Some came in business casual, while others arrived in semiformal attire, but one attendee was especially well dressed for the occasion. It paid off when he was announced a winner and walked up to the podium to accept his Sales and Marketing (SAMMY) award in front of more than 100 people.
Jamie Orvis, COO of Security Solutions in Wilton, Conn., says he was more nervous than in previous years because this time his company was a finalist in the business card category. "I was the only one wearing a tux, but it worked out great," Orvis says. "My SAMMY is now prominently displayed in my office."
Security dealers/integrators, manufacturer representatives, association members, show organizers, government consultants and others made up a full house at Security Sales & Integration's 8th annual SAMMY Awards ceremony. This year the event took place March 25 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas in conjunction with the International Security Conference and Exhibition (ISC) West show for the first time. Attendees prepared themselves for the evening with hors d'oeuvres, drinks and plenty of business talk and casual conversation. SSI Publisher Mike Zawinski served as master of ceremonies.
This year's SAMMY categories were streamlined to 12 to better represent sales and marketing strategies for both residential and commercial markets. They now also include a grand prize for Integrated Residential Installation of the Year and Integrated Commercial/Industrial Installation of the Year (previously a separate awards contest when it was first launched in 2002).
This year's awards saw some newcomers as well as repeat entrants. Vector Security of Warrendale, Pa., was a finalist in three categories and duplicated its win from 2000 in the newsletter category. Mike Grady, Vector's senior vice president, says he has attended the SAMMYs for the past six years and has seen the program evolve. "There's a lot of interaction with those who participate and it's very stimulating, especially if you're a marketer. It's very inspiring."
John Jennings, CEO of Safeguard Security and Communications of Scottsdale, Ariz., was a first-time participant. The company won three SAMMY awards, and it expects to enter again next time. "I think the program speaks well for the company, and it's something else to put on our Web site as a credible piece," he states.
Past winner Greater Alarm of Irvine, Calif., took home two SAMMYs this year. George DeMarco, company president, says the award has served as a morale boost for employees. Aside from competing, DeMarco says the event enables him to see what other companies are doing in delivering their marketing messages. "We're not there to win a SAMMY; we're there to meet the needs of our customers, and the SAMMYs are an incredible byproduct of that."
Sonitrol Corp. of Alexandria, Va., has won in the past, but this was Franchise Development Manager Frank Minni's first time at the event. He accepted the company's SAMMY for the commercial/industrial sales brochure category. "It's good recognition for the organization and for Ellen [Koh, director of communications] and the materials. We have a lot to be proud of in that regard," he says.
SecurTek Monitoring Solutions of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, returned home with a SAMMY for TV/radio advertisement. Winning for the first time, Market Manager LeAnn Woodhouse says, "This reinforces that we're on the right track with our marketing efforts."
Keith Fisher, president of Keyth Technologies of Highland Park, Ill., says he took a break from the previous SAMMYs. Returning this year, the company won for company logo/vehicle design. "We are unique in our marketing, so when you work the whole year like a dog for your business, a SAMMY is a nice accolade."
Security Sales & Integration thanks all the entrants, sponsors, judges and others who contributed to the event and its success.
Entries for this year included bold colors and catchy phrases, even Marvel comic heroes. Some security companies incorporated a more simple and minimalist look and feel to their materials. Others injected sleek and edgy designs. See for yourself ...
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Direct-Mail Piece/Basic Brochure
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| Winner: The Greater Alarm Co., Irvine, Calif. |
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Greater Alarm scored an average of 20 points out of a possible 25 in this category for the uniqueness of the brochure's appearance as well as conveying personality through the company's message.
"Welcome to your new residence ..." is a warm approach to new homeowners in this piece. The four-color format explains what services and features the security company offers as well as an 800 number that urges recipients to call immediately.
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Sonitrol Corp., Alexandria, Va.
This personalized four-color post card designed for Sonitrol's commercial clients grabs recipients' attention, and also offers a free security risk assessment of the potential client's business. |
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Vector Security, Warrendale, Pa.
The opening phrase of Vector's brochure, "Is a new day dawning or is night falling - on your alarm business?", draws attention and makes recipients want to turn the card over for more information. |
| Sales Brochure: Residential |
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| Winner: Safeguard Security and Communications, Scottsdale, Ariz. |
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Safeguard scored high marks for the appearance and content of its four-color brochure. The folder's angular edges and high-quality paper stock were of keen interest to the judges. Additionally, its content on security, home management, home theater, patrols and gate systems included necessary information without being overwhelming. |
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American Automation, Castle Rock, Colo.
