The New Hampshire Alarm Association (NHAA) has voted to become a chartered state member of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). The move came as a new NBFAA rule will go into effect Dec. 31 where the association will end its relationship with most of the states with affiliated alarm associations (AAA). Unlike chartered state associations (CSA), members of associations in AAA states weren’t required to pay dues to the NBFAA.

A backlash over the new rule and increased dues has seen some states leave the NBFAA, including Virginia in September. However, NBFAA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau says the association is in talks with representatives from Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to add those states as chartered members. “States bring the grass-roots effort which is very helpful when we battle issues on a federal level and a delivery method for training,” Guilbeau says.

Grievances with how the NBFAA did business were the reason for the NHAA’s departure in 2001. However, Glen A. Smith, the NHAA’s president, says newer leadership and better spending policies on the national level have made his members comfortable enough to return to the NBFAA fold.

“The reason we originally left is the NBFAA was irresponsible with their funds. We knew we would get back in once they got their house in order,” Smith says. “Spending was out of control. They have turned around some and showed better responsibility. They have great new leadership.”

For the first time since 1999, the NBFAA is showing a profit. The association had a $96,000 profit in its most recent quarter while turning in a balanced budget. The profit doesn’t include revenue from the recently increased dues and fees. In fact, Guilbeau says the NBFAA’s revenue is less now than when he came on as executive director in April 2002.

“I said then there was something inefficient and wrong with the NBFAA. What helped was controlling spending and payroll,” says Guilbeau, who adds the fee increase will keep the NBFAA in the black. “We can’t rest. That’s one of the reasons why we’re increasing dues. The dues increase will shore things up and help us get over our cash-flow situation. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

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