About 160 alarm industry professionals recently took part in the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) 2009 Leadership Summit in Westlake, Texas, which is more than twice as many in attendance at last year’s event.
The summit, held Jan. 13-16, included association business meetings to discuss such topics as industry standards, elections and the NBFAA’s federally-approved apprenticeship program. Committee and board of directors meetings and the first Young Security Professionals meeting were also features of the summit. Educational seminars targeting association membership and best practices rounded out event.
NBFAA membership is at an all time high with 2,811 members, 485 of which were added in 2008, according to Bob Scales, president of the Kansas City Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (KCBFAA).
“The NBFAA, over the past five to seven years, has re-invented itself. The NBFAA today is a viable, credible organization both financially and politically,” he says.
During the summit it was announced that NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja Jenkins was promoted to associate executive director.
“She already does the work so we certainly felt she deserved the title,” says Merlin Guilbeau, NBFAA executive director.
A highlight of the 2009 Leadership Summit was the Leadership Awards dinner where guests were treated to some Texas-style barbeque and a variety show by the Grapevine Opry. Awards presented during the dinner included:
- 2009 Chapter of the Year, Tennessee Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
- Chapter Executive Director of the Year, Penny Brooks, Tennessee Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
- Chapter President of the Year, Ron Petrarca, New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
- NTS Instructor of the Year, Joel Kent
- Newsletter of the Year, The Rampart, produced by the Wisconsin Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
- Chapter Web Site of the Year, Louisiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
