The Communicator Volume 2.15 Issue May 2025 |
|
|
| Dear Members and Friends of CASIA,
As we move into the heart of spring, I’m reminded of what makes CASIA such a powerful and unique organization—our sense of community. While many of us may operate in the same markets and even compete at times, we always come together under the CASIA banner to support one another and lift the industry as a whole. We start our days as business owners, technicians, and professionals—but we end our days as one big family. And there’s no better time to come together than now. We’ve got a full calendar of events that highlight everything CASIA stands for: networking, learning, camaraderie, and a little bit of fun.
First up, our famous Lobster Bake is right around the corner. |
|
|
This annual favorite brings together members, colleagues, and friends for a night of great food and even better company. If you’ve been before, you know it’s a can’t-miss tradition—and if you haven’t, let this be the year you join in.
Next, we’re looking forward to NEACC. It’s an outstanding opportunity to connect with industry leaders from across the region and bring new insights and ideas back to your business.
And of course, we can’t forget the 35th Annual CASIA Golf Classic coming up in July. Whether you're an avid golfer or just there for the networking and good times, this is always a highlight of the year. It’s a great way to unwind, make new connections, and support the association that supports you. I also want to take a moment to emphasize something I truly believe: there is plenty of business for everyone. Our industry continues to grow and evolve, and with that growth comes new opportunities for all of us. CASIA is here to help you stay connected, informed, and competitive—together.
Let’s keep showing the strength of our association, not just in numbers, but in spirit and momentum. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to grow CASIA as a family, united in purpose and success! Sincerely, Jim Carey
CASIA President |
|
|
CASIA's All-New Online Training powered by Alarm Academy has Launched More New Courses!! The Freshest Industry Content, Affordable Courses, and
Career-Boosting Education for Security & Life Safety Professionals |
|
|
CASIA Member Pricing: $99 Non-Member Pricing: $125 |
| Security 101 Dive into the essentials of security systems in this comprehensive 4 Hour Course!
Explore wiring fundamentals, sensors, contacts, components, fire and safety detection devices, control options, and user interfaces.
Gain the technical know-how needed to design, install, and maintain modern security systems that safeguard people and property. Perfect for those looking to enhance their expertise in the growing field of security solutions!
|
|
|
CASIA Member Pricing: $250 Non-Member Pricing: $500 |
| Security Sales Pro powered by Braveheart Sales Performance
This Sales Training Bundle includes 10 courses with companion worksheets and resources for New Salespeople, Technicians moving into sales, Individuals wanting selling refreshers, and Managers looking for materials to supplement onboarding and coaching!!
Core Components include online learning through 10 separate courses customized for the security industry along with worksheets and downloads to enable implementation and habit formation! You will also receive weekly sales tips via text to keep you motivated!
In addition, Sales Leaders will receive resources with the purchase of the course to help you work with your sales team, speak the same language and understand what your team is learning and how it can be implemented across your organization! |
|
|
CASIA Member Pricing: $49 Non-Member Pricing: $69 |
|
Fire 101 If you are a new fire alarm technician or new to the industry this course is for you!
This 2 Hour Course is designed as an introduction to fire alarm systems from installation to monitoring. The purpose of this course it to provide basic knowledge of fire alarm components, how they work/function, and are regulated so new technicians can enter the field with an understanding of the system they are helping to install. You will also learn about post installation maintenance, logbook regulations, monitoring stations, and more that will provide you with a solid foundation to build upon as you learn and grow in your career!
|
|
|
CASIA Member Pricing: $49
Non-Member Pricing: $69 |
| Networking 101 This 90 Minute Course offers a beginner-friendly overview of networking, designed for anyone seeking a foundational understanding.
Explore how networks shape our everyday lives, with easy-to-follow explanations of the Internet, IoT, and networking basics, from addresses to connectivity.
By the end of the course you'll be able to explain common networking terms, identify key devices, and understand essential concepts, empowering you with practical knowledge for today's connect world.
|
|
|
CASIA Member Pricing: $249
Non-Member Pricing: $275 |
| Project Management for Residential Installations
This comprehensive 6 Hour Course equips low-voltage installation companies with the tools to establish a successful project management system.
