see The Alarm Exchange below


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Question
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Hello Ken,
    Most General contractors and building owners in my area are now using what they refer to as a "boiler plate contract". We send out our contract and the customer returns it unsigned and attached to theirs. Of course their contract takes precedent over ours, rendering it virtually worthless. Contract negotiations go into a tailspin at that point. I need to protect myself and of course, they feel the same. I have turned away work because of my inability to successfully negotiate a compromise. This particular project is a nice size for us however, I will turn it away if need be.
    My question to you is this, will you review this contract and provide us with your professional opinion? Do you feel this contract is something that is reasonable or at least provides a starting point that we ( myself and the G.C.) might reach a middle ground? I have been able to get some customers to go with an AIA contract in lieu of signing their contract. This one particular customer seems unwilling to compromise.
    My hope is that based on your review comments, I am able to either negotiate a compromise or intelligently argue my position. Most of these customer provided contracts are similar so that this one review might serve to educate me on most of them that will come across my desk.
    My uneducated opinion is that this "boiler plate" contract is B.S. and I would be an idiot if I signed it.
Sincerely,
anon
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Answer
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    You are misinterpreting the term "boiler plate contract" because you are treating all contracts that your subscriber claims is non negotiable, take it or leave it, the same.  Just because your subscriber hands you a take it or leave it contract doesn't mean it's the same boiler plate contract the last subscriber handed you.  Of course once you have read a subscriber's contract that subscriber may very well use the same form; then its boiler plate.  
    Teaching you how to negotiate a subscriber's contract [or even your contract] would be like asking you to teach me how to wire a fire alarm panel.  One of the more alarming comments you make is that you've been able to get some of your subscribers to sign an AIA contract in lieu of signing their contract.  I doubt a subscriber's contract could be any worse for you than an AIA contract, which by the way is a boiler plate contract unless modified.  My guess is that you don't really understand the AIA contract because more than likely all you see is the few pages handed to you by the subscriber.  If you read those few pages you will see that the form you are asked to sign incorporates many other documents that you haven't seen, none of which are going to be helpful to you.
    Subscriber forms aren't boiler plate in the sense that they are not all alike.  While it is true that none are likely to contain any provisions favorable to you, some may be more onerous, from your perspective, than others.  Yesterday's email mentioned indemnity and insurance provisions that you need to be leery of.  The subscriber's contract may require indemnity which is not limited by insurance coverage, thereby exposing you to claims well beyond your financial means.  
    Learning what modifications you can make to your form contracts may be worth your effort, though even that may prove to be too time consuming and unproductive for you.  That's what lawyers are for.  Of course your subscriber needs to be willing to negotiate; if not then don't bother with engaging counsel unless it's only for the purpose of scaring the crap out of you.  
    Here are a few items you need to watch for in "boiler plate" contracts, in no order of priority.

  • Other contract documents incorporated by reference, such as General Terms and Conditions, Plans and Specs
  • Provision requiring you to be familiar with all code requirements and advise owner and architect
  • Insurance requirements
  • Indemnity requirements
  • Prevailing wage requirements
  • Penalty provisions for delayed or late work completion
  • Venue in remote place for dispute resolution
  • Burdensome dispute resolution procedures, such as expensive arbitration

    Incidental, you may find subscribers less resistant to your form contract if you actually have a Standard Form Contract, and one that is obviously targeted to your specific work, such as a fire alarm system, inspection and monitoring.  Recently I've seen subscribers demanding that alarm companies sign "boiler plate" contracts that are more appropriate for a cleaning service company, but entirely unsuitable for an alarm company.  These contracts need to be read carefully and negotiations need to be conducted so that the subscriber is not lost and yet the provisions most adverse to your interests changed or eliminated.
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TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR EMAIL Ken@Kirschenbaumesq.com.  Most comments and questions get circulated.
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Speaking engagements:
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Want to schedule me, Jennifer or Dennis Stern for a speaking engagement? Alarm associations can book my presentation by calling Eileen in my office at 516 747 6700 x 312.

