ALOA Announces New Name,
Broader Strategic Approach
Dallas, TX - ALOA, an international association of security professionals, announces its new name, ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. The name change - which became official on Jan. 1, 2013 - better reflects the association's focus, which has broadened beyond "traditional" locksmiths to also encompass electronic locksmiths, automotive locksmiths, and other security professions related to access control.
"By adding 'Security Professionals' to our name, we expand our view for the future," explains ALOA SPAI President Tom Demont, AHC, CAI, CFDI, CFL, CMIL, CML, CPS, ARL. "And by keeping 'ALOA' in the forefront of our name, we stay grounded in our past and assure that we don't lose the name recognition and reputation that we've built over many years."
ALOA SPAI Executive Director Mary A. May explains that ALOA SPAI serves as an "umbrella" for the association's various divisions, or areas of excellence: locksmithing (ALOA), safe and vault technology (SAVTA: Safe and Vault Technicians Association) and forensics (IAIL: International Association of Investigative Locksmiths). "These three areas will continue to grow, helping us build a stronger security industry," she adds.
ALOA members voted in early December 2012 to approve the new Association By-Laws.
ALOA SPAI, an international association of security professionals, is dedicated to ensuring professional excellence and ethics; creating a public demand for professional security services; representing and speaking for the security industry; and expanding the exchange of trade information and knowledge with other security-related organizations to preserve and enhance the security industry. For more information, visit www.aloa.org.
Viscount Systems Appoints Raefield as COO
Viscount Systems Inc., a high technology supplier of security systems and software, has named Dennis Raefield as its Chief Operating Officer. Raefield’s previous posts include president of Honeywell Access Systems, and president of Pinkerton Systems Integration (now Securitas). He was also owner/CEO of Omega Corporate Security, a west coast systems integrator. Raefield is a member of ASIS, SIA, ESA, ISIO, CAA, and CSAA.
Raefield remarked, "As a continuing board member at Viscount, I am excited to move into the COO role to now be able to assist the company in growing to the next level. My responsibility will be to assist Stephen Pineau, Viscount's CEO, in building the infrastructure required to handle our rapid growth from the new Freedom access control platform.”
Tri-Ed Acquires SGI
Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution announces its acquisition of Security General International (SGI), a leading wholesale distributor of Security and Low Voltage products in the Southwest U.S. The acquisition of SGI and its 13 branch locations establishes a presence for Tri-Ed / Northern Video in six new cities - Fort Worth and McAllen, Texas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Albuquerque, New Mexico and Orange, California.
“We are very excited about our expansion in the Southwest market, and serving our growing customer base there," notes Pat Comunale, Tri-Ed / Northern Video President and CEO. “We welcome the entire SGI staff to the Tri-Ed / Northern Video team and look forward to meeting and exceeding the expectations of security professionals in our new locations.”
With 54 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Tri-Ed / Northern Video offers personal customer service, technical systems support, flexible credit terms, next day shipping, ongoing training programs and the industry’s richest rewards program. For more information, please visit www.tri-ed.com.
Liberty Safe Names New Top Executive Team
Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc. has promoted Kim Waddoups to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. He succeeds Jeff Talley, who has stepped down from his role with the company to take a sabbatical as planned.
Waddoups joined Liberty in 2003 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was promoted in 2012 to president.
"We are proud to promote Kim as our new CEO," said Alan Offenberg, CEO of Compass Diversified Holdings and Chairman of Liberty. "Since joining our Company approximately 10 years ago, Kim has played a key role increasing sales and profitability while strengthening Liberty's brand recognition. His deep knowledge of our Company and successful track record provide an ideal fit and will help to ensure a seamless transition. We are confident Kim's extensive experience and proven dedication, combined with his strategic vision, will lead Liberty to continued success."
"I am excited to assume the leadership role at Liberty," said Waddoups. "The company has built a premier reputation for providing customers with high-quality safes that are manufactured in the U.S. and is well positioned for further growth. With the investments we have made in strengthening our operational platform and expanding our product offerings, we expect to maintain Liberty's positive momentum in the market. I look forward to working closely with our talented staff and driving future performance."
In addition to his new responsibilities as CEO, Waddoups will join the company's Board of Directors along with Steve Allred, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Liberty.
The company also announced it has promoted Greg Clements to CFO. Clements joined Liberty in 2001 and previously served as the Company's Controller. In his new capacity, he will be responsible for managing Liberty's operational and financial reporting initiatives, developing and maintaining budgets, and more. He will report to Waddoups.
"Greg's appointment to CFO is well deserved based on his numerous accomplishments in the past 12 years and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to promote internally," said Offenberg. "Our dedicated and experienced team of professionals serves as a core differentiator and we look forward to benefitting from Greg's expanded focus over the long term."
For more information, visit http://www.libertysafe.com.