Learn practical strategies, effective procedures, and essential documentation techniques to improve organization, streamline workflows, and enhance communication.
Designed to boost efficiency and project outcomes, this training is a must for teams seeking operational excellence. |
|
|
Your Association in Action! |
|
|
|
At CASIA, we know our strength lies not just in our numbers—but in our purpose. Every day, we work to represent, support, and empower you—our members—through advocacy, education, and connection. I want to take a moment to highlight two key areas where CASIA is actively working on your behalf: legislative action and workforce development. Legislative Advocacy: We Are Mobilizing for SB 1465
Right now, we are fully engaged in advocating for Senate Bill 1465, which addresses the apprenticeship hiring ratio. Please see below for more information and a link to make reaching your legislators simple! |
|
|
This legislation impacts how you operate as professionals. We are asking you to take action and directly reach out to your House Representatives and ask them to vote yes on SB 1465. CASIA Training On the workforce development front, we are proud to offer a major expansion of CASIA’s training program, powered by Alarm Academy. This platform gives you and your teams access to professional, industry-focused online education—designed for both new hires and experienced technicians.
From Fundamentals for Electronic Systems Technicians (ESTs) to Fire 101, Home Theater Technologies Explained, Assessment Tests, and more, these courses are affordable, accessible, and aligned with the needs of today’s integrators. Whether you're trying to get a new technician field-ready or support continuing education for your staff, this program is built to deliver quality education for your team.
This is just the beginning. We’re continuing to develop more courses, offer certificate tracking, and provide flexible learning tools to help you grow your team and your business. Stronger Skills. Smarter Teams. Better Business.
CASIA isn’t just an association—it’s a hub for progress and we are here to support your business and your team. Whether we’re fighting for your interests at the Capitol or helping your employees sharpen their skills, we’re here to serve you. Your membership is an investment not just in your company, but in the future of our industry. Thank you for staying engaged and embracing all of the valuable member benefits we now offer!
Not a CASIA member yet?
Join Here and Take Advantage of Member Pricing on Training, Events and More! I look forward to seeing you at the Lobster Bake in a few weeks! Shannon Few CASIA Executive Director |
|
|
Only 1 More 2025 CEU Class Open! |
|
|
| The May 30th Virtual Course is the only one with a few openings remaining! Please click on the button below to register today! This course has limited seats, and they are on a first come basis so please register right away to secure your spot! The classes have sold out very quickly this year so please do not wait to register for your last chance! 2025 CONTINUING EDUCATION CASIA School Code # 1290
4 Hours mandated for LOW VOLTAGE Electrical License Renewal. |
|
|
CASIA’s customized course makes CASIA CEU training unique from other providers!!
This year's course includes new education on how to leverage AI in your business! |
|
|
ISC East Call for Presentations |
|
|
|
SIA Education@ISC is currently seeking proposals from subject matter experts for education sessions at both ISC East 2025 and ISC West 2026. Education is an essential part of ISC Security Events and our SIA Education@ISC program aims to deliver exceptional content and invaluable business perspectives, focusing on the most up-to-date technologies, solutions, and operational strategies within the ever-evolving security markets.
If you or someone you know are interested in presenting best practices, lessons learned, case studies, or other ideas that would benefit security or public safety industry professionals, we would love to review your proposal! |
|
|
Vendor Spotlight - ScanSource |
|
|
We assist you with technology solutions, all in one place
For more than 30 years, ScanSource, Inc., a hybrid distributor, stays on top of emerging technologies so we can help our partners discover new opportunities in ever-changing markets. Not only does ScanSource sell through multiple, specialized routes to market, but we also provide support in technical service, financial services, marketing, and certification or training. Use our established relationships to customize solutions for your business. The Markets we are currently serving are POS, Barcode, Networking, Communications, Physical Security, Payments, Connectivity, IoT and Wireless, Cloud Compute, Managed Solutions as well as several specialized services to keep you and your team to run more efficiently and profitable. Please reach out for a more in-depth conversation around the full scope of what ScanSource has to offer and we look forward to hearing from you.
