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February is almost behind us, and hopefully, most of the snow is done with us for this winter! OSFAA members, I want to point out a very special members-only benefit that we have added this year!
First, don’t miss our member-exclusive Financial Benchmarking Session with Spencer Rogers of Barnes Associates. This session is a unique opportunity to gain insights into financial performance, compare benchmarks with your peers, and discover actionable strategies to strengthen your business. It’s an invaluable chance to learn from one of the top financial experts in our industry, and it is only for OSFAA members in good standing!! |
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Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our 1st Annual Spring Expo on April 30th! We expect a fully sold-out trade show floor, packed with cutting-edge products, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. And of course, we have built in plenty of fun, including our high-voltage cart racing, which is sure to bring laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories.
These events aren’t just about learning or showcasing products; they are about connecting with your peers, sharing experiences, and fueling the success of our association. April and hopefully warmer weather will be here before we know it, and I encourage everyone to participate, engage, and make the most of everything OSFAA has to offer. I'm looking forward to our Financial Benchmarking Session next Thursday, March 5th and seeing you at our Spring Expo. It’s going to be an exciting season for OSFAA!
Sincerely,
Keri-Ann Kalavity
President, OSFAA
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Have You Heard?
OSFAA is launching our first ever spring Expo that will be held on April 30th at The Foundry Social in Medina, Ohio. We can't wait to welcome members from across the state to network with one another, learn from fantastic speakers, and most importantly, spend valuable time with industry-leading manufacturers, distributors, and service providers! We will be providing lunch at the event, and we will cap it all off with exhilarating races around the high voltage carting track!!!
This is an event you do not want to miss! Please be sure to Register Today and secure your spot! |
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OSFAA's All-New Online Training powered by Alarm Academy is Live! 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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Executive Director's Corner |
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Shannon Few OSFAA - Executive Director |
| Investing in Knowledge Today for Success Tomorrow!! As business leaders, it’s easy to focus training efforts on what your team needs to know to handle today’s tasks. While it’s essential that employees can perform their current roles effectively, the real value comes from educating your team beyond the immediate requirements. Developing broader skills not only prepares your team for future challenges but also builds a more adaptable, confident, and engaged workforce.
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One of the most powerful ways to do this is through cross-training. When employees understand multiple aspects of your business, whether it’s installation, service, monitoring, or support or across installation and service categories like security, fire, and other low voltage electrical areas, they gain a bigger-picture perspective. Cross-training helps identify process improvements, increases flexibility during peak times, and ensures your team can step in and support each other when needed. It also enhances employee engagement, because team members feel empowered and invested in the business as a whole.
At OSFAA, we’re committed to helping you take this approach to the next level. Our Training powered by Alarm Academy offers comprehensive programs designed to grow your team’s knowledge, skills, and confidence beyond their day-to-day duties. From the fundamentals every technician needs to enhanced technical knowledge, project management, and troubleshooting to sales and customer service best practices, these courses give your employees tools to excel today, and to step into new opportunities tomorrow!
Investing in training isn’t just a line item on the budget. It is an investment in the long-term health and competitiveness of your business. By educating your team beyond the immediate needs of their roles, you create a culture of growth, collaboration, and resilience that can thrive even in challenging times. Let us help you customize professional development pathways for your team members! Feel free to call us anytime and we will walk you through the options and help to customize a training plan for your business!
Kind Regard, Shannon Few |
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Lunch N Learn: Virtual Financial Benchmarking Webinar |
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Join us for an exclusive Lunch & Learn designed specifically for company owners, CFOs, controllers, and executive leadership within OSFAA member organizations. This virtual financial benchmarking session is exclusive to OSFAA Member Companies and their employees will provide a high-level, data-driven look at how leading security and fire alarm companies are performing—and where opportunities exist to improve profitability, cash flow, and operational efficiency.
Spencer Rogers of Barnes Associates will walk through key financial benchmarks that matter most to executive decision-makers, offering insight into cost structures, margins, labor efficiency, and overall financial health. Attendees will gain practical perspective on how their organization compares to industry peers and how to leverage benchmarking data to support smarter strategic planning and growth decisions. Members if you haven't seen the registration emails please email Shannon.Few@SecureOhio.org and she will get you signed up right away!! |
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Workforce Development Tool Kit Now Available! |
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| Once you’re logged in to the OSFAA website, visit the Member Resource Center to explore the Workforce Development Toolkit. It’s your go-to resource for recruiting, qualifying, hiring, and retaining great talent. Contact us if you need any assistance logging in! |
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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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Special Thanks to Our Premier Partner!!! |
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