I am often asked, “Why should I join the alarm association?”
 
One reason (of many good reasons) is that YOUR alarm association is there to 
protect you and your business.
 
Case in point.
 
The Suffolk County Legislature held a public hearing on February 15, 2005, 
for a bill titled “A Local Law Establishing Standards And Controls For Alarm 
Systems That Require Police Department Response.” You can read the entire bill on 
line at http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/ Look for resolution 1003-2005.
 
This bill would impose police department charges from $350.00 up to $1000.00 
including a misdemeanor charge resulting in a fine of an additional $1,000.00 
or imprisonment for not more than one year.


This local law if passed could have put a serious kink in the alarm industry 
and would affect alarm dealers in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, and also New 
York City alarm dealers who do business in Suffolk County.


The Long Island Alarm Association (LIAA) sprang into action. The word got 
out, and members and officers of the LIAA as well as members and president of the 
Metropolitan Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (MBFAA) showed up at the 
legislative public hearing - about 15 in total.


Members and officers of the LIAA spoke before the legislature and were so 
articulate and convincing that the legislature indicated to the Suffolk County 
Chief of Police, that his office and the Executive Office should work with the 
LIAA and restructure the bill to better meet the needs of Suffolk County, its 
residents and businesses, and the alarm industry.


So why join your local alarm association?
 
They take care of you and your business!


They train and educate you and your employees.


They keep you informed.


They keep you up-to-date on legal and contractual issues.


You can readily exchange thoughts, ideas, and questions with your peers.


And as proven on February 15, 2005, at 2:30 PM, in Suffolk County, NY:
 
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER THAN SEPARATE.

Best regards,

Alan Glasser

Alan Glasser
President & Executive Director, MBFAA
PO Box 242
Valley Stream, NY 11582-0242

Phone: (718) 894-6712
E-fax: (253) 369-6238

Web Site: www.mbfaa.com