Appealing to a diverse residential audience, American Automation's clean, four-color design contains loose-leaf sheets with interesting information, such as how homeowners can save on utility bills through a home automation system. |
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Vector Security, Warrendale, Pa.
Vector's brochure appeals to customers building their own homes. The company's range of services are listed in a pull-out sheet, and the brochure includes a business reply mailer for inquiries. |
| Sales Brochure: Commercial/Industrial |
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| Winner: Sonitrol Corp., Alexandria, Va. |
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A finalist in this category in 2001, this year, Sonitrol's brochure won because of its strong content, such as a school risk analysis procedure check list, crime statistics and tips on reducing campus crime. This piece generates interest from school administrators who would be decision-makers on purchasing security systems.
The brochure also includes a mini CD-ROM with information on securing educational facilities.
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Intelli-tech Security Services, Westbury, N.Y.
Made of quality paper, this brochure contains attractive photos and plenty of information on access control, engineered fire systems, central station monitoring, and other services. It is appealing to upscale clients such as CEOs and security directors. |
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Security One, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
A client list, customer service plan and customer training information, plus more, are included in this informational brochure. The company reinforces its branding strategy through its "The Power of One" slogan, which is used throughout the piece. |
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Safeguard Security and Communications, Scottsdale, Ariz.
This brochure contains information on school security, working with architects and engineers and small business security offerings. Its creative angular folders also make the piece stand out from others. |
| Newsletter |
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| Winner:Vector Security, Warrendale, Pa. |
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The effectiveness of Vector's four-color, tabloid-sized newsletter, Vector Views, is in its reporting. It includes topics such as workplace privacy guidelines for undercover investigations. It also spotlights loss prevention industry veterans.
A Web-based reporting system used to curb employee theft, called StopShrink.com, is also highlighted in the newsletter.
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Pro-Tech Security Systems, Monsey, N.Y.
This four-color self mailer contains topics related to safety, such as pick-pocketers, telemarketing scams, even toaster safety. It also offers helpful hints on workplace security as well as self-defense strategies for women. |
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Sonitrol Corp., Alexandria, Va.
Sonitrol's Sound Advice newsletter contains tips on protecting resources and remote business management. It also publishes statistics on points of intrusion, incidents by business and types of incidents. |
| Yellow-Page Advertisement |
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| Winner:Safeguard Security and Communications, Scottsdale, Ariz. |
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Cost-effective and high quality, Safeguard's ad incorporates a clean, uncluttered and professional design. The solid white background enables the ad to draw attention. Additionally, the Yellow-Page advertisement's slogan, "Protecting your business or home as if it were our own," is brief, yet effective. |
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Tri-State Alarm Co., Broomall, Pa.
Tri-State invested in a full-page Yellow-Page ad that draws attention to its company logo and list of services. The ad also includes a free remote control key offering to further entice potential customers. The slogan "Call today, install tomorrow," is eye-catching and to the point. |
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Intercity Alarms, South Yarmouth, Mass.
Apples and oranges and a 3D design makes this four-color Yellow-Page advertisement from Intercity Alarms pop out compared to surrounding ads. The ad also includes important information, including the company's toll-free phone number and license number. |
| Promotional Item |
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| Winner:The Greater Alarm Co., Irvine, Calif. |
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Scoring high in appearance and permanence, Greater Alarm's cubicle clip is a very visible item customers can use for years. The company's logo, Web site and toll-free number are also prominently placed.
The piece is also cost-effective. The company spent 58 cents to produce each clip. Greater Alarm's message holder previously won in the promotional item greater than $1 category.
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Keyth Technologies, Highland Park, Ill.
A T-shirt with a comic book superhero theme, a "To service and protect" Frisbee, and a Mr. Bee Safe beanie toy show lots of personality and convey a fun attitude. They appeal to kids of all ages. |
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SecurTek Monitoring Solutions, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada
A good connection between the security company and the item itself, this road hazard safety kit is conveniently sized so it can fit inside the glove box of a customer's vehicle. |
| Company Logo/Vehicle Design |
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| Winner:Keyth Technologies, Highland Park, Ill. |
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Extremely eye-catching with its graphics, Keyth Technologies' vehicle design is a trip into action hero cartoonland. The comic book motif is used throughout the company's marketing program, and is effectively done on its service vehicles.
