logo
 

The Gazette

Volume 2.19 Issue October 2025

 
I'm an image

President's Message

 

Dear GIA Members and Friends,

Fall has arrived and there is a chill in the morning air. Fall also ushers in one of our most exciting events of the year, our GIA Fall Summit coming up November 5-6 at Topgolf Midtown Atlanta! I highly recommend that you plan to attend and to bring your team this year! We have worked hard to put together an awesome lineup of education and events that will deliver fantastic value to you and your team!

Get Ready for the Fall Summit – November 5–6 at Topgolf Atlanta

 

This is the event in Q4 that you don’t want to miss! Our Fall Summit is designed to deliver real, actionable value not just presentations for the sake of filling speaking slots. We’ve assembled an incredible lineup of sessions focused on helping you build your business, run it more efficiently, and stay ahead of the curve in a fast-changing marketplace.

 

You’ll hear from leaders who have scaled successful integration firms, experts who will share practical strategies on operations, technology, and peers who are tackling the same challenges you face every day. We have included more information on the speakers and sessions below!

 

And yes, we’ll have plenty of networking and fun! The team at Topgolf Atlanta will help us create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere where business conversations happen naturally, and maybe over a few friendly swings!

 

Grab your team, or invite an industry friend, and make sure you’re there November 5–6. Registration is complimentary for GIA Regular Members (security, fire and low voltage integrators) until 11/1 so please be sure to register at the link below today! This GIA Fall Summit is about more than professional development, it’s about investing in your future success and strengthening the fabric of our industry right here in the heart of Georgia.

 

As we approach the end of the year, I encourage each of you to stay engaged by attending the Fall Summit & Q4 Membership Meeting, sharing your wins, and helping us continue to grow this incredible association. Our success depends on your involvement, your ideas, and your commitment to excellence.

 

Thank you for being part of GIA. I can’t wait to see you in Atlanta next month!

 

Sincerely,

 

Brandon Shepard

GIA President

Play 
 
Register for the Fall Summit & Q4 Meeting Here!!!!
 

Georgia License Holder Stats

 

Our License Milestone (as of 10/14/25):

  • Alarm: 914
  • General: 443
  • Telecomm: 427
  • Unrestricted: 1,821

 

Our community continues to grow and thrive! With a combined total of 3,605 licensed professionals, these numbers reflect the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our members.

 
 

We Have a New Website!!!

 

As part of our rebranding to GIA, our new domain is:

www.GeorgiaIntegratorsAssociation.org is live!

 

Please update your favorites to ensure you will always be able to get to the right place when you are looking for our website to login, take online training, seek out upcoming event information, news and GIA resources!!

 

Upcoming Events!

 

 

Register Now for the Fall Summit &

Q4 Membership Meeting!

Play 
Register Now!
 

 

In 2022, Johnson Controls introduced the IQ Pro, the first hybrid intrusion panel made for the commercial security space. Chose from hardwired or wireless connectivity, equipped with PowerG, built in communicators and running on Alarm.com for Business. 

 

You're going to have to watch to find out!

 
Play 
 

Spotlight on Education:

Elevate Your Expertise at Our Fall Summit!

 

Education is at the heart of everything we do at GIA, and this year’s Fall Summit is packed with sessions designed to equip integrators, business owners, and team leaders with the knowledge and tools to take your company to the next level.

 

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your technical skills, explore cutting-edge technology, or gain deeper business insights, this lineup detailed below was built with you in mind.

I’m thrilled to kick off our educational programming alongside Mike Richardson with Spartan Security Systems and Devin Williams with BTV Systems, as we dive into the practical side of artificial intelligence (AI). We’ll explore how custom GPTs and automation tools can help your team streamline operations, improve communication, and work smarter, not harder. You’ll leave this session with real, actionable steps for integrating AI into your daily business.

 

Financial Reporting for Maximum Results in an RMR World

 
 

Measuring success in an RMR pricing model requires focus on the right metrics.  EBITDA does not quantify “value creation.”

 

This session will help you understand not just what the metrics are and how to calculate them but will also provide you with a simple understanding of “why” the business needs to be measured differently than simply looking at EBITDA.

 

Fiber First Steps, Lighting the Way in Modern Networking:

Hands-On Introduction

 

Get hands-on with the fundamentals of fiber optics in this fast-paced session. We will cover the essential concepts of fiber optic cabling, including types of fiber, connectors, termination techniques, and proper handling practices.

Participants will get real-world experience using basic tools to strip, cleave, and connect fiber, while learning how to test for continuity and signal loss. Whether you're looking to build foundational knowledge or gain confidence in the field, this session offers a practical and accessible starting point for working with fiber optics.

 

Unlock the Right Solutions

 

Before any access control system can function properly, the right locking hardware must be in place. This 101-level course introduces technicians and sales professionals to the basics of door hardware used in electronic access control.


Participants will learn how to recognize different door types, understand how locks work with access control systems, and determine which type of hardware—such as a maglock, electric strike, or electrified lever—is best suited for a given opening.

 

The session will focus on practical, real-world examples that make it easy to connect theory with field experience.

 

Learn. Connect. Grow.

 

Every session at this year’s Fall Summit is built to deliver real takeaways you can put into action immediately. It’s all part of GIA’s commitment to empowering our members with the knowledge and resources to grow stronger businesses — together.

We can’t wait to see you there!


Shannon Few

GIA Executive Director

 

GIA's All-New Online Training Has Launched More New Courses!!

 

The Freshest Industry Content, Affordable Courses, and

Career-Boosting Education for Security & Life Safety Professionals

 
Check Out the Course Catalog & Sign Up for Online Training Today!
 

Legislative Advocacy

 
 

National associations including ESA, TMA & SIA are working together to oppose a proposal from NextNav in front of the FCC that would take over nearly 60% of the Lower 900 MHz band, the spectrum that powers alarm, fire, and life safety communications nationwide.

 

 

 

To learn more about the potential impact click here. We encourage you to contact your representatives here.

 

Research Insights from Parks Associates:

 

Agentic AI and Video Analytics are a Game Changer

Video monitoring centers, traditional security monitoring stations, and systems integrators are each evolving to leverage and implement AI, video analytics, and managed services, driving greater efficiency, scalability, and long-term value in the security ecosystem.

Learn More Here!
 

Thank You to Our Premier Partners!!

 

Platinum Premier Partners

 

Gold Premier Partners

 
 
 
 
 
 

Silver Premier Partners

 
 
 
 

Let's Get Social!!!

 

Following GIA 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 GIA community. Join us today and be part of the conversation driving our industry forward!

FacebookTwitter Web SiteE-MailLinkedIn
 


Click here to unsubscribe.
View this email as a web page
Message sent by Georgia Integrators Association, kassandra.cunningham@gelssa.org
Georgia Integrators Association | 1361 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. | Suite F Box 3 | Greer, SC 29650