recognizing industry leaders. Sold-Out Event SIA Honors Night 2018 was a sold-out event held at the Current at Chelsea Piers. The awards presented at SIA Honors Night 2018 were: SIA Progress Award (presented by SIA’s Women in Security Forum) – Eddie Reynolds, president and CEO, iluminar Inc. Women in Biometrics Awards (co-founded by SIA and SecureIDNews and co-presented with sponsors FindBiometrics, IDEMIA and SIA’s Women in Security Forum) – Kelly Gallagher, senior account manager at NEC Corporation of America; Lisa MacDonald, director of the Identity Management Division in the Office of Biometric identity Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Colleen Manaher, executive director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Lora Sims, senior biometric examiner at Ideal Innovations, Inc.; and Anne Wang, director of biometric technology research and development at Gemalto Cogent SIA Insightful Practitioner Award – Guy M. Grace, Jr., chair of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools Steering Committee and director of security and emergency planning for Littleton Public Schools in the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award – Larry Folsom, co-founder and president, I-View Now George R. Lippert Memorial Award – Pat Comunale, retired security industry veteran, former member of the SIA Board of Directors and former CEO and president for Tri-Ed Distribution, an Anixter company Standout Keynotes SIA Honors Night also highlighted Mission 500, a charity that advocates for children and families living in extreme poverty in the United States Honors Night guests enjoyed keynote remarks from Bonnie St. John, a Paralympic ski medalist, Fortune 500 business consultant, Rhodes scholar, former White House official and best-selling author. St. John discussed her journey to become the first African-American ever to win medals in Winter Olympic competition despite having her right leg amputated at age five and shared her top lessons from mentors and her advice for cultivating resilience. SIA Honors Night also highlighted Mission 500, a charity that advocates for children and families living in extreme poverty in the United States; each year, SIA Honors Night raises funds for Mission 500. SIA presented 26 engaging education sessions through the SIA Education @ ISC East program, including two standout keynotes and four hands-on workshops. Hundreds of conference attendees participated in these sessions, with impressive speakers like Valerie Thomas, ethical hacker and executive consultant at Securicon; Pierre Bourgeix, president at ESI Convergent; Scott Swann, president and CEO of IDEMIA National Security Solutions; and Jumbi Edulbehram, regional president – Americas, Oncam. SIA sponsored Infosecurity North America’s Keynote Stage, the central hub of the event Confronting Emerging Threats Highlighted education sessions at this year’s conference included: Friend or Foe? Technology Disruption and the Physical Security Industry, a keynote address by Philip Halpin, senior vice president and head of global security at Brown Brothers Harriman, one of the country’s oldest and largest privately held financial firms 21st Century Best Practices: Reporting From the Front Lines on How Law Enforcement and the Security Industry Are Confronting Emerging Threats, a keynote address by James A. Gagliano, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, CNN law enforcement analyst and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University Cybersecurity Professionals ISC East 2018 was co-located with two additional conferences – Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo Additional cutting-edge topics covered in the education sessions included the move to smart cities, convergence in the security industry and the use of artificial intelligence in video analytics. ISC East 2018 was co-located with two additional conferences – Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo. SIA sponsored Infosecurity North America’s Keynote Stage, the central hub of the event, which featured a presentation from world-famous hacker Kevin Mitnick, insights from Dave Hogue of the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Threat Operations Center, a discussion on the cyber skills shortage gap and ways to attract, develop and retain talented cybersecurity professionals and more. Handle Sensitive Data Additional events at ISC East 2018 included: A breakfast presented by ISC Security Events and SIA’s Women in Security Forum featuring a panel discussion celebrating women in security and supporting the participation and advancement of women in the industry Paid hands-on workshops providing cutting-edge information and valuable insights on the most current business trends, technologies and new developments in security Free exhibitor product training sessions sharing live, in-depth demonstrations A meeting with SIA’s Data Privacy Advisory Board, which provides information and best practices to help SIA members handle sensitive data in a safe and secure manner to protect the personally identifiable information of their employees, partners and customers from potential breaches