Keyth's fleet also stands out because the vehicles are kept clean and in good working condition.
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Audio Video Interiors, Medina, Ohio
With its use of graphics and wording, viewers quickly know what services and products Audio Video Interiors provides. Its vehicles have a clean design and an effective slogan of "Bringing the world to you." |
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MetroLink Security, Auburn, Wash.
The company's PT Cruisers contain very visible graphics, yet are not overdone. A graphic wrap process was used, which includes using a reflective material to make the vehicles shine at night. |
| Business Card |
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| Winner:Security Solutions, Wilton, Conn. |
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Overall, Security Solutions' business card received high scores for its folded design, which allows for more information to be included, such as the company's list of services and association affiliations.
The card acts like a mini brochure or flyer, also making it unique. While splurging on the design, its two-color graphics reduce production costs.
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Bolt Home Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz.
With its modern and clean red, white and blue design, the company's slogan, "technology - security - life," is simple and direct. |
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Security One, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Security One's logo is prominently displayed on the card, and its slogan, "Unleash the Power of One," effectively ties in with the company name. |
| Web Site |
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| Winner:Safeguard Security and Communications, Scottsdale, Ariz. |
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Safeguard's Web site, which scored an average of 13 points out of a maximum of 15, offers valuable information to any visitor interested in purchasing commercial or residential security systems. Its clean design is well organized so prospective customers can quickly navigate throughout the site.
Commercial and residential tabs provide information specifically for each market. Listed services cater to architects, engineers, schools and homebuilders, among others.
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Fleenor Security Systems, Knoxville, Tenn.
The company makes its Web site useful by featuring links to Tennessee's Better Business Bureau and the FBI's 10 most-wanted list. It also includes the Knoxville Community Information Web site. |
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SentryNet, Pensacola, Fla.
Clean and simple, this Web site is easy to understand and navigate. It also stresses the company's "No gimmicks, just service" philosophy. |
| Installation of the Year: Residential |
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| Winner:Atronic Alarms, Overland Park, Kan. |
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Atronic installed a security system that includes fire protection and home automation wiring at the The Retreat of Foxfield and The Retreat of the Wilderness town home projects in the Kansas City area.
The company used two runs of Cat-5e cable in each bedroom, entertainment area and kitchen for a telephone and data jack. RG-6 cable jacks were also installed in the same locations. The Cat-5 and RG-6 wire were run to the outside of each town home for future intercom and camera usage. Each home's overhead doors were also wired for automation, thermostats and outdoor temperature sensors.
Atronic used a good, better, best scenario. Good is the standard package when the home is first purchased. Better is an upgrade to an alphanumeric keypad and a PIR on the first floor. Best is an upgraded automation controller system with integrated security with a universal Omni keypad and thermostat. (See SSI's July issue for full coverage of this installation.)
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AVD Media, Chewelah, Wash.
The company installed a home automation system that includes automatic lighting control and intrusion detection. Intrusion sensors are installed on all of the home's 35 windows and eight doors. It also includes home theater, touch screens, fixed black-and-white dome and bullet cameras, and biometric thumbprint readers. |
| Installation of the Year: Commercial |
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| Winner:Johnson Controls Inc., Hillside, Ill. |
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The company installed an access control system that included a Web-based visitor registration portion along with visitor and tenant badging ID systems; 34 optical portal units for tenant population control; CCTV digital recording with more than 140 camera locations; X-ray metal detection; and protective barrier systems.
The integration consists of a universal software-based platform. The security portion consists of a base front end connected with CCTV and recording capabilities. It also controls the optical portals, which are tied into the fire system. The work was done while the previous system was still in operation to avoid disrupting building operations. The system monitors more than 30,000 points in a building that accommodates close to 25,000 people on a daily basis. (See SSI's July issue for full coverage of this installation.)
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OneSource Building Technologies, Houston
The company installed a scalable software-based security system, including access control with more than 400 prox readers; ID card printers; more than 30 vehicle tag readers; more than 100 emergency call stations; almost 200 matrix switchers; and numerous fixed-position and pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) domes. Some of the locations where components were installed include the 30-story-high petroleum company building, a 12-story mid-rise building and various parking structures. |
Print | posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 12:08 PM