One more association added to the fold

There’s a new alarm association in town, as many of you probably know, either from reading the front-page story in this month’s issue or from just general talk within the industry. The group, National Electronic Security Alliance, strives to provide a few key services to its members, without individual companies incurring the expense to join. The premise is not a bad one - individual state associations join NESA and pay the dues, eliminating the need for Smith Alarm Company to pay dues as well. The members reap the benefit from networking opportunities and legislative initiatives provided by NESA. The grassroots effort has begun for this group; I imagine in a similar approach taken by several security industry associations back in their early days when people sought a way to share information and network with their peers. But another association entering this industry begs the question, is it really necessary? The security industry, it seems, is not at a loss for an association. There’s an organization to represent nearly every angle of this market. Those who run a central station have their own group to turn to, the Central Station Alarm Association, while manufacturers look to the Security Industry Association. And then within the industry are a number of smaller groups that fill this void for the systems integrators. And let’s not forget about the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, which serves the installation community and perhaps the largest number of members of any group. And the list goes on and on, including country specific associations and other organizations that touch the security industry in one way or another. With so many associations already in the mix, it’s a wonder that our industry can juggle them all. And make no doubt about it, as many of you know, the associations in our industry have worked hard in recent years to come together and work as a group on a number of different initiatives. How will another association that has now entered this mix impact this dynamic? Only time will tell - but if the goal is to network and share information with peers, then the transition should be seamless. Chelsie Woods Editor, Security Systems News cwoods@securitysystemsnews.com