largest corporations. World Class Benefits are available to all ALOA members, their employees, independent contractors and families. It’s easy to apply online, by tele- phone or on paper. The choice is yours. All plans are available on a standalone basis, allowing you to choose only the coverage that you want and need. Go to the ALOA website at www.aloa.org, and click on the Health Insurance box. Online live training. This initiative, which was implemented last year, allows members to receive training without trav- eling outside of their homes. FindALocksmith.com. The site has been redesigned, allowing each member to add his own listing, and purchase display ad- vertising for his/her company right on the site. This will be one of the most powerful marketing benefits of ALOA membership — a powerful online search tool that pro- vides customers with instant search results of qualified professional locksmiths in their neighborhoods. Locksmith search and referrals. ALOA will refer your members’ businesses to na- tional companies, as well as to individu- als inquiring about locksmith services in a specific area. Industry validation. When it comes to working with business and consumer us- ers of locksmith/security services, reputa- tion and credentials are critical. A certi- fied ALOA member has instant validation within the industry, as many manufactur- ers will only release sensitive materials to ALOA members. The ALOA Store. With more than 150 technical, reference and business books and CDs with member discounts. ALOA has partnered with Logodogz to offer mem- bers-only apparel, including uniforms and accessories, available 24/7 for shopping convenience. Online education. ALOA offers web- based training (WBT) courses through licensing arrangements with several ven- 36 KEYNOTES JULY/AUGUST 2014 ues on the latest security technology, with member-only discounts that include around-the-clock access for learning at your own pace, in your own time; comprehen- sive lessons with interactive audio visual training; downloadable course notes; and ALOA PRP re-certification program points. Assembly inspection course. Provided online and in conjunction with the ALOA classroom, this course enables students to achieve the ALOA certification Certified Fire Door Inspector (CFDI). ALOA Public Service Announcements (PSAs). ALOA offers members an exclu- sive public service announcement they can use to promote the use of locksmiths, and a commercial spot they can use for their own business. Industry bonding. ALOA members with two or more years experience in the field are eligible to apply for a free, $15,000 fidelity bond through the association. The ALOA Convention & Security Expo. This event has built an interna- tional reputation among locksmiths as the must-see security show of the year. The weeklong event hosts more than 100 world-class educational sessions, some 300 exhibitors and more than 2,000 at- tendees. It serves as a powerful opportu- nity for insight and information and for making those connections that count. ALOA membership provides up to a $300 discount on a full package. ALOA Continuing Education (ACE). Recognized by the industry as the pre- mier locksmith education program, ACE brings more than 200 full-day classes of instructor-led classroom training to mem- bers throughout the country. Computer-based testing. ALOA pro- vides computer-based certification exams that let you complete certification by ap- pointment at local testing centers. This reduces costs such as time away from business and additional travel and lodg- ing expenses. Industry certification. Through indus- try certification offerings and the PRP, ALOA has certified more than 4,000 lock- smiths nationwide. The Certified Auto- motive Locksmith (CAL) is one of the newer specialty certifications, and is for automotive locksmiths. The professional certifications offered only through ALOA — Registered Locksmith (RL), Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) and Certi- fied Master Locksmith (CML) — are rec- ognized and respected designations in the industry, and are equated with individu- als who demonstrate a higher standard of professionalism, knowledge, experience and expertise. The CFL certification for highly qualified investigative locksmiths is among the industry certifications of- fered by ALOA. Developed by ALOA and IFDIA, the cooperative program that enables lock- smiths to become Certified Fire Door In- spectors is receiving even greater interest since its beginning in 2010. Many calls and emails have been received concern- ing the program. Keynotes. The official, award-winning monthly membership magazine of ALOA, Keynotes provides the news, tips and trends you need to successfully grow your business in the security industry. The magazine has won numerous awards in 2012 and 2013, and its page count was recently increased to 64 pages per issue. ALOA’s electronic weekly update. De- livered straight to members’ inboxes, the Weekly Update is a members-only source for breaking industry news, as well as up- coming association events. Respectfully submitted, Mary A. May Executive Director WWW.ALOA.ORG
