The Gazette Volume 2.14 Issue May 2025 |
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Brandon Shepard GELSSA President |
| Dear GELSSA Members and Friends,
Momentum, Growth, and a Vision for the Future
As we head into the summer months, I can’t help but reflect on just how far we’ve come—and how much momentum we’re carrying into the future. Over the past year, our association has nearly doubled in membership, and that didn't just happen. It’s a direct result of the hard work, energy, and commitment of our members and Board of Directors. We are really building something special—and we haven't even scratched the surface of our full potential yet!
This year has already been packed with milestone moments. Our Q1 Expo was a tremendous success, offering valuable education, hands-on product demos, and meaningful networking that left members energized and equipped with new knowledge. |
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We followed that up with our annual GELSSA Golf Tournament, which brought members and partners together for a fantastic day of golf, raffle prizes and a little lightning! Then last week, we have reached the 100 Member mark!! Most recently, our Q2 Virtual Membership Meeting drew participation from across the state and beyond. It’s clear that no matter the format, our members are showing up, engaging, and contributing to something bigger than any one company. Looking Ahead
As exciting as all of this is, what’s coming next may be the most significant step. After careful thought and conversations with members and industry leaders, we are preparing to bring forward a vote to rebrand our association as the Georgia Integrators Association (GIA). Why the Change?
Well, quite frankly we have been talking about it for years and because our industry is evolving—and now, so are we. The term “integrator” better reflects who we are today and where we’re headed. It speaks to the full spectrum of services our members provide: security, fire, AV, networking, automation, and beyond. Rebranding to GIA is about positioning ourselves for the future while continuing to protect the legacy we’ve built as GELSSA.
This isn’t just a name change. It’s a bold move that honors our growth, invites broader engagement, and clearly defines our place in the industry. I couldn’t be more excited about what this means for all of us—and I hope you are too. Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
The energy in our association right now is undeniable. Membership is up. Engagement is high. And our commitment to advocacy, education, and connection is stronger than ever. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just recently joined, know that you are part a meaningful association that is dedicated to supporting you, your team, and your business. Thank you for engaging and thank you in advance for turning out to vote in August! Sincerely, Brandon Shepard GELSSA President |
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| Will we see you at ESX June 16-19 in Cobb County, GA? Let us know if you plan to attend! We would love to meet up! Send an email to Shannon.Few@gelssa.org and let us know your plans! |
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⚾ Register Now for the Q3 GELSSA
Membership Meeting + Braves Game! ⚾ |
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You won’t want to miss our Q3 GELSSA Membership Meeting on Wednesday, August 6th from 3:00–5:00 PM at the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce—this is a pivotal meeting where members will vote on the rebranding of our great association.
Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape GELSSA’s future!
After the meeting, join us for a fun night out as the Atlanta Braves take on the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:15 PM! It’s the perfect mix of business and baseball.
Space is limited—register now to secure your spot for the meeting and your game ticket! |
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Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)
New Fee Schedule - effective June 1, 2025 |
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| The Georgia State CILB has released the new fee schedule that will take effect on June 1st. Please view the document for details. |
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All Eyes on Q3:
Join Us at the Braves Game to Vote For Our Next Era! |
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We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep saying it—momentum is on our side, and it’s only getting stronger. GELSSA is experiencing a time of incredible growth and transformation. Last week we surpassed 100 active members, nearly doubling our membership in just one year.
That’s not just a statistic—it’s a statement. It says loud and clear that Georgia’s security, fire, and low voltage professionals are hungry for connection, advocacy, and a forward-thinking organization built around them. |
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And now, it’s time to take the next bold step! GELSSA to GIA is a Vote for the Future!
At our Q3 Membership Event at the Braves Game, we’ll be asking all members in attendance to vote on the Georgia Integrators Association rebranding efforts that Brandon outlined above. GIA is more inclusive, current, and representative of the full spectrum of professionals we serve. This isn’t change for the sake of change. It’s a strategic move to catapult us into faster momentum, attract even more industry players, and better advocate for our evolving community!
Why Your Vote Matters
We want every member to have a voice in this pivotal decision. And what better place to do it than at one of the most anticipated events of the year—our Q3 Membership Event at the Atlanta Braves Game! It’s going to be a great night of baseball, networking, and celebration—but most importantly, it’s your chance to shape the future of our association. Be Part of History
This vote is about more than a name—it’s about setting a bold direction for the future. If you've ever wanted to be part of something bigger, this is your moment.
So, register now to secure your tickets, bring your team, and show up ready to vote, cheer, and celebrate all we’ve accomplished—and all that’s ahead!
Let’s make history together. See you at the Q3 Membership Meeting & Braves Game!!
Shannon Few
GELSSA Executive Director |
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GELSSA'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 |
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| 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!
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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! |
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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!
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| Networking 101
This 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. |
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Project Management for Residential Installations This 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. |
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2025 GELSSA Golf Tournament Highlights |
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What a day we had earlier this month at Fairways of Canton! We had nearly 50 industry professionals come together on the course. There was so much camaraderie, meaningful networking and many laughs had on the greens!
As the final scores were tallied and the winning foursome was announced, the sound that followed could only be compared to the storm that rolled in—cheers erupted like thunder, while a few boisterous boos crackled like the lightning across the course. And at the center of it all? None other than Scott Nelson’s team, claiming the top spot with just the right mix of skill, strategy, and (some say) suspiciously good luck. It was a finish worthy of the leaderboard—and the loudest reactions of the day!
Special thanks to our Golf Tournament Sponsors including ADI | Snap One, Advantage Electronics Wire & Cable, & NMC!
We are also super grateful to Systems Distributors Inc. & ADI | Snap One for their awesome raffle prize donations and of course our hole sponsors: Advantage Electronics Wire & Cable, DMP, IDIS Americas, Pro Sales Agents, Resideo, SDi, Systems Distributors Inc., The Connection Xchange, & Turing Video! |
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Research Insights from Zonda: Spring Gains Absent as New Home Metrics Stall |
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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."
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Thank You to Our Premier Partners!! |
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Platinum Premier Partners |
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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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