Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from A-Gas Americas. As a Reminder We will be CLOSED for normal business on Thursday November 26th & Friday November 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We are available for Emergency recharges! If you have an Emergency and need immediate assistance please contact Terri on the Emergency Recharge Hotline 419-466-6238! Thank you and have a safe and blessed holiday!

Halon Alternatives in Data Centers

http://www.facilitiesnet.com/firesafety/article/Halon-Alternatives-Provide-Suppression-Without-Hurting-Environment--13805

Super Halon Woman!

The Official limited addition (as in ONLY ONE) Terri AuFrance Bobble head! A token of our appreciation for Terri's continued hard work and passion for the fire suppression Industry. We are truly blessed to have our "Super Halon Woman" on our team! Thank you Terri!

Clean Agent Fire Suppression System

Thanks to The ARA GROUP in Australia for this great Video. Check out more info about their company here: http://www.aragroup.com.au/

NFPA Conference & EXPO 2014

EPA SNAP Status Changes...

FSSA ANNUNCIATOR- A Monthly News Update from the FSSA- Issue 66, April 2014 - Bayesian Filter detected spam

MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE Since the Annual Forum the marketing committee has been hard at work acting on many of the ideas framed at the strategic planning meeting in October.   Over 30 members have already volunteered to serve and were divided amongst the three areas of focus - - Promoting, Educating, and Growing. If you would like more information on the specific topics that fall under the aforementioned categories or if you are interested in joining this collaborative effort, please email Vince, at FSSA Headquarters. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING The next Technical Committee meeting will take place at the Hilton O'Hare Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.  Guests are welcome. Click here to RSVP as a guest. DUPONT INTRODUCES ITS SCIENCE OF PROTECTION TEAM For those of you that attended the recent FSSA annual meeting in beautiful San Diego, California, we hope you had the opportunity to meet the DuPont Science of Protection Team.  We are an experienced group of DuPont professionals dedicated to the fire business.  Our mission is to help protect lives and critical assets through education/awareness of the value and importance of suppression systems. We strive to motivate end-users and consultants to specify clean agents for mission-critical applications and to provide you with the support and tools needed to succeed in this rapidly changing market.  Those of us that are new to the fire industry appreciate the warm welcome received at the annual meeting. In addition to our current team, here is what you can expect from us: Helen Lowery (an FSSA director) and Jed Seay will be circulating across the US and Canada.   Rob Lee will be emphasizing special projects and targeted market segments; looking for new market sectors for suppression and ways to remove barriers to sale in our traditional markets.   Jill Moncarz will be creating the tools we need to make our message more effective.  We have also expanded our Global team by adding resources in other key regions.  So, if you have a particularly challenging situation, a potential suppression project or application that needs support, or just need help shedding some illumination on the wonders of clean agent fire protection, we can help. For more than 50 years, DuPont has provided reliable, cost-effective clean agent fire suppression solutions with a dedication to safety. Our long history of success is the result of a close and active working relationship with the critical suppression equipment providers, installing contractors, and the many agents of influence that engage in fire suppression projects. For more information, call 1-800-473-7790. FSSA TO EXHIBIT AT NFPA The FSSA will be exhibitng at this years NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, NV.  Volunteers are welcome to help represent the FSSA.  Should you find yourself at the show this year and wanting to help in the booth email Vince Mullhausen at FSSA HQ. MEMBERSHIP DUES NOTICE It's that time of year again for the yearly renewal process.  Dues renewals will be sent out this month for the 2014-2015 calendar year.  Thank you to those who have already renewed for the upcoming year. Questions about billing, payment, or maybe want to get a jump start on the process?  Please contact Jason Dumm, Financial Coordinator at headquarters for assistance. 2015 FSSA ANNUAL FORUM The 2015 Annual Forum will be held next February 21 - 24 in Clearwater Beach, FL at the Sandpearl Resort. More information coming soon. FSSA TRAINING PROGRAM The FSSA Training program is live!  If you reserved a spot at the forum invoices were emailed in May. For questions regarding the training program or to reserve your space, please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA HQ.

FSSA, the FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION, is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members internationally. FSSA is a unique blend of designer/installers, manufacturers and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.   The mission of FSSA is to promote the use of, and be the leading recognized authority on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. Interested in passing along information on FSSA to prospective members? FSSA has printed cards proclaiming "WHY Join the FSSA" with information on member benefits. If you would like a stack of cards mailed to you so that you can distribute them to your colleagues, please contact FSSA Headquarters. Crista LeGrand, CAE, CMP - Executive Director Vince Mullhausen - Meetings & Member Services Donna Liberto - Financial Manager Jason Dumm - Financial Coordinator (contact Jason for all membership dues & meeting registration payments or invoicing) The complete archive of The Annunciator is available on the FSSA website. Click here to view.  Please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA Headquarters if you would like to have a colleague added to the mailing list. Copyright © 2013 Fire Suppression Systems Association. All rights reserved.

