MESSAGE FROM FORMER TMA PRESIDENT DON YOUNG, ADT and her staff arranged to have a host of subject-matter experts speak on important issues such as insurance, HR, relief financing, and legal. COVID-19 Resources In February of 2020, a dedicated web page was created to provide TMA members with quick and easy access to the latest information from federal and state guidelines and requirements. The page continues to be updated and serve as a valuable resource.
And So it Goes
All great things must come to an end This is my final President’s column. The last two years have been a ride for certain – for all of us. When I took office in October of 2019, I had the same passion for leading TMA that we all have for the industry we love. I approached the role with a clear set of goals for my term. I was confident that I had the right team in place to achieve each and every one. Full steam ahead. Then, COVID-19 hit. Shift gears. Reset priorities. None of us could have ever fathomed the impact this unprecedented pandemic would have on our lives and businesses. Admirably, TMA members and staff quickly rallied to share and promote new best practices and ideas to meet the unexpected tactical needs of members. We all came together like never before. From my first exposure to the Central Station Alarm Association, and through the many years leading up to the waning days of my presidency, I have continually witnessed the selfless dedication and support our association community puts forth. I leave the presidency with great gratitude to all
those who contributed both time and treasure to TMA during my tenure. I am honored that TMA members gave me the opportunity to lead this great organization. As the pandemic sadly raged across our nation and the world, our businesses executed strategies that enabled us to continue to provide crucial fire and security services to our customers. It was impressive to see TMA put member needs for dealing with the pandemic on the front burner, as staff and volunteers continued to support the associations strategic goals. Here are some brief highlights of key program advancements and achievements that have taken place over the last two years: PANDEMIC RESPONSE Virtual Town Halls Early in the pandemic, TMA launched a series of weekly Virtual Town Halls focused on pandemic-related business operations solutions. Participation on the webinars continually grew, validating that the content was timely and helpful. TMA’s Executive Director Celia Besore
Essential Workers As the nation closed businesses and placed strict restrictions on travel, TMA worked to secure explicit essential worker designation for monitoring center employees. The essential designation allowed our associates to travel to and from their workplace as needed, without interruption or penalty. Work-from-Home TMA was instrumental in the development of emergency Workfrom-Home guidelines for monitoring centers early in the pandemic. The initial effort served as the impetus for formal inclusion of emergency Workfrom-Home language in the UL 827 and NFPA 72 standards. PROGRAMS FirstNet Launch TMA launched its FirstNet certification in partnership with AT&T in October 2019. The FirstNet National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) provides TMA access to the same robust network used by Public Safety in their mission to protect the public. TMA is issuing certificates to those companies who meet accepted alarm industry standards, allowing them to use the NPSBN for transmission of alarm signals to central station monitoring centers IQ Acquisition and Launch In January 2020, TMA assumed control of the Installation Quality Certification
The views, thoughts and opinions in this article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to his employer.
[4]
Fall 2021 | TMA Dispatch
