It’s been said that recognition is the most powerful of motivators. I believe this to be true. People crave praise and the feeling of being appreciated. Studies have stunned business owners and managers by showing that workers value positive feedback above and beyond anything else, including money.

For that reason and many others, back in 1994, Security Sales & Integration launched the Sales & Marketing (SAMMY) Awards. The program—which recognizes and honors North American electronic security dealers/integrators who demonstrate exceptional expertise in their sales and marketing materials—has gained momentum each and every year. The tradition continues March 25 when the event’s eighth incarnation shifts to Las Vegas.

The 2003 SAMMYs will mark the first time the gala awards reception has not been held as a prelude to the International Security Conference (ISC) and Exposition East. When ISC organizers decided to move the annual show from New York to Orlando, Fla., it became clear that it was time to relocate the SAMMYs as well. Given that recent years have cemented ISC West in Las Vegas as the electronic security industry show, moving the SAMMYs to the desert was a natural.

But a change in venue is not the only thing new about the 2003 SAMMYs—not by a long shot.

The SSI staff has carefully re-evaluated all of the categories, tweaking some, creating new ones and discarding others. As a result, awards will be presented in 10 rock-solid Best of categories. They are:• Direct-Mail Piece/Basic Brochure
• Sales Brochure: Residential
• Sales Brochure: Commercial/Industrial
• Newsletter
• Yellow-Page Advertisement
• Television/Radio Advertisement
• Promotional Item
• Company Logo/Vehicle Design
• Business Card
• Web Site
Probably the most exciting news is that we have decided to combine our Integrated Residential Installation of the Year and Integrated Commercial/Industrial Installation of the Year Awards—which we introduced to tremendous response in 2002—with the SAMMYs. The 2003 winners will be announced as the grand-prize recipients to cap off the 2003 SAMMYs spectacular!

Winning a SAMMY is not only outstanding for company morale, it is also a fantastic sales and marketing tool in its own right. Of course, just being named as a finalist is nearly as sweet.

A majestic SAMMY trophy prominently exhibited in an office serves as a powerful testimonial to potential customers of that company’s commitment to quality. In addition, the exposure winners receive in the pages of SSI can be shown to prospects. In the case of the grand prizes, what better way to impress clients of your prowess then by showing them your plaque and magazine coverage as the 2003 Integrated Residential or Commercial/Industrial Installation of the Year award winner?

It has been one of my distinctly great and personal thrills during my tenure at SSI to be a part of the SAMMYs. Watching the hundreds of entries flood in, speaking with the elated finalists, and then seeing the winners named and beaming with pride afterwards is priceless.

Plain and simple, the event, which is free to attend and open to anyone within the industry, is a blast. Featuring hors d’oeuvres, beverages, entertainment and a multimedia presentation, the SAMMYs have been likened to the security industry’s version of the Oscars.

Perhaps the most persuasive argument for entering the SAMMYs is that it is absolutely FREE! So, what are you waiting for? The deadline for entries is Dec. 31, but beware—procrastination is the enemy! For complete SAMMY rules, judging criteria, entry form and other information, double-click the SAMMYs icon on our home page, see pages 11-14 of this month’s issue, or call (310) 533-2534.

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