SAN FRANCISCO — Honoring a past association president, an executive symposium and a public safety liaison forum highlighted the annual California Alarm Association (CAA) Winter Convention & Western Security Conference at the Crowne Plaza San Francisco Dec. 7-9.
More than 300 industry professionals gathered for the event, which included presenting this year’s George A. Weinstock Award to former CAA President Frank Burke of Monrovia, Calif.-based USA Alarm Systems during a black-tie tribute and dinner. Burke was honored for his decades of service to the industry and associations.
Earlier that day, a panel consisting of ADI’s Tom Polson, Mitch Reitman of SIC Consulting, Kirk MacDowell of GE Security and Security Sales & Integration Publisher Mike Zawinski delved into the leading technology and key issues facing the electronic security industry today. George De Marco of Greater Alarm moderated the presentation. Later, former Irvine Police chief and Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC)/CAA liaison Charles Brobeck led a discussion featuring representative chiefs of police that addressed working with public safety agencies and the latest on alarm management programs.
Bob Harris of The Attrition Busters provided the event’s keynote address. His spirited presentation covered attrition reduction, increasing perceived value, angry customers, service issues, employee ownership of problems, referrals and company morale.
