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NSCA Recognizes Systems Integrators

NSCA has announced the winners of its 2011 Excellence in Business Awards.

NSCA Recognizes Systems Integrators

Mar 1, 2011 11:59 AM

The NSCA Education Foundation has elected Robert Grubb to its board of directors. Grubb is the North American manager for Bose Professional Systems.

Robert Grubb Appointed to NSCA Education Foundation Board of Directors

The NSCA Education Foundation has elected Robert Grubb, North America manager for Bose Professional Systems, to its board of directors. Grubb replaces Mitch Nollman, who previously represented Bose on the foundation’s board.

Grubb has been a part of the professional audio industry for more than 25 years. He started out in audio recording and production and has gained a broad knowledge of many vertical markets in the pro audio industry. Grubb now manages the field sales group in North America for Bose.

Since 1999, the NSCA Education Foundation has created educational opportunities to grow the commercial electronic systems industry. By providing financial assistance through scholarships, student memberships and the creation of an endowment for future scholarship opportunities, the foundation assists in the development of an industry career path for students.

The foundation has also become more involved with the efforts of the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance, which provides entry-level education and certification to help new professionals within the electronic systems industry to choose the correct career path.

“As technologies in the commercial electronic systems world continue to converge, I look forward to working with the NSCA Education Foundation, finding new ways to attract the next generation of talent in our industry,” says Grubb.

The NSCA Education Foundation is funded by generous contributions from members of its President’s Club and industry members, as well as charity events throughout the year. For more information about the NSCA Education Foundation, visit www.nscafoundation.org or call 800.446.6722.

NSCA Recognizes Systems Integrators

NSCA has announced the winners of its 2011 Excellence in Business Awards. A number of great self- or peer-nominated applications were received and the committee had difficult decisions to make. Systems integrators who showed exemplary and successful business strategies were selected to receive an award. Winners receive one complimentary admission to the NSCA Business & Leadership Conference.

The winning companies and the category they won for are:

  • Alpha Video & Audio – Marketing Strategies
  • Avyve – Philanthropic Contributions
  • Intelligent Access Systems – Growth Strategies
  • Stage Front Presentation Systems – Project Development
  • The Whitlock Group – Fiscal Responsibility

“This year’s winners exemplify the diverse industry we represent,” says Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director. “These companies proved through their business strategies that it was important not only to succeed, but also to excel in their business models. They found many solutions from within their organizations; rewarding the talent that already exists builds character, commitment, and engagement from employees.”

Alpha Video & Audio, declared the best integrator in Marketing Strategies, successfully diversified its sales and marketing efforts. These strategies provided an opportunity to deliver unique, critical solutions to its customers in a wide variety of industries, including sports venues, broadcast studios, state and local government, education facilities, corporations, and others. The company notes that creating an entrepreneurial spirit within the entire organization led to its success.

Avyve realizes the importance of supporting the community you live and work in, especially in a down economy. Each year, Avyve budgets around 1 percent of its total revenue to support nonprofits and the arts. In addition to funds, Avyve has donated time, products, and services. It is an important part of company culture, and why Avyve won in the Philanthropic Contributions category.

Intelligent Access Systems had its best two-year financial performance in the down economy to receive the Growth Strategies honor. IAS had a growth rate of more than 240 percent over three years by focusing on regulated business sectors such as infrastructure and health care markets. Government regulations created through laws like the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the HIPAA law of 1996 resulted in significant spending on security technologies.

Stage Front Presentation Systems, winner of the Project Development award, formed its own niche in the design-build industry. Focusing on three areas of expertise, it employs a strategy that eliminates the need for third-party consultants, allowing Stage Front to work directly with clients to develop projects from concept to installation. Implementation of a customer relationship management program, transparent business model, strong design standards, and a focus on specialized markets enable them to collaborate internally and externally to produce timely, scalable solutions.

The Whitlock Group, winner of the Fiscal Responsibility award, has implemented fiscally responsible practices in its 50-year history. It focuses on three areas: improving fiscal policies (creation of the Global Presence Alliance); changing spending habits through co-marketing opportunities and by supporting a few key ventures at a time; and implementing cost-cutting measures such as early pay discounts, debt minimization, and reporting tools to help clients find efficiencies.

Repeal or Defund? That is the Question

Now that the GOP-controlled Congress is in session, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What are they going to do with PPACA, the health care reform bill?” Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with PPACA and are looking to a new Congress to do something about it.

