The Gazette Volume 2.5 Issue August 2024 |
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| Dear GELSSA Members and Friends,
I hope you had a great summer! As we wrap up August and head into the Fall Season, I’m thrilled to share the highlights from our fantastic Q3 Membership Meeting that we held earlier this month on 8/6. We had an incredible turnout with 70 registrants for the meeting, and I’m proud to say that over 50 members joined us at Truist Park to enjoy the Atlanta Braves vs. Brewers game that evening! It was a great day and night of networking, learning, new member connections, and enjoying the game!
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Our meeting featured a highly valuable session on "Cyber Security Preparedness: It is No Longer a Matter of If but When it Will Happen to You!" led by two industry powerhouses—Dee Ann Harn with RFI, a Pavion Company, and Crystal Jacobs with Security America. Their insights into cybersecurity were eye-opening and crucial for all of us in the industry. If you missed it, I highly recommend connecting with those who attended to catch up on what was discussed. Dee Ann shared her experiences and what she learned through her company's cyber-attack. One of the biggest takeaways is to make sure you have a cyber security insurance policy. Your cyber policy will provide you with crucial resources immediately when you fall victim to a hacker. This presentation also provided a great reminder to review the measures you have in place to combat hackers and phishing scams with your IT team.
In addition, we also had the pleasure of announcing the results of our 2025 elections, our Youth Scholarship Winner, along with a check presentation to GELSSA from Security America. I’m excited to welcome three new members to our Executive Board! Their fresh perspectives and leadership will be vital as we continue to grow and innovate within GELSSA. Please read on for all of the details!
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and the game—your participation and enthusiasm are what make our association so special. I look forward to seeing even more of you at our upcoming events including our Fall Summit coming up in November!
Sincerely, Derek Dever GELSSA President |
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| Exciting Growth and Renewed Engagement at GELSSA!
2024 has been a remarkable year for GELSSA, and I’m thrilled to share the exciting growth our association is experiencing. More and more companies are returning to GELSSA, eager to take full advantage of our extensive member benefits and join our vibrant, thriving community. |
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So, what’s driving this renewed interest? It's simple! GELSSA is more than just an association—it’s a hub where industry professionals can network, learn, and stay at the forefront of our ever-evolving industry. Our members know that to remain competitive, they need to be connected, informed, and ready to adapt to new technology, challenges and opportunities.
Here’s why companies are flocking back to GELSSA:
Unmatched Networking Opportunities: Our events provide a platform for meaningful connections. Whether it’s through our quarterly meetings, special events, or informal member gatherings, members are building relationships that lead to collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Cutting-Edge Education: Staying on the leading edge of the industry is crucial, and GELSSA offers access to top-tier educational resources. From our insightful speakers like Dee Ann and Crystal mentioned above to exclusive webinars like the sales webinar presented by Gretchen Gordon in June, our members are always a step ahead in their knowledge and skills. Robust Member Benefits: GELSSA’s benefits package is designed to support your business’s growth and success. From advocacy to discounted services, we ensure our members have the tools they need to thrive.
A Strong Community: There’s a renewed sense of community within GELSSA! Our members are not just colleagues—they’re part of a supportive network that’s committed to the success of the entire industry and they work together to support one another! As we continue to grow, I encourage you to fully engage with all that GELSSA has to offer. Whether you’re attending events, participating in our meetings, or utilizing our resources, there’s never been a better time to be a part of GELSSA. Thank you for being a vital part of the GELSSA universe! We’re driving the industry forward, and I’m excited to see where this momentum takes us! Not a member yet, I look forward to welcoming you? Join now! Kind Regards, Shannon Few
Executive Director |
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GELSSA Fall Summit & Membership Meeting |
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Our plans are coming together for the GELLSA Fall Summit coming up November 1-2 in Augusta, GA!
This is going to be an awesome weekend that will kick off with Dinner on Friday, 11/1, followed by an inspiring Educational Lineup, our Q4 Membership Meeting, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday, 11/2.
Come join us for a weekend of camaraderie, learning, and networking magic in the heart of Augusta, GA! Registration for this event is now live so mark your calendar and Register Now! |
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Our newly appointed Education Committee Chaired by Scott Nelson is working hard to finalize the speakers for our game changing educational session lineup! Special thanks to the Education Committee members including Scott Nelson with PDK, Mike Richardson with Spartan Security Systems, Eric Widner with LOUD Security Systems Inc., Bobby Wilbanks KMT Systems, and Matt Turner with Atkins Systems! Stay tuned for all of the details! We promise this is an event you and your team will not want to miss! |
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GELSSA 2025 Election Results! |
We are so grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help us accelerate the positive momentum for our association and membership! We want to thank our loyal Executive Board Members including Derek Dever, Brandon Shepard, Chuck Price, Scott Hightower, Shaunte Sivas, Scott Nelson, Rudy Lee, John, Loud, Counte Cooley and share a special welcome to our new Executive Board Members including Mike Putman, Jenny Cooke, and Mike Richardson!
Here are the results of the elections for our 2025 Executive Board: |
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Research Insights from Parks Associates |
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Excerpt from Parks Associates:
Individual Smart Home Devices Surpass 20% Adoption "Parks Associates research shows that individual smart home devices surpass 20% adoption – video doorbells are at 22% and networked cameras at 20%. Bundling products will continue to play a crucial role in driving the adoption of smart home technologies, as consumers find value in the convenience and cost savings that these packages offer, making it easier for them to upgrade their homes with a suite of interconnected devices." |
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GELSSA Youth Scholarship Program |
Our relationships with the public safety sector are critically important and as such we appreciate the contribution that police, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs offer to our communities. This is why the Youth Scholarship Program was developed and GELSSA is proud to award an annual scholarship to a deserving, high school graduating senior that is the child of a first responder. We also partner with ESA on the national scholarship program. Since its launch in 1996, ESA’s Youth Scholarship Program has contributed more than $941,500 to deserving students throughout the nation. This year, we are ecstatic to announce Reece Kromer as the 2024 GELSSA Youth Scholarship Award Recipient! Reece is picture below along with her dad, Ken who is with the Cobb County Police Department. |
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GELSSA Members Receive Discounts on ESA Training |
All GELSSA members receive ESA Member Pricing on ESA's National Training School course purchases! This represents significant savings on training up to 30%!
To receive the GELSSA member discount code please reach out to Shannon.Few@gelssa.org. This is one more easy way to recoup your GELSSA dues very quickly! |
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Following GELSSA on social media is the best way to stay updated with the latest industry news, event announcements, and member highlights. Our social media platforms provide a space for real-time interaction, valuable insights, and networking opportunities with fellow professionals in the electronic life safety and systems industry. Don’t miss out on exclusive content, expert tips, and the chance to engage with the vibrant GELSSA community. Join us today and be part of the conversation driving our industry forward! |
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