Michael S Wheeler
New England Regional Account Manager | ScanSource
(781)619-4049 www.scansource.com |
|
|
Legislative Advocacy
CASIA's Government Relations Update |
|
|
By Andy Markowski, Esq. Statehouse Partners, LLC
CASIA Lobbyist
Over the past few weeks, a considerable number of bills have been referred to either the Appropriations Committee, the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, or the Judiciary Committee. These are the only committees that under the legislature's Joint Rules, are required to have bills referred to them based upon a fiscal or judicial (penalty) impact. Practically speaking, this means that the volume of bills is further reduced if the committees take no action, or that bills are being made ready to move forward in the legislative process if they are approved at this critical stage.
Last week, both the House and Senate met in session for 3 days, and the pace of work in Hartford has started to pick up significantly. This week, both the House and Senate are scheduled to be in session Monday through Thursday, before adjourning for a long Memorial Day weekend.
Technology-related legislation is becoming more of a focus for both state and federal lawmakers, and it has the potential to impact nearly every business, industry, consumer and resident. Last week both the House and Senate debated and passed several bills in this regard, including legislation addressing or regulating artificial intelligence (SB-2); data privacy (SB-1356); online fee disclosures, subscription and continuous services agreements, and connected devices disclosures (SB-3); and social media algorithms (HB-6857).
Notably for CASIA, SB-3, an omnibus consumer protection bill, also contained the "right to repair" provisions for electronic and other devices. However, the bill maintained language sought by CASIA exempting alarm systems from the bill's scope.
Also last week, the Senate passed a significant change to help bolster workforce development in the trades by addressing the apprenticeship hiring ratio. SB-1465 establishes standards and a formal structure for contractors to seek "ratio relief" and makes the process overseen by the Department of Consumer Protection rather than the Department of Labor. The relief granted varies depending on the size of the contractor and the number of apprentices sought, with a more expedited and automatic approval for a 1:1 hiring ratio for up to 8 apprentices, and a role for the licensing boards to review requests for those contractors seeking more than 8 apprentices. This bill passed the Senate 35-0 and is now awaiting further action by the House.
Yesterday, the House and Senate started the week by passing a deficiency appropriations bill to fund medicaid for the remainder of the fiscal year. This now paves the way for serious state budget negotiations to commence. Also passed yesterday as a separate part of the deficiency appropriations bill was a major workers' compensation insurance policy change that will prevent major cost increases on the business community as a result of a recent state supreme court case. Finally, housing & zoning policy is also expected to take center stage later this week, with an omnibus bill HB-5002.
|
|
|
Research Roundup! Zonda: Spring Gains Absent as New Home Metrics Stall |
|
|
From Zonda:
"As market analysts, we monitor both concrete and objective 'hard data' and more nuanced 'soft data' that reflects feelings and perceptions. March marked a turning point for the soft data as economic uncertainty began to weigh on consumers, businesses, and investors. This downshift in sentiment was also evident in Zonda’s builder survey, which focuses on the new home market. In March 2024, 5% of homebuilders told Zonda that 'demand is slower and causing concern.' Those responses jumped to nearly 40% this year. This matched with our actual data on the new home market, which showed sales remained relatively flat month-over-month and are down year-over-year.
'The March housing market trends almost seem irrelevant given the current climate,' said Ali Wolf, chief economist for Zonda and NewHomeSource. 'The on-again-off-again tariffs, wild gyrations in the stock market, and volatility in mortgage rates are adding an extra layer of uncertainty for today’s homebuyers. We are tracking to see if consumers can brush it off or decide to move to the sidelines for now.' New home sales ticked down again, lowest since 2023
Zonda’s new home sales metric counts the number of new home contract sales each month and accounts for both cancellations and seasonality. This metric shows there were 650,355 new homes sold in March on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. This was a decline of 3.2% from last month and a drop of 11.5% from a year ago. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, 61,350 homes were sold, 11.7% lower than last year and 4.4% above the same month in 2019."
|
Have You Logged into the New CASIA Website Yet? |
Our new website went live earlier this year and we would love to stay connected with you! If you didn't receive our welcome email inviting you to login to the new site, please reach out to Shannon Few at shannon.few@casiact.org to ensure we have all of your current contact information so we can keep you informed! When you login and update your profile information, it will make your online experience with us super easy moving forward when you need to register for our events, training, and take advantage of member benefits! |
Special Thanks to Our Premier Partners!! |
|
|
|