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 The Alarm Exchange
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    This area is reserved for alarm company announcements, solicitations, offers, etc.  Those wishing to sell or buy; borrow or lend; dealer program or dealer; central stations; insurance brokers; business  brokers, insurance companies.  Equipment to sell; looking for employees; subcontractors; mergers;
    There is no charge to post a listing here.  The listing is subject to review and approval and will be posted for approximately 10 days unless renewed.  Include your contact information, phone, email and web site.  Posting by category will depend on response to this forum.  Send your post to Ken@KirschenbaumEsq.com.  To see the most current postings go to https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/article/the-alarm-exchange
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Parts -  Equipment For Sale or Wanted
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For Sale:  Monitor Controls, Inc. 178-180 Center Street Wallingford, CT    www.monitorcontrols.com
contact our IT rep Dan Hadlock at 203-269-3591  PART QTY ROUGH PRICE (EACH)
D6500 RECEIVER 3 $100.00 ; D6545 TELCO TERMINATOR 1 $15.00 ; D6535 POWER SUPPLY TERMINATOR 1 $15.00; D6515 CPU MPU TERMINAL CARD 1 $10.00; D6540 TELCO LINE CARD 3 $10.00
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For sale:  ISA DigiBoard port expansion units (2); Radionics/Bosch D6640 line cards (8); OKIData 182 dot matrix printers (several); Amano Time clocks (2); Contact Chuck or Joe at Jade Alarm Co. 800-542-8874
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PARTS WANTED:  Looking for one or more DSC PC5921 EXT Intercom Door Station(s), new or used.  Please contact Lloyd Silverstein at Lloyd@metrowestsecurity.com, or call at (818) 508-0500

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Sub Contractors available for work
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Calgary, AB based contractor available for “Boots on the Ground “service to American Security companies with National Accounts in Alberta, Canada. Please call Robin Dupuis (403) 910 1099 or email robin@wireman.ca. You can visit our website at www.wireman.ca

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Help Wanted:
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Washington DC area Home Automation company seeking experienced alarm technicians.  Send resume with references and salary requirements to jobs@american-automation.com
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Western Suffolk alarm company looking for exp'd office help- exp in Microsoft office, downloading of alarm panel, inventory, collections, sales and general office help. Send resume to Jeanne@checkmatesecurity.com  
631 669-3303 www.Checkmate Security
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Northern New Jersey Fire Protection Company is looking for an experienced Fire Alarm Technician, with at least 3 years’ experience.  Send resume to laura@cityfire.com
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NJ Alarm Company (Bergen County), seeking a Central Station Operator for the 5pm – 12:00pm shift.  Email resume and salary requirements to service@merchantsalarm.com .  No phone calls please.
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California and Texas alarm company seeking Central Station Manager, Customer Service Manager, Operations Manager, Sprinkler Operations Manager, Service Manager, Project Manager, Service Technicians, Lenel Certified Technicians, Installers, Fire Testers, Reg 4 Fire Testers, Service Dispatchers, Central Station Dispatchers, and Sales Representatives in locations throughout California and Texas. email resume to bwatkins@ssdsystems.com
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Union, NJ alarm company looking for Service Technician, Installation Technician, and
Administrative Assistant.  Send resume to humanresources@supremealarm.com
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Clifton, N.J. based alarm company looking for an aggressive sales person. commercial and residential fire alarms, burglar alarms, CCTV systems, Door Access Control Systems, Intercoms, etc. We are looking for a motivated self started, a professional with proven results and references. If you have the experience, product knowledge and drive call 1-800-486-5019 and ask for Tom Sr. or email tomsr@tralarm.com  http://tralarm.com/
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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is looking for an experienced Regional Sales Manager for the North East Region covering Metro NY, E. PA, Long Island & Northern NJ are looking for a Sales executive with five or more years of sales and territory management experience or dealer direct selling in the region. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Matt Schweiger at 417-693-3988 or email at mschweiger@dmp.com.
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Central FL based company looking for 2 experienced electronics technicians in Ft Myers and Daytona FL areas – Commercial Fire, Security, CCTV  etc.  Send resume and salary requirements to Allcomsolutionsinc@gmail.com
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Tulsa OK company is looking for an exp'd Service Technician for Burg and Commercial Fire Alarms, Access Control, and CCTV systems. Submit resume with references and salary requirements via e-mail to tcarey@advancealarms.com, no phone inquiries.
