The Electronic Security Industry Association (ESIA), formed under the auspices of the Security Industry Association (SIA), and Electronic Security Distributor Association (ESDA) have big plans for 2013. Chairperson of ESIA, Anthony Rosenbaum says, “This year, we plan to continue to recruit new members across the spectrum of the electronic security industry, as well as continue to interact and develop our relationship with PSIRA.
“We will be participating in IFSEC 2013 in June as well as in the annual SIA conference. We have developed a platform for constructive dialogue in an effort to have all the relevant players in the private electronic security industry together with the government and other related organisations around the table to finalise a blueprint for a unified electronic security industry.
“Under the new security amendment bill the total electronic security industry is now included as a service provider. ESIA will continue to forge ahead with plans to provide a home to all the players in the electronic industry.”
Asked if there was a possibility of working or even merging with ESDA in the future, Rosenbaum said, “We have tried for a couple of years to negotiate some sort of amalgamation with ESDA, but this has not been successful. However, the door is still open, although the train has already left the station and ESIA is continuing with the objectives it set out to achieve three years ago. But we still firmly believe that it will be beneficial to have one united electronic security industry association and this is why our commitment to achieving this is still on track.”
Chairperson of ESDA, Ray Wilsenach, says, “The executive ESDA committee for 2013 intends to explore ways of adding benefits to existing ESDA members, while attempting to attract all manufacturers and distributors of electronic security products (that do not install) to become members of ESDA.
“No fewer than nine road shows have already been scheduled for this year, and although dates and locations have been set (dates can be obtained from our secretary), we are still in the process of establishing venues.
“The ESDA annual golf day has also already been decided upon, and naturally the ESDA committee will do whatever it takes to ensure that a healthy sum will be raised towards a worthwhile charity, at the same time encouraging our members, their staff and customers to enjoy a good day’s fun.”
Asked if there were chances of a possible merger with ESIA/SIA, Wilsenach said, “With regards to SIA and our relationship with them, I feel that maybe you should be asking them about their relationship with ESDA. ESDA was established long before SIA came along, as was SAIDSA, and possibly a few other associations. What is it in your opinion that makes SIA special?
“As an ESDA committee, we are of the opinion that we will be looking after the interests of our members and, if anything, forming stronger bonds with associations like SAIDSA and possibly even SASA.”
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