If they haven’t already, business owners will see changes in the costs and offerings of their health plans due to changes included in PPACA. These changes will affect both companies and employees. Small businesses, especially, can’t afford these changes.

Congress has already started delaying certain aspects of all of PPACA’s provisions, like the release on Dec. 23 putting a stay on discriminatory fully insured plans. Expect more of the same during this Congress. The departments that regulate certain aspects of PPACA are either understaffed or do not have adequate resources to enforce parts of the new law. Once Congress realizes that, we’ll see more postponements of the minor aspects of the law, at least for 2011 and perhaps 2012.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is participating in a movement to repeal the bill. Go to www.repealitnow.org to sign a petition and support the repeal effort if interested.

Iowa Congressman Steve King recently discussed a potential approach to contesting health care reform in its present form. The approach he outlined was to vote to repeal PPACA in the House of Representatives, which would presumably be vetoed by President Obama. Then, once the repeal was vetoed, the GOP could go through the appropriations committees to defund certain parts of the PPACA.

It’s probably safe to say that a total repeal of the law is not likely. However, it seems that defunding specific portions of PPACA is quite probable. For more insight on health care reform and policies that affect your business, follow the SystemsPlus blog at systemsplus.wordpress.com.

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NSCA Recognizes Systems Integrators

Mar 1, 2011 11:59 AM

Get Back to Business with NSCA at InfoComm 2011

InfoComm 2011 is still a few months away, but now is the time to start planning your trip to Orlando and lining up your schedule for the show. NSCA University will, once again, be on-site with its suite of industry-specific business courses for technical people. NSCA will also host social events for industry professionals to network with peers for business opportunities, partnerships, advice, and fun. Start your planning now by visiting www.nscaatinfocomm.org for a preview of NSCA classes, instructors and networking events, as well as NSCA products and services to help you get back to business in 2011.

NSCA University is focused on improving the business skills of industry professionals. The majority of NSCA members are technical people; most did not obtain training in key business skills such as project management, sales strategies, marketing techniques, human resources, or financial management. Consequently, NSCA University has developed courses to help them obtain these skills to increase business performance and grow profits.

As always, NSCA membership has a variety of perks, including free pre-registered entrance to the show floor, discounts on technology tours, and savings of up to 50 percent on NSCA University education.

Visit www.nscaatinfocomm.org for information about all of NSCA’s events, activities, and educational courses at the show. Browse full course descriptions and read instructor bios, get more information on special events and networking opportunities, find out how to increase your company’s presence through NSCA sponsorship opportunities, and more. Also, follow NSCA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for special discounts and deals. InfoComm 2011 will be held June 12-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

SynAudCon Class Approved for NSCA Continuing Education Program

NSCA University has added Principles of Audio and Audio Applications 1, Synergetic Audio Concepts (SynAudCon) Web-based training courses, to its library of nearly 100 continuing education courses from more than 20 manufacturers, consultants and organizations directly involved with education and training in the commercial electronics systems industry.

SynAudCon’s Web-based training courses join its already approved, in-person Partner Provider training¬—Sound Reinforcement for Technicians, SynAudCon Digital, and Audio & Acoustics for Conference Systems—to receive 12 NSCA Learning Units to apply toward NSCA’s Certificate of Completion Program.

The two new Web-based programs cover the fundamental basics every person working in the audio field needs to know. Overlooking the basics can cause problems, and Audio Applications 1 provides audio system details by educating students on the often-overlooked items linking the system.

“We are very proud to have the SynAudCon Web-based training and in-person seminars listed as Partner Providers for NSCA University,” says Brenda Brown of SynAudCon. “We applaud NSCA, CEA and CEDIA, who founded ESPA certification. The complexity of audio systems and needed skills of the audio technician are increasing each year, underscoring the importance of certification. Audio Training has been SynAudCon’s focus since 1973. We are pleased to share a common goal with NSCA: a better qualified electronic systems technician.”

Current Partner Providers include: Allen Products/ATM Flyware, AMX, Audinate, Belden, BlonderTongue, Cables to Go, Chief Manufacturing, The CMOOR Group, Crestron, Elan Media, Extron Electronics, Herman Electronics, Kramer Electronics, Lectrosonics, Peerless Industries Inc., Rauland-Borg Corporation, STAM, Syn-Aud-Con, Termark Technical Institute, Valcom Inc., and Xanteon.

To learn more about becoming an NSCA Partner Provider, visit www.nsca.org/LUProvider and download the Partner Provider brochure and application or contact NSCA at 800.446.6722 or [email protected].

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