FSSA UPDATES

FSSA 2014 ANNUAL FORUM RECAP The FSSA recently held its 2014 Annual Forum in San Diego, CA.  With over 170 attendees, this year’s meeting was a huge success!  A big thank you to our volunteer program committee members who organized an informative and educational program that included guest speakers from DLB Associates, Minimax, The Wackel Group, Tyco, UL, Wesco HMB, and the Fire Chief of Redding, CA.  In case you were not able to attend this year we have posted the presentations to our home page and have linked them here. Mark your calendar for next year’s Annual Forum for February 21 – 24, 2015 in Clearwater Beach, FL at the Sandpearl Resort. FSSA ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT At this year’s annual forum Eric Burkland, Healey Fire Protection was elected to serve as president of FSSA for 2014-15. Eric has over 13 years’ experience in design engineering, project sales & project management of engineered special hazard fire protection systems including specialty gas & flame detection, air sampling, clean agents, CO2, foam, dry chemical, explosion-suppression, water mist and water deluge systems for industrial and commercial applications.  Eric has served on the FSSA since 2009 when he was appointed Vice-Chair of the Installer’s Division.  Eric is the youngest President ever to serve for the FSSA.  Left: Bob Burkland, Owner, Healey Fire Protection Right: Eric Burkland, President, FSSA FSSA 2015 FORUM TOURNAMENT An impromptu but fiercely competitive ping pong tournament took place after this years President's Reception and Banquet. Steve Foulk, Comprehensive Fire Technologies, winding up for his serve. Tim Pope, Janus Fire Systems, employing his be the ball strategy. Tim was the reigning champion of the night and its easy to see why with all that focus in the picture above.  That was until  Brad Stilwell of Fike Corporation arrived and apparently swept up the competition.  Will the ping pong masters continue this over into next years forum?  We shall see. 2014 - 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The FSSA would like to congratulate and welcome its 2014-15 Board of Directors: PRESIDENT: Eric Burkland | Healey Fire Protection Inc. VICE PRESIDENT: Tim Carman | Tyco SECRETARY/TREASURER: Steve Carter | Orr Protection Systems, Inc. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Dale Kent | 3M Company DIRECTORS: Matt Euson | 3S Incorporated Tina Nelissen | Amerex Corporation Scott Bailey | Koorsen Fire & Security Mike Kiamanesh | WAYSMOS USA Inc John Lawlor | Keystone Fire Protection Helen Lowery | DuPont Fluoroproducts Bill Howerton | Fike Corporation Rick Scott | BFPE International Todd Stevens | Minimax USA LLC INSTALLERS DIVISION:  Bill Blanchard (Chair) | Great Lakes Building Systems, Inc. Anna Gavin (Vice Chair) | Fireline Corporation MANUFACTURERS DIVISION: John Demeter (Chair) | Wesco HMB Kevin Murray (Vice Chair) | Siemens Industry MEMBERSHIP DUES NOTICE It's almost that time of year again for the yearly renewal process.  Dues renewals will be sent out in the next month for the 2014-2015 calendar year.  Thank you to those who have already renewed for the upcoming year. Questions about billing, payment, or maybe want to get a jump start on the process?  Please contact Jason Dumm, Financial Coordinator at headquarters for assistance. NEW USPS POSTAGE RATE INCREASE In case you have not heard the FSSA would like to inform its members of the recent postage rate increase. On January 26, 2014 the rate to mail a first class letter rose from $0.46 to $0.49. Click here to download a printable rate increase chart. 2015 FSSA ANNUAL FORUM The 2015 Annual Forum will be held next February 21 - 24 in Clearwater Beach, FL at the Sandpearl Resort. More information coming soon. FSSA TRAINING PROGRAM The FSSA Training program is live!  If you reserved a spot at the forum invoices were emailed in May. For questions regarding the training program or to reserve your space, please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA HQ. Table of Contents 2014 FSSA Annual Forum Recap FSSA Elects New President Forum Ping Pong Tournament 2014 - 2015 Board of Directors 14-15 Dues Notice New USPS Rates 2015 Annual Forum   FSSA Training Program Have News to Share? Do you have news to share about your company or newsworthy topic?  Send it our way and it may be included in an issue of the Annunciator.  You can email Vince with your news. Volunteers Needed! FSSA's Marketing & Membership Committees are looking for volunteers to serve on the committees and assist the association with marketing, communication, and membership recruitment efforts.  If you are interested in participating and offering your expertise, please contact Vince at FSSA Headquarters via email.     FSSA, the FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION, is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members internationally. FSSA is a unique blend of designer/installers, manufacturers and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.   The mission of FSSA is to promote the use of, and be the leading recognized authority on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. Interested in passing along information on FSSA to prospective members? FSSA has printed cards proclaiming "WHY Join the FSSA" with information on member benefits. If you would like a stack of cards mailed to you so that you can distribute them to your colleagues, please contact FSSA Headquarters. Crista LeGrand, CAE, CMP - Executive Director Vince Mullhausen - Meetings & Member Services Donna Liberto - Financial Manager Jason Dumm - Financial Coordinator (contact Jason for all membership dues & meeting registration payments or invoicing) The complete archive of The Annunciator is available on the FSSA website. Click here to view.  Please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA Headquarters if you would like to have a colleague added to the mailing list. Copyright © 2013 Fire Suppression Systems Association. All rights reserved.

FFEDA offering Spring CE's

Continuing education is an important part of our industry.  Make sure you take every opportunity to expand your industry experience.  

Passing of James J. McSweeney

Passing of James J. McSweeney

FSSA regrets to inform you of the recent passing of JAMES J. McSWEENEY, beloved husband of Cindy (nee Binelli), after a long battle with cancer. Jim was the co-owner of Gemcom, Inc. with his nephew John Kelly.
He was the devoted father of Todd (Nikkie), Casey (Ning) & Jim (Kristina); loving grandfather of Jackie (Ed), Brittani, Phillipe, Porsha, Isabella, Dario, Gabriela & Kai; great-grandfather of Ivory; devoted son of Marion nee Hawks & the late Robert McSweeney; brother of Bob (Michele), Kathy (Bob) Kelly & Mike (Danette); brother-in