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Montrose, CO alarm co seeking Technician with experience. Email resume and references to Dan at superioralarmoffice@gmail.com or fax to 970-240-0366
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Tucson, AZ - Accura Systems of Tucson, Inc   Seeking Lead Technician to oversee technician installs for Burg, CCTV installs, must have good training and QA skills.  call Bill at 520-722-0220 or emailbill@tucsonaccura.com
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ADT LLC, Help Wanted (Licensed and Insured Sub Contractors) to perform Installation and Service work for Residential and Small Business accounts in the NY Metro Area (Brooklyn/Queens, NYC, Elmsford Offices) contact Frank Gressler at fgressler@adt.com
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ADT LLC, Help Wanted. ADT is looking to hire Residential and Small Business Installers in the NY Metro Area (Brooklyn/Queens, NYC, Elmsford Offices) looking for talent familiar with Ademco, DSC and CCTV equipment. contact Frank Gressler at fgressler@adt.com
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Long Island Central Station Alarm Company looking for experienced alarm technicians and central station operators. Excellent salary and benefits. E-Mail  hr@lowittalarms.com or call 516-433-6960 ext. 215.
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Oakland, CA company looking for experienced electronic technician – alarms, CCTV, access control, intercoms, etc.  Send resume and references to HR@reedbrothers.com or call Nancy at 800-400-5625 x158
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Long Island based locking and electronic security manufacturer is looking for technical support professionals with previous experience installing fire and burg systems. We offer excellent compensation and benefits. Please contact rbaker@napcosecurity.com for more information.
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Indianapolis, IN - Hoosier Security call 317-644-0570 or send resume to: armando@hoosiersecurity.com Actively seeking installation contractors and sales personnel experienced in alarm and digital CCTV.
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Eastpointe Michigan alarm company has an opening for an experienced alarm tech/installer, great salary, benefits, truck, medical. Call Hank Luks 586-772-6100 or email to  controllor@aol.com
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San Antonio Texas based company is looking for experienced residential, commercial and fire alarm salesmen as well as experienced alarm installers.  Submit resume via e-mail to Gmunford@saalarms.com  Glenn Munford, President. Phone 210 342-3100  sanantoniosecurityalarms.com
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Merger and Acquisitions
NY - looking to purchase fire alarm subscriber accounts in New York metropolitan area.  call Bob WIlliams at Briscoe Protective Systems Inc at 888 274 7263 ext 211  or email  bobw@briscoeprotective.com  All calls strictly confidential
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Southeast Arkansas.  Security Integration co very lucrative agricultural vertical market, but having difficulty attracting and retaining installers to keep up with our workload.  Primarily commercial/industrial integration but with approx. 240 monitored alarm accounts.  Largely residential, upscale accounts with approx. 20% commercial accounts.  Will consider either selling alarm accounts to focus on surveillance/access control or will consider selling all and work as regional sales manager for purchaser.  Market has loads of potential.  For confidentiality reasons, please contact me at my "other" email address hogshogshogs@att.net.
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Central Stations
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COPS Monitoring: Nationwide Burglary, Fire, PERS, Video, & Critical Environmental monitoring from 5 central stations  copsmonitoring.com  http://copsmonitoring.com/lp/kk.html or call Betty at 800-367-2677 x 1256
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All American Monitoring – throughout USA. UL, Five Diamond, licensed   LisaF@AllAmericanMonitoring.com  or call 800 318 9486 x 212   www.AllAmericanMonitoring.com
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RESPONSE CENTER USA – Monitoring burglar and fire alarms. PERS (Medical Alarms) Specialists UL Listed.
