8 Keynotes January/February 2025 aloa.org WHAT’S NEW INDUSTRY NEWS, ALOA NEWS, NEW PRODUCTS AND MORE SAFETECH Registration Is Open! S AFETECH REGISTRATION IS OPEN ONLINE AT www.aloamembers.org. Register now for your best chance of getting the classes you want. Register by March 15 to get the discounted rate. There are a variety of classes for professionals of all levels, from safe work newbies to seasoned professionals. This is a great networking opportunity! Find out more on the SAFETECH Convention section on www.aloa.org. Florida County Cancels Locksmith Licensing Program H ILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA HAS ANNOUNCED it has canceled locksmith licensing. Hillsborough County Code Enforcement’s Regulatory Compliance Section will no longer issue, monitor or register Hillsborough County Locksmith Services Businesses licenses. The licensing of this occupation was preempted by the Florida Legislature through passage of House and Senate bills 735 and1142/Occu- pation Licensing, which supersedes any local occupational licensing requirements effective July 1, 2025. Effective January 1, 2025, no new licenses will be issued or renewed. Additionally, all currently held valid local licenses shall expire no later than June 1, 2025. However, please note that all citizen safety and security concerns, including but not limited to, false advertising and deceptive trade practices will still be addressed by the County’s Consumer Protection Department. For more information, contact Isaac Ruffin at (813) 274-6779 or ruffini@hcflgov. For industry legislative assistance, contact [email protected]. POLA Celebrates 60th Anniversary O N DECEMBER 1, THE PENN-OHIO LOCKSMITHS Association (POLA) held its annual Christmas party and celebration of its 60th anniversary. Unfortunately, none of the charter members are still alive, but there were two 50-year members present and several 45- and 40-year members. A magician served as entertainment, and there were drawings for many items donated by distributors and members. One of the draw- ings was for a week of classes at the 2025 ALOA Convention & Security Expo in Orlando. Congrat- ulations to Douglas Krucinski! ALOA donated a full education package to ALOA 2025 in Orlando at POLA’s recent event. Left to right are ALOA President Bill Mandle- baum, POLA President Clay Hart and Douglas Krucinski, the lucky winner.