Samsung Techwin presented the award at its Sales Meeting and Milestone Systems in early March TRI-ED, An Anixter Company, is pleased and proud to announce it has been honored with two Distributor of the Year Awards.  At it’s recent Sales Meeting, Samsung Techwin presented this prestigious recognition to TRI-ED. And, Milestone Systems also honored TRI-ED with its Distributor of the Year distinction in early March. Back-To-Back Awards "TRI-ED  is committed to being a true distribution partner, to our customers, as well as to all of our supplier partners," says Pat Comunale, TRI-ED's President of Global Security Solutions. "We've made ourselves an extension of our manufacturers, linking them and our mutual dealer customers to provide the most complete security solutions available. To be recognized with back-to-back Distributor of the Year Awards from Samsung Techwin and Milestone Systems is such an honor. It is a validation of our commitment to our supplier partners that we are extremely proud of." TRI-ED, An Anixter Company, provides state-of-the-art solutions from the industry’s leading manufacturers of IP video, CCTV, access control, fire, intrusion, sound, communications, structured cabling, and home automation products. With over 65 locations across the U.S. and Canada, TRI-ED offers personal customer service, technical systems support, flexible credit terms, next day shipping, ongoing training programs and the industry's richest rewards program. For more information, please visit www.tri-ed.com.

TRI-ED continues to grow its North American footprint TRI-ED, An Anixter Company, is pleased to announce the opening of another new branch located at 277 Lodi Street, Unit 10 in Hackensack, New Jersey. The branch, which can be reached at 201-342-0168, is being managed by Frank Arcuri, a long-time industry veteran. "TRI-ED continues to grow its North American footprint," notes Pat Comunale, TRI-ED's President of Global Security Solutions. "We are pleased to offer yet another conveniently located branch in the Northeast and look forward to serving our new customers in northern New Jersey."

TRI-ED’s 250+ page catalog showcases the latest technologies from its valued supplier partners TRI-ED, An Anixter Company, is pleased to announce the release of its 2015 product catalog. The 250+ page catalog features thousands of products spanning IP, CCTV, Access Control, Intrusion, Fire, Structured Cabling, Sound, Data Communications and Hardware. It is available at all branches throughout North America, as well as online at http://www.tri-ed.com/catalog/. “Security dealers and integrators can rely on TRI-ED for all their product needs,” says Pat Comunale, TRI-ED's President of Global Security Solutions. “Our new 2015 product catalog showcases our extensive offerings and the latest technologies from hundreds of our valued supplier partners.”

Ken Cabler has over 30 years of security industry experience TRI-ED Distribution is pleased to announce the promotion of Ken Cabler to VP of U.S. Sales. Cabler, with over 30 years of security industry experience, joined TRI-ED in 2005 as Regional Manager and was later appointed Regional Vice President for the Central U.S. "Ken has always been a key member of our team and a driver in TRI-ED's tremendous growth over the past ten years," says Pat Comunale, TRI-ED's President of Global Security Solutions. "Ken's deep knowledge of the industry will continue to serve our customers and staff in his new role as VP of U.S. Sales."  Cabler, who is based in Dallas, adds "I am very honored to have been promoted to this new position and look forward to leading TRI-ED's outstanding U.S. sales team in my new role." TRI-ED, An Anixter Company, provides state-of-the-art solutions from the industry’s leading manufacturers of IP video, CCTV, access control, fire, intrusion, sound, communications, structured cabling, and home automation products. With 65 locations across the U.S. and Canada, TRI-ED offers personal customer service, technical systems support, flexible credit terms, next day shipping, ongoing training programs and the industry's richest rewards program.

TRI-ED announces its new logo following its recent acquisition by Anixter Following its recent acquisition by Anixter, TRI-EDDistribution is proud to announce its new logo as well as key management changes. Pat Comunale will now serve as President of Global Security Solutions. James Rothstein will serve as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Dirk Foreman will be responsible for Global/National Integrator Sales, both reporting directly to Pat Comunale. "The union of Anixter and TRI-ED makes for a very exciting combination," Comunale states. “Anixter has built a strong global security business focused around video surveillance and access control, specifically 'IP' solutions. The addition of Tri-Ed’s business (product portfolio, supplier relationships and broad, diversified customer base) creates a platform to be a full-line global security distributor. It’s great for our customers, our suppliers and our combined employees.”