contact JD Benfer 866-489-4105 jdbenfer@rc-usa.com 
  www.rc-usa.com
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United Central Control, Inc. -  UL Listed, 5 Diamond Certified, serving the entire USA - contact Kathryn Schultz - 866-907-4712 or kschultz@teamucc.com   http://www.teamucc.com/
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AvantGuard Monitoring Centers : UL 2050 Listed, 5 Diamond, Fully Redundant Central Stations  Specialize in PERS monitoring.  Contact Troy Iverson 877-206-9141  www.agmonitoring.com
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Electronix Systems Central Station Alarms Inc., UL Listed, FDNY / FM Approved  and Five Diamond Rated. Contact Jacqueline Jones  jackiej@electronixsystems.com (631) 271-4000 www.electronixsystems.com
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SentryNet  monitoring nationwide, Canada and Mexico - UL and 2050 listed; FM Certified.   Contact Kurt Erdman    kerdman@sentrynet.com    800-932-3304  www.sentrynet.com
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Grand Central Station  – monitoring of burglary, fire and video verification services throughout the United States. UL Listed  Benny M. Martinez 800-230-1654x136     bmartinez@gcsmonitoring.com    www.gcsmonitoring.com
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Security Response Center –  alarm  monitoring across Canada – ULC Listed
Beverley Champagne   888-346-6302   bchampagne@src.net     http://src.net/
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Central Security Communications, Inc. monitoring throughout USA since 1963; UL listed; Denver Fire License; redundancy; family owned/operated 1-888-8ALARM8  Natalie@centralsecurity.com  www.centralsecurity.com
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Rapid Response Monitoring - UL Listed, FM Certified, FDNY Approved, IQ Certified, SIA Certified -wholesale  monitoring services, audio, video, GPS, PERS, IP and residential and commercial protection,  completely mobile  Connectivity Dealer & Customer Access Services.  800-558-7767, sales@rrms.com,    www.rrms.com
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Security Partners – UL listed, CSAA 5-Diamond central station covering the entire US.  Advanced Services Division  helps dealers become more aware of emerging security technologies.   Call Andy Stadler at 717.481.6379 or astadler@securitypartners.com   www.securitypartners.com
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Paragon Monitoring Center - UL Listed; monitoring all major formats, video monitoring including Videofied and CheckVideo. Jeff Martin 866-936-6648 jeff@wemonitor.org  -  www.wemonitor.org
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Your Monitoring Center / A Crime Alert Co. – UL; CSAA 5 Diamond  – Burg, Fire, PERS, Video Verification, Total Connect, C24 Interactive. Call Mark Ramsey 800-829-8877 mark@crimealert.com  www.crimealert.com
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Dispatch Center, Ltd - fully redundant UL Listed central station serving licensed security professionals. 
Contact Stacy Lindell at slindell@dispatchcenter.net or (866) 491-3400.  www.dispatchcenter.net
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Nationwide Digital Monitoring - monitoring all of America  UL Listed; NYC FD approved
800 221 0826   www.NationwideDigital.com   Contact  Alan Ankeles   aankeles@NationwideDigital.com
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U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp  - monitoring throughout the United States  Bart Didden 877-872-1266
bdidden@usacentralstation.com    www.usacentralstation.com
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United Certified Central Station Inc - monitoring the New York City metropolitan area.  NYC Fire Dept approved and UL Listed.  Dana Goffer  212 206 0900 x 301  http://www.weprotect.com/Monitoring%20station.html
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Counterforce Central Alarm Services Corp   UL Listed NYC FD approved  contact Phil Blair 718 575 3333 
Phil@counterforcecentral.com    http://counterforcecentral.com/services/index.htm
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Metrodial Central Station - FDNY Approved and UL Listed. Contact Andy Lowitt at 866-900-METRO or andy@metrodial.com     www.metrodial.com
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Business Brokers / Consultants
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Barry Epstein - Vertex Capital -  representing Buyers and Sellers in Life Safety Industry.   bepstein4@sbcglobal.net  cell:972-740-2740
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Ron Davis   Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group Inc rdavis@graybeardsrus.com   Office 847 955 2345
Cell: 847 910 7716  www.graybeardsrus.com 
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Mitch Reitman  S.I.C. Consulting, Inc. Tax and Financial services 817-698-9999  MReitman@sicc.us  www.sicc.us
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Rory Russell  Acquisition & Funding Services  www.afssmartfunding.com  (800) 354-3863  Cell  518-366-5111
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Insurance brokers / insurance companies for alarm industry
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Premier Alarm Insurance,  Kristin Sikorski, Isle of Palms SC 29451 1-800-792-1728
info@premieralarminsurance.com    www.premieralarminsurance.com
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Rick Gombar Insurance Services, Inc.  CA.  Rick Gombar, President 800-446-6227
Rick@gombarinsurance.com   www.gombarinsurance.com
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Eclipse Marketing & Insurance Services. Larry St John, CIC, Pres. 800-530-4448, LStJohn@eclipseinsurance.com -  ins for alarm industry www.eclipseinsurance.com
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Alice Cornett Giacalone, Senior Vice President - selling alarm E&O throughout the United States
Central Insurance Agency, (800) 917-2542  aliceg@ciainsures.com  www.ciainsures.com
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Ralph A.Costa - specializes in alarm insurance in New Jersey and other states   973 835 8444
ralph@burglaralarminsurance.com     http://www.burglaralarminsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC1
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Security America Risk Retention Group    Alarm industry owned and sponsored E&O insurance – Call SARRG at 1-866-315-3838, or info@securityamericarrg.com.   www.securityamericarrg.com
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Financial Services
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RMRFunding - Alarm account funding.  www.rmrfunding.com Contact David Tropper (855) 767-1900  dtropper@rmrfunding.com
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Astute Financial Consulting, LLC – financial reporting, budgeting and analysis. contact Jim Lee 970-223-2382 ext 1 or jim@astutefinancial.biz      www.astutefinancial.biz
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Alarm Financial Services - funding  for alarm dealers throughout the United States. 
