The Gazette Volume 2.24 Issue February 2026 |
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| Dear GIA Members and Friends,
As we head into an exciting spring season, I want to personally encourage every GIA member to make plans now to attend our upcoming Q1 Membership Meeting & Expo, taking place in just three weeks. This is shaping up to be one of our strongest events yet, and it’s one you shouldn't miss! Once again, we are proud to announce that the expanded expo floor is completely Sold Out! Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with an outstanding lineup of industry-leading manufacturers, distributors, and service providers who continue to support our association and help drive new technology, products, and solutions for us to offer! |
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In addition to the expo, we have an exceptional educational session planned titled, “What Do End Users Really Need — and Where Do Technology Solutions Fall Short?” This timely and thought-provoking panel will feature real end users representing a municipality, a financial institution, and the manufacturing sector. Their candid perspectives will provide valuable insight into how we can better serve customers and strengthen our solutions in these rapidly evolving verticals.
Of course, we have also built in time to connect and share best practices with one another. The day will include lunch and conclude with one of our favorite traditions, a shotgun shooting competition that always brings plenty of fun, friendly competition, and great networking!
I also want to remind members that the deadline for our Youth Scholarship Program is quickly approaching on March 20. This initiative is a meaningful way for us to give back while strengthening relationships with our AHJ partners in both law enforcement and fire services. I encourage you to reach out to your AHJ contacts and make sure they are aware of this fantastic opportunity for their children. We have tremendous momentum within GIA, and I have no doubt that we will deliver a valuable experience at the Q1 Expo. Please register today, and I look forward to seeing you soon! Sincerely, Brandon Shepard
GIA President |
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Q1 Membership Meeting & Expo Details!! |
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Please join us for our Q1 Membership Meeting and Expo on March 18th back at the Governors Gun Club in Kennesaw!! This event is headed to the next level for 2026 after the tremendous success of our 2025 event! This is a Must Attend Event! Registration is $25 for GIA Members and only $50 for Non-Members!
What you can expect: - Fantastic Education as outlined above
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Expo Packed with the Leading Manufacturers, Distributors and Service Providers
- Impactful Sponsor Presentations that deliver education and not sales pitches
- Delicious Lunch & Q1 Membership Meeting
- Shotgun Shooting Competition
If you were not able to make it in 2025 check out our Photo Gallery below to give you a preview of what we have in store for 2026! Please register today to secure your spot! |
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Please Note: ALL Manufacturers, Distributors, and/or Service Providers Must Be an Exhibitor or Sponsor of the Event to attend. If you would like information on sponsoring please contact Caroline Murphy at Caroline.Murphy@gelssa.org today! |
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Johnson Controls' commercial security brands deliver cutting-edge solutions: Illustra cameras feature advanced AI on the Edge technology, including the latest Pro Gen4 and Edge AI LPR models for real-time object detection, classification, and frictionless access with enhanced cybersecurity. Kantech access control leverages reliable ioProx readers with Kantech Extended Secure Format (XSF) for billions of unique codes, supporting end-to-end encryption and multi-technology compatibility.
Exacq provides powerful, open-architecture video management, seamlessly integrating with these systems. Complementing them, Hattrix cloud-based offerings enable remote management of access control via EntraPass, delivering scalable, real-time protection for businesses worldwide.
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Get Involved! Open Volunteer Positions |
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Are you interested in getting involved in the Georgia Integrators Association? Now is your chance! We have two open District Director positions! District 1, which is our Northwest Region, and District 4, which is our Southwest Region are currently open.
If you are a Regular Member in good standing in one of those areas, and interested in getting involved to help shape the future of GIA, we want to hear from you!
Please email Shannon.Few@gelssa.org for more details. |
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Meet PowerG +
The Next Generation of Wireless Security
PowerG + delivers the long‑range performance and strong encryption dealers trust, now upgraded with new features that make installs faster, smarter, and more secure. Key Benefits: - OTA Updates: Keep devices current without truck rolls.
- Battery Reporting: Real‑time battery visibility for every device.
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Modern Design: Sleek look; D/W Contacts available in multiple colors.
- Two‑Factor Authentication: Secure, PIN‑based enrollment.
- Dealer Lockdown: Protect accounts and prevent device takeover.
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Faster Installs: QR codes, pull tabs, and optimized magnet sizing.
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Available PowerG + Devices:
Indoor PIR Camera • Door/Window Contact w/ Aux Input • Vanishing D/W Contact
Water Tile w/ Freeze Detection • Wireless Repeater • PowerG+ Host… and more
Compatibility:
Full PowerG + features on IQ4 Family and IQ5 Family; legacy mode supported on IQ Pro, PowerSeries Neo, and PowerSeries Pro. |
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Youth Scholarship Applications Open Now! |
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Scholarships 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/industry 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!!
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 |
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Protecting What You've Built: Why the Right Insurance Partner Matters |
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As business owners and leaders, we spend enormous amounts of time focused on growth, winning customers, developing our teams, and investing in new technology; However, one of the most important responsibilities we have is protecting everything we’ve worked so hard to build.
Proper insurance coverage is not simply a checkbox or a compliance requirement. It is a critical component of a strong risk management strategy.
The right protection ensures that when unexpected challenges arise, whether it’s a vehicle incident, cyber event, employee issue, or liability claim, your business can respond quickly and continue operating without devastating financial impact.
Unfortunately, many companies discover gaps in their coverage only after a loss occurs. Policies that seemed sufficient may not fully address the unique risks faced by integration and security businesses, such as contractual liabilities, installation errors, or evolving cyber threats. That’s why it is so important to work with an insurance provider who truly understands our industry and takes a proactive, consultative approach. GIA Associate Member - Harrison O'Neal with Snellings Walters is a fantastic resource. Their team focuses on helping companies identify potential vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive protection strategies tailored to real-world operational risks. |
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| Their services for businesses like ours include: • Property & Casualty Coverage
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• General Liability
• Workers Compensation
• Umbrella Policies
• Cyber Liability Protection
• Professional Liability / E&O
• Directors & Officers Coverage
• Employment Practices Liability
• Fiduciary Liability
• Surety & Bonds
• Employee Health Benefits |
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Beyond providing policies, their approach centers on working closely with business owners to uncover critical exposure areas, assess risk tolerance, and design coverage solutions that align with both current operations and future growth plans.
The reality is simple: insurance should not be reactive, it should be strategic. Taking time now to evaluate your protection can prevent significant disruption later and provide peace of mind for you, your employees, and your customers.
If you have not reviewed your coverage recently, now is an excellent time to do so. Contact Harrison at M: 404-556-7439 | O: 770-396-9600 | honeal@snellingswalters.com
snellingswalters.com |
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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 |
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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! |
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SDM's Barnes Buchanan Recap! |
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SDM attended the last the last “Barnes” Buchanan conference, as Mike Barnes is stepping back from his traditional role in the event starting next year. The conference covered various trendy security topics, including the impact of AI (particularly on small businesses), an overview of the alarm industry, an M&A outlook and threats/opportunities for security in 2026. |
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Thank You to Our Premier Partners!! |
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Exclusive Diamond Partner! |
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Platinum Premier Partners |
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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! |
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