Closing Out 2024 and Starting 2025: Thoughts on Membership and Volunteering with ESA

Electronic Security Association Membership

Growing our membership is critically important for the Electronic Security Association (ESA) as we strive to provide valuable resources to the security and life safety industry. Engaged members play a vital role in advancing ESA’s mission. I often find that both members and non-members are not fully aware of the resources and benefits ESA has to offer, so I encourage you to schedule a membership discovery call today. Here are some of the benefits available to you and your company:  

Training and Certification  

ESA’s National Training School (NTS) is the leading provider of online, classroom, and virtual live instructor-led courses. Our training and certification programs are recognized as industry standards in the evolving security and life safety sector. ESA’s training and certification programs are approved in over 20 states and serve as an alternative to NICET in many locations. NTS courses are developed by industry professionals with extensive experience in security integration. They focus on practical skills and knowledge relevant to the necessary jobs and tasks in each subject area. As the security integration channel and relevant codes evolve, so do our courses, reflecting the latest trends and updates. Students learn what they need to know to succeed in today’s market.  

Industry-Specific Insurance 

ESA’s insurance arm, Security America, was created specifically to meet the needs of electronic security and life safety integrators. Our program offers a range of A-rated insurance coverage, including general liability, errors and omissions, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, cyber liability, and umbrella/excess coverage. This is the only program custom-built to address the unique risks faced by integrators and dealers of electronic security and life safety technology. Our experts can review your specific liabilities and collaborate with your current broker or agent.  

Advocacy and Government Relations 

ESA advocates for its members and our industry on Capitol Hill and in the communities where you operate. We work diligently to protect our members and promote legislation beneficial to the industry. We provide timely information on legislative or regulatory proposals that could impact your business, along with tools to help you make your voice heard. Regular updates on policy positions, evolving codes, and standards are published for member reference.  

Workforce Development 

ESA has partnered with the Security Industry Association (SIA) to establish the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST). Our mutual goal is to connect passionate, innovative individuals with the electronic security industry.  

Executive Management Professionals 

ESA brings together industry professionals to share best practices and discuss issues such as company valuation, financing, business model development, mergers and acquisitions, human capital development, executive leadership, and change management. Consider this your personal Board of Advisors.  Our Executive Management Professionals (EMP) group is the leading community for individuals responsible for the strategic and financial leadership of security integration organizations. ESA members who are eager to share strategies, business models, challenges, and solutions with industry peers are welcome to apply for this idea exchange and networking group.  

Become an ESA Volunteer

Once you start benefiting from your ESA membership, consider becoming more engaged by volunteering your time and talents to support ESA. The association needs volunteers with business acumen and professional experience. Volunteering with ESA is truly a win-win situation. While ESA benefits from the contributions of our volunteers, have you considered how you could benefit personally?  

Engaging with ESA provides an opportunity to build your professional network. You’ll meet and establish relationships with other professionals across the industry. Volunteering can connect you with vendors, influential leaders, and potential mentors. Moreover, your professional and personal development will flourish through this experience.  

I invite industry professionals to become more involved with ESA. Join us as a member, help recruit another member, or even volunteer for our membership campaign. Your service will benefit ESA, but you also stand to gain immensely. Let’s embrace the opportunity to give back to an industry that has been so good to all of us. For more information or to schedule a discovery call, please visit www.esa-web.org.