www.alarmfunding.com or call Jim Wooster 866-204-9350x12
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Educational and Training Programs
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New York State alarm license  Approved 81-HOUR License Course  www.mbfaa.com
contact Alan Glasser (718) 894-6712  mbfaa.ny@gmail.com
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NYS 81 hour approved training - contact NYBFAA  814-838-3093   Info@NYBFA.org)  www.NYBFA.org
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New York State 81-Hour Alarm License Course - Approved by NY Dept. of State taught by NYBPSS Licensed Instructors; www.electricaltrainingcenterli.com Call Justin or Barbara @ 631-226-8021
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New Jersey  Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm & Locksmith training.  Exam Prep Training Series, Practice Exam and approved CEU courses.  see  www.NJCEUcenter.com or call  Bob Shoremount  908-637-8557
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Attrition Busters Presentations-Seminars-Workshops-Consulting  www.attritionbusters.com
contact Bob Harris(818) 730-4690 bobh@attritionbusters.com

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Alarm Academy – On Line and classroom BASA-FASA renewal and state of Florida license holder renewal classes contact Mary Kenna,  mkenna@fla-alarms.org  / 800-899-2099: 954-748-7779  www.alarmacademy.org
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Alarm Association of Florida -  On Line and classroom BASA-FASA renewal and state of Florida license holder renewal classes contact Mary Kenna      mkenna@fla-alarms.org      800-899-2099:     954-748-7779                   www.fla-alarms.org
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Marketing for the Alarm - Security Industry
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Bob Maunsell - Security Marketing Guru - www.SecurityMarketingGuru.com  508-835-1123  support@securitymarketingguru.com
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Security Dealer Marketing - full-service marketing agency for security businesses  David Morgan
888-572-4450 x100  dmorgan@securitydealermarketing.com    www.securitydealermarketing.com
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Technical Support
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Fire Alarm System Engineering
Fire Alarm Design Services.  Complete code consulting, basis for design reports, AutoCAD, submittal documents. PE and NICET IV on staff. NY, NJ, PA areas.  Contact Joseph Hayes, SET 914-645-1289 or HayesCPP@optonline.net
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Systems Support Specialists - Technical consultants for Central Station Services & Installation Services, Custom Programming, End User Solutions, Product Evaluations, and Technical training - Contact Mark Fischer - mfischer@systemssupportspecialists.com or (631) 850-0084   www.systemssupportspecialists.com
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Certified System Design – Central Station Facility Design, Automation Platform Conversion Management, Organizational Development, Operational Reviews, and Operational Support. For all things Central Station – Contact Dave Mann (443) 452-9235 or dmann@certifiedsystemdesign.com   www.certifiedsystemdesign.com
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Technology and Services that increase or preserve your RMR
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KeepYourIP -  Providing secure IPv4 addresses for communicating IP alarm panels to monitoring receivers.    For information contact Davin Roos 866-444-7007    davin@keepyourip.com  www.keepyourip.com
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Videofied  - video alarms - alarm verification - reduce false alarms   Contact Keith Jentoft  877-206-3200 KJentoft@videofied.com  www.videofied.com
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Linked24  New mobile technology GPS  increases revenue with existing customer base, grows RMR virally.  Contact John Hoffe 760 298-1214; hoffej@linked24.com  www.linked24.com 
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Miscellaneous
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Printers   MonitoringContracts.com.  Authorized printers for the Kirschenbaum Contracts TM. 866 322 4906  sales@MonitoringContracts.com   www.monitoringcontracts.com
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alarm contracts - get them at www.alarmcontracts.com
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alarm company valuation - go to www.WhatsMyAlarmCompanyWorth.com
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Legal service for acquisition or sale of accounts.  Contact Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq 
at 516 747 6700 ext 301, Jennifer Kirschenbaum,Esq  at 516 747 6700 ext 302 or Dennis Stern, Esq  at 516 747 6700 ext 323

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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
200 Garden city Plaza
Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
email: ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
phone: 516 747 6700
web: http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com