The Gazette Volume 2.22 Issue December 2025 |
|
|
| Dear GIA Members and Friends,
As we close out 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been a transformational year for the Georgia industry and for GIA.
The progress we’ve made is nothing short of remarkable. In February of 2024, GIA stood at 54 members. Today, we’ve grown to 108 members, effectively doubling our membership and demonstrating the growing value this association brings to integrators, partners, and leaders across the state. That growth is a direct result of your engagement, your trust, and your belief in what GIA represents. |
|
|
Our events this year tell the same story of momentum. Attendance at our 2025 Fall Summit nearly quadrupled compared to the 2024 event, showing just how hungry our members are for networking and education. We also launched our Q1 Expo, which exceeded expectations with over 100 attendees and strong vendor and member participation. These events have reinforced GIA’s role as a hub for meaningful industry engagement. 2025 was also a defining year for our identity. We successfully rebranded to GIA, a change that better reflects who we are today and where we’re going tomorrow. The rebrand isn’t just a new name or look, it is a statement of purpose and vision for the future of our association. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that our 2026 events are fully planned and positioned for success. With a clear roadmap, strong partnerships, and growing member involvement, we are ready to build on this year’s achievements and deliver even greater value in the year ahead. Thank you to our Board of Directors, members, sponsors, and volunteers who made 2025 such a success. Your commitment is what fuels this association, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2026! On behalf of the GIA leadership team, I wish you and your families a safe, happy, and prosperous holiday season.
Thank you for your continued support, and I’ll see you soon! Sincerely,
Brandon Shepard GIA President |
|
|
|
| As we wrap up the year, we want to wish our GIA members and training clients a joyful holiday season and Happy New Year! Thank you for the dedication, expertise, and collaboration you bring to our industry throughout the year. We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and look forward to building even more in the year ahead. Wishing you and your families a safe, peaceful, and happy holiday season!
Our offices will be closed on December 25th and January 1st. |
|
|
Please Join Us in Welcoming Behrens Watkins |
|
|
We are excited to welcome Behrens Watkins to the team as our Membership & Training Sales Executive! Behrens brings a strong background in sales, relationship building, and community outreach.
In his new role, Behrens will focus on promoting and selling training programs, recruiting new members, driving event attendance, and building strong relationships with prospective members. We’re thrilled to have him join the team and bring his high energy and “hungry-to-win” attitude with him. Please join us in giving Behrens a warm welcome—we look forward to the positive impact he will make! Mobile: 850-585-8461 Email: Behrens.Watkins@gelssa.org |
| |
|
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. |
|
|
ZKTeco USA – Your Complete, Personalized & Dependable Physical Security Solution Provider. From SMBs to global enterprises, ZKTeco USA provides integrated & scalable security solutions for any organization. We manufacture turnstiles, metal detectors, access control, intercoms, visitor management solutions and X-ray baggage scanners. Visit zktecousa.com to secure your facility today. 862 505 2101 | info@zktecousa.com | www.zktecousa.com
|
|
|
Youth Scholarship Applications Open Now! |
|
|
Scholarship to Support the Futures of the Sons and Daughters of First Responders The electronic security industry works closely with the public safety sector. We appreciate the contribution that police, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs offer to our communities. To show this appreciation, our program was developed to provide college scholarship awards to the children of first responders. High school seniors who have a commitment to excellence and are inspired by the work their First Responder parent(s) do in our communities, are invited to apply! GIA Awards a First Place Scholarship of $1,500 Annually!
Application Deadline March 20, 2026! |
|
|
| 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!! |
|
|
Looking Ahead: 3 Commitments We’re Making in the New Year |
|
|
|
As we head into 2026, GIA is focused on purposeful growth and long-term impact for our members and the industry. Our direction is guided by three clear commitments.
First, a commitment to training. We will continue to expand practical, relevant education that supports real-world member challenge that will ultimately help you build stronger teams, grow your RMR, and streamline your operations! |
|
|
Second, a commitment to our members.
GIA remains dedicated to delivering meaningful value through legislative advocacy, networking, and resources that help members grow their businesses and leadership capacity. Your involvement and feedback will continue to shape what we do and how we do it.
Third, a commitment to workforce development.
The future of our industry depends on the next generation of technicians and leaders. In the year ahead, we will prioritize initiatives that attract new talent, support career pathways, and elevate professionalism across our membership. Together, these commitments position GIA, and most importantly our members for a strong, sustainable future.
And if you’re reading this and you’re not currently a member, I want to personally say, Please Consider Joining Now Here!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to All! 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 |
|
|
Our Brand New Bundled Online Course Packages offer you the very best value for your team! Every business is different and requires different combinations of training. We have developed options for your new technicians as well as anyone joining your company that is new to our industry!
Choose from 8 options all discounted at 50%+ in savings versus buying the courses individually!
Need help navigating which packages are best for your various team members? Schedule a call here with Behrens today! |
|
|
Smart Video Products: Business Models & Features Research from Parks Associates |
|
|
"Smart video is the most widely adopted smart home category and the frontline of security, privacy, AI, and ecosystem battles. Industry players need clear, current insights into consumer demand, emerging features, competitive differentiation, and monetization pathways to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape. - Hardware is commoditizing fast, with every major brand expanding portfolios across indoor, outdoor, battery, floodlight, and ultra-budget lines, turning the market into a coverage and ecosystem game.
-
AI has become the core differentiator as video devices shift from passive recording to proactive security and intelligent event interpretation.
- Ecosystem competition and partnerships intensify, raising the stakes for consumer ownership and service revenue.
-
Subscriptions now define the business model, with major brands raising prices, expanding storage tiers, and introducing AI-enhanced service layers to grow recurring revenue."
|
|
|
Thank You to Our Premier Partners!! |
|
|
Platinum Premier Partners |
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
