The Gazette Volume 2.15 Issue June 2025 |
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Brandon Shepard GELSSA President |
| Dear GELSSA Members and Friends,
If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time in this industry, it’s that the people who show up shape what comes next. And on August 6th, I’m asking our members to show up and take part in one of the most important decisions in our association’s history. At our Q3 Membership Meeting & Braves Game, we’ll be voting on an exciting change: rebranding the Georgia Electronic Life Safety & Systems Association (GELSSA) to the Georgia Integrators Association (GIA). |
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We’ve already shared why this is so important—because it’s time our name reflects the full scope of who we are and what we do. We’re not just alarms and life safety systems anymore. We’re integrators. We’re business owners. We’re professionals building smarter, safer, more connected communities across Georgia. But now, it’s time to make it happen and that starts with you!
This Is More Than a Name Change
This vote is about the future. It’s about relevance. It’s about telling the world—and our industry—that Georgia’s integration professionals are unified, forward-looking, and proud of who we are.
I'm confident this rebrand will unlock new opportunities for growth, partnerships, and industry leadership. But it only works if our members take an active role.
Let’s Make It a Night to Remember
This meeting won’t be all business. After we handle the important work, we’ll enjoy an evening at the Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers game—networking, celebrating, and enjoying time with the best in the business. So don’t sit this one out. Register for the meeting and to attend the Braves Game on August 6th.
Make Your Voice Count We want every member company to participate and we want to hear your ideas to further fuel the incredible growth we have experienced over the last year! Let’s continue to make our association stronger and even more valuable year over year. Let’s build GIA!
Sincerely, Brandon Shepard GELSSA President |
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Introduction to AI & How it Applies to Your Business
Webinar Recording Now Available in the Member Resource Center When You Login to www.GELSSA.org |
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Earlier this month we held an AI webinar presented by Peter Giacalone and sponsored by Johnson Controls that covered conversational AI, how it is transforming monitoring centers as well as the convergence of video analytics and AI, and presence detection for enhanced premise protection and false alarm reduction. If you missed it, please watch the recording below! Graciously sponsored by: |
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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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GELSSA Fall Summit & Q4 Membership Meeting!! |
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The GELSSA Fall Summit & Q4 Membership Meeting is coming up in November! Check out our Fall Summit Preview video to learn why you and your team need to attend! |
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Looking for Quality Technicians? We Can Help!! |
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| Low Voltage and Security Training Class Graduates Available Now!
Recent graduates around the Atlanta Metro area are available after completing a 6-week training class focused on: - Low Voltage Installation knowledge and skills
- Cabling, testing and terminations
- Security training and certification covering:
- All forms of electronic security: intrusion detection, fire detection, video surveillance, and access control.
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Knowledge of how to performing installation in both Commercial and Residential
- Installation and Service best practices:
- Customer service, conflict management and communication
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OSHA 10 and NFPA 70E standard for electrical safety in the workplace certification
- Learn the correct use of standard hand tools and testing tools
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Employment: TEKsystems is looking for customers who are willing to hire Level 1 technicians for short term or long-term assignments. Technician costs range from $42 to $45/hr.
These are TEKsystems employees, the member company has no employment or benefit costs to cover, and there is no commitment on length of assignment, member company pays only for the hours the technician works.
After 6 months on assignment with TEKsystems the resource can be hired permanently at no additional cost. Please contact Mark to learn more:
Mark Erskine | Sales Director, Physical Security Services
D 972.543.2224 | M 214.505.3667 | maerskin@TEKsystems.com
2400 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 220, Plano, TX 75093 |
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The Smarter Way to Train Your Team! |
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We’re halfway through the year, and one thing is crystal clear—training is no longer optional in our industry. It’s essential. And the buzz around our GELSSA's online training program proves that the GELSSA community is ready to level up.
GELSSA now offers 20 online courses ranging from Security and Fire 101 Courses to Sales and Project Management along with assessment tests to help you gauge knowledge of potential and/or new hires!
Our new training platform is already helping techs build the foundation they need to succeed—and the feedback has been phenomenal. Just take it from one of our early participants: |
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“I am currently taking the 8-hour Fundamentals for Electronic Systems Technicians (FEST) course and I have been very impressed with the quality of the course so far. The material has been very detailed, and has been thoroughly explained in ways that I feel are understandable and useful for retention. I have also enjoyed the visual aids and that there are comprehensive quizzes that help you gauge your own learning pace throughout the class itself. I am excited to take more courses in GELSSA's Alarm Academy as they become available!”
~ Cassidy Bass That’s the kind of impact we’re aiming for—training that’s practical, professional, and empowering.
Whether you have brand new hires or seasoned techs who could benefit from a skills refresh, Alarm Academy courses are designed to work with your schedule and your goals. They’re available 24/7, built by real industry pros, and focused on the core knowledge every technician needs to deliver top-tier service in the field. Now’s the Time to Act
If your company hasn’t taken advantage of our training platform yet, what are you waiting for? Investing in your team’s growth is one of the smartest moves you can make. And when they take training online through GELSSA, you’re not just building better technicians—you’re building a stronger business. Get your team enrolled today at www.gelssa.org!
GELSSA is here to help you raise the bar for your business and for your team!
Shannon Few
GELSSA Executive Director
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| New Cellular Jamming Detector from DMP
Latest innovation combats the growing threat of cell jammers Springfield, MO – Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is pleased to introduce a revolutionary device that detects when cellular frequencies are being jammed. JamAlert™ instantly notifies
the control panel when cellular communication is being compromised, empowering security professionals to stay ahead of the threat. |
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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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Congratulations to John Loud!!! |
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Congratulations to our very own John Loud on receiving the Morris F. Weinstock Award - the highest honor bestowed by ESA, last week at ESX!!!!
John, your dedication to our industry is inspiring both here in Georgia and at the national level through all of the work you have done with ESA!!! Thank you for all you do serving on the Board of Directors and as the Legislative Committee Chair for the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association!!!
We are so grateful for the decades of your servant leadership and look forward to continuing to work with you for years to come!! |
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Research Insights from Zonda: New Home Sales: The Muted Spring Continues |
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From Zonda:
"Consumers in many housing markets across the country have reached their limit, both financially and mentally. Financially, stubbornly high mortgage rates have contributed to housing affordability holding at the worst level in 30 years. Mentally, people are still trying to make sense of the impact of tariffs and are nervous about job security. As a result, the housing market isn’t going anywhere fast.
We see this in the latest Zonda data. New home sales were flat month-over-month and were down 6.9% compared to last year. The Zonda Market Ranking, which looks at new home sales adjusted for supply and seasonality, came in as average yet again in April. Importantly, quick move-in (QMI) inventory isn’t hitting the alarming levels we saw in 2022, at least not nationally. Across the country, there was an average of 2.3 QMIs per community in April, up 22% from the 1.9 this time last year but down 9.0% from the 2022 peak of 2.5.
“New home sales have been choppy to start the year but remain above 2019 levels,” said Ali Wolf, chief economist for Zonda and NewHomeSource. “Today’s sale volume levels are fueled by the fact that builders are motivated sellers, though. Builders continue to offer incentives to drive sales, but we’re seeing price cuts play a larger role in some areas."
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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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