2017 HGCAA Newsletter – December
Houston Gulf Coast Alarm Association
December 2017 Newsletter
281-452-6323 (800-222-9836) 281-457-9254 (fax)
10615 Rockley Road Houston, Texas 77099
Texas Security License #B20451
Texas Fire Alarm License #ACR-20161895
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President
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Vice
President |
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John C Helweg |
Van Mayorga| |
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Secretary
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Treasurer
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Mary Edmonson |
Penny Mayorga |
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Sergant-at-Arms
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Parliamentarian
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Amanda Jackson |
Calvin Stewart |
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Editor
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Membership
Director |
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Steven Carr |
Dennis White |
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Education
Director |
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Van Mayorga| |
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Past
President |
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Brian McKinney
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Presidents Message – John C. Helweg
We had a good November meeting. I’d like to thank Jim Campbell at Bass Computers for hosting us. They have a ton of computer equipment options that can rival any of the big box geek stores. Please remember, our associate members support us, so please support them.
Unfortunately our guest speaker was unable to make it due to a family emergency. However, it worked out because we had lots of information to share. In October, I went the to the Texas Fire Marshal’s Conference in Austin, TX and a week later I went to the TBFAA convention in Conroe, TX. It gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people in our industry that I don’t typically see and get some valuable incite in what they would like from us and what we can do for them. There were lots of updates and good information shared including: Fire code, Legislative, PSB, TBFAA Board meeting, etc
We had Capt Turner with the Houston Region DPS office present so we were able to discuss some things I’d gained by watching the DPS PSB Update at the TBFAA convention. On that note, we as an industry can be more effective at dealing with scammers if we focus on unlicensed activity and check the TOPS database for the company in question prior to sending the complaint to DPS for investigation. There are many companies out there that may not be doing everything perfect, but they are legal. So lets not waste time by sending DPS complaints that aren’t going to go anywhere. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words. Try to get a clear pic of the suspect’s vehicle with the license plate so DPS can follow up more effectively.
My step-mom, Trudy Helweg, passed away October 14th from Alzheimer’s complications. My parents had been married over 35yrs and she was a regular fixture at our meetings and industry events. I want to thank HGCAA for the flower arrangement and a special thanks to Amanda Jackson, Steven Carr and Brant Pierce for coming to her funeral to support my Dad and me.
TBFAA REPORT – Kelly Ryan
Here we are at the end of 2017, and now is a great time to reflect upon our experiences and relationships. As president of TBFAA, I would like to personally thank everyone that was involved with our great association, and I certainly look forward to 2018 with extreme enthusiasm!
TBFAA members put trust in us to keep their best interests at the front of our agenda. While the last legislative session didn’t necessarily give us the results we wanted, we weren’t subject to any harmful legislation. That being said, our legislative committee is already at work trying to support our interests as we move forward into 2018, but we still need to hear from you. What concerns do you have regarding DPS, SFMO, or other state regulations?
Now is a good time to review your 2018 calendar and set aside time for your local associations. While you’re at it, be sure to reserve time to attend the upcoming PSB meeting in January. If you’ve never been to a PSB meeting, I highly encourage you to attend. You’ll see our industry representatives at work, receive license & enforcement updates, and gain the experience of seeing the appeals process at work. While I certainly hope there is never a need for anyone to use the appeals process, it is worth
seeing the process take place.
Be sure to join the TBFAA group on Facebook, follow @TxBFAA on Twitter, and join us on LinkedIn! While you’re going over your social media options, now is also a great time to go to the new tbfaa.org website and make sure you have your login information. The new website also features the ability for members to participate in a message board. If there are topics you would like to discuss, the forum on tbfaa.org might be just the option you need!
No matter what 2018 has in store for you, I certainly hope you’ll continue your involvement with TBFAA and your local association. Your involvement is the power behind the associations! Be sure to join/renew with TBFAA… And of course… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Kelly Ryan
president@tbfaa.org
DPS
PRIVATE SECURITY UPDATE
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) regulates the private security profession in Texas. DPS protects the public by conducting fingerprint-based background checks on applicants, licensing training schools and instructors, investigating and resolving complaints, and taking disciplinary action against licensees or seeking criminal prosecution of those who perform private security services without a license.