TRI-ED hosts one day Technology Roadshows to familiarize customers with latest technologies in marketplace TRI-ED is pleased to announce that its Technology Roadshow is coming to L.A. this Fall. Dealers and integrators will want to mark their calendars and attend this free, one-day event to be held November 12th at the Marriott Burbank, located at 2500 North Hollywood Way in Burbank, CA. The Roadshow kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by a variety of training classes and presentations that span ALL product categories, many of which provide CEU credits. Lunch will be served at Noon, followed by additional presentation sessions that will run until 5:10 p.m. The Expo Hall will then open and feature many leading industry manufacturers and a dinner reception. Space is limited so attendees are encouraged to pre-register at www.tri-ed.com. TRI-ED hosts these one day Technology Roadshows to familiarise customers with the latest technologies in the marketplace. “These training and Expo events are very helpful to our dealers and educate them on the constantly changing products and technologies in the marketplace," says Pat Comunale, TRI-ED President and CEO.

The combination brings Anixter’s expertise in IP video surveillance to Tri-Ed’s customers Anixter International Inc. recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tri-Ed, a leading independent distributor of security and low-voltage technology products from Audax Group (“Audax”) for a purchase price of $420 million. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first full year of operation, exclusive of transaction and one-time integration expenses. Headquartered in Woodbury, NY, Tri-Ed serves four major segments of the security business including video, access control, intrusion detection and fire/life safety, and provides approximately 110,000 products to over 20,000 active dealer and integrator customers. The company employs over 600 people across 63 locations in the US and Canada. The company’s multi-channel distribution strategy integrates branches, technical sales centers and an e-commerce platform. Tri-Ed generated approximately $570 million in sales and $36 million in adjusted EBITDA over the trailing twelve months ending June 30, 2014. Bob Eck, Anixter’s President and CEO, stated, “The acquisition of Tri-Ed is a strategic opportunity for Anixter and our security business, consistent with our vision to create a leading global security platform and to accelerate profitable revenue growth. Through expanding our offering into highly complementary product lines, our customers will benefit from a broader set of products and solutions in the areas of video, access control, fire/life safety, and intrusion detection. As well, the combination brings Anixter’s expertise in IP video surveillance to Tri-Ed’s customers. In addition, this transaction provides access to the residential construction end market at an attractive point in the recovery cycle as well as to a community of security integrators and dealers not currently serviced by Anixter. We look forward to having the Tri-Ed team join the Anixter family when the transaction closes. Together we will be able to offer even better service and broader security solutions to our respective customers as well as substantial long term growth and value-creation for all Anixter stakeholders.” "The acquisition of Tri-Ed is a strategic opportunity for Anixter and our security business, consistent with our vision to create a leading global security platform and to accelerate profitable revenue growth" Pat Comunale, Tri-Ed’s President and CEO, stated, “We have great respect for Anixter and are excited about the opportunities that this combination will create for our people and our business. We look forward to building on our long-standing supplier partnerships and customer relationships to create an even stronger security platform.” Ted Dosch, Anixter’s Executive Vice President of Finance and CFO, stated, “Consistent with our stated priorities for capital allocation, the Tri-Ed acquisition accelerates the pace of growth in our security business, which is one of our strategic growth initiatives. We expect our strong cash flow generation will enable us to return to our target debt-to-capital range within 12 months, providing us with the continued financial flexibility that is a hallmark of our financial strategy.“ Subject to regulatory approval and certain customary closing conditions, this transaction is expected to close near the end of the third quarter of 2014 and will be financed using available cash and borrowings under a new term loan that is expected to be entered into prior to closing. The majority of transaction and integration costs will be incurred in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Greenhill & Co. served as financial advisor, Skadden Arps served as legal counsel, and KPMG served as accounting advisor to Anixter on the transaction.

TRI-ED hosts one day Technology Roadshows to familiarise customers with latest technologies TRI-ED North America's largest independent distributor of surveillance and network infrastructure products, is pleased to announce that its Technology Roadshow is coming to Texas this Fall. Dealers and integrators will want to mark their calendars and attend these free, one-day training events: September 3rd at the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown and October 7th at the Hilton North Houston. The Roadshows kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by a variety of training classes and presentations that span ALL product categories, many of which provide CEU credits. Lunch will be served at Noon, followed by additional presentation sessions that will run until 5 p.m. The Expo Hall will open at 5pm and will feature many leading industry manufacturers and a dinner reception. Space is limited so attendees are encouraged to pre-register at www.tri-ed.com. TRI-ED hosts these one day Technology Roadshows to familiarise customers with the latest technologies in the marketplace. “These training and Expo events are very helpful to our dealers and educate them on the constantly changing products and technologies in the marketplace," says Pat Comunale, TRI-ED President and CEO.