The private security profession includes armed and unarmed security guards, personal protection officers, private investigators, private security consultants, alarm systems installers and monitors, guard dog trainers, armored car couriers, electronic access control device installers, and locksmiths. DPS regulates the private security profession under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 and the related administrative rules.
Individuals
Military Exemption Fee Schedule
Technology Corner
Trends in the residential security market…
I am sure all of you have experienced an increase in the number of requests from your customers concerning “Video Doorbells”, wifi controlled door locks and voice activated lighting.
Also on the increase is home automation and the introduction of the “Internet of things”. With Alexa and Echo, voice driven control of items interfaced via Wi-fi are being requested daily. We as security dealers need to be keenly aware of the hottest trends to be sure our market base knows we can assist them with the interface of the coming flood of request for these types of devices.
The cloud storage of video systems is gaining momentum as more and more clients do not care if they have their own DVR or NVR. For about $10.00 a month, they can store the video feed from a four (4) video system on the cloud and have the ease of playback remotely with easy to use tools on their iPad, smartphone or computer. Having a ring pro myself, I do see a problem in the foreseeable future with the need to either purge old data (can be time consuming) or charge more for memory use.
Developing an approach for your company to offer technology upgrades at low cost in return for a new contract term is easy to sell. Getting them upgraded to include cellular to combine with either Zwave or Wi-fi technology lays the groundwork for system expansion. It is smart and timely. If you do not offer the latest technology, rest assured, another company will be there at your client’s door with all the bells and whistles.
We are no longer just selling security. We are selling lifestyle changes as well.
Steven Carr – Editor
Calendar Of Events for 2017 – 2018
HGCAA meetings are held the second Thursday of each month from 11:30-1pm.
See below for the locations. Dates and locations may change as needed.
December 2017
12/5-8 – NICET 1&2 and 3&4 @ ADI Pinemont
12/14 – HGCAA meeting @ ADI Pinemont
12/14 – TBFAA Board meeting – Houston, TX
January 2018
1/11 – HGCAA meeting @ Electronic Custom Distributors
February 2018
2/8 – HGCAA meeting @ Tri-Ed North
March 2018
3/8 – HGCAA meeting @ Automated Outlet
April 2018
4/12 – HGCAA meeting @ Bass Computers
May 2018
5/4 – Bass Computers – Expo & Crawfish boil
5/10 – HGCAA meeting @ Tri-Ed North
June 2018
6/14 – HGCAA meeting @ ADI Pinemont
July 2018
7/12 – HGCAA meeting @ Electronic Custom Distributors
August 2018
8/9 – HGCAA meeting @ Automated Outlet
September 2018
9/13 – HGCAA meeting & elections @ Tri-Ed North
PLEASE THANK OUR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
FOR PROVIDING FOOD AND HOSTING OUR MEETINGS
BY PURCHASING THEIR PRODUCTS
Automated Outlet Houston has moved to:
6300 Westpark Dr., Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77057
Thank you for being a loyal Customer!
Houston Alarm Detail
Check with the City of Houston to make sure your company is listed on their alarm permit web site.
They have a specific form you need to fill out and submit to them for inclusion.
You also need to be sending municipalities notice of alarm system activation.
Please make sure your customers are using the most current alarm permit form.
Harris County Alarm Detail
Please make sure your customers are using the most current alarm permit form.
Ft Bend County Alarm Detail
Be sure your customers are securing an alarm permit from Fort Bend County upon activation. Their alarm permit can be found here.
Montgomery County Alarm Detail
Check with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to make sure your company is listed on their alarm permit web site.
Please make sure your customers are using the most current alarm permit form.
Alarm ordinance – Montgomery County are actively ticketing homeowners that don’t have alarm permits.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
HOUSTON GULF COAST ALARM ASSOCIATION
PO Box 19484
Houston, TX 77224-9484
Comments, questions, change of address or material for inclusion in this publication should be directed to the Editor. Other associations wishing to use material from the “Communicator” are welcome to do so as long as proper credit is given to the author and publication.
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NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING
We are renewing ad spaces for 2017-2018.
The ad spots are $300/yr. The ads will move around as content dictates.
Ads are 5” wide x 7” tall and may be updated monthly.
The revenue generated by our Newsletter helps support our Association, Scholarships and our Industry.
Contact us for additional information – John C. Helweg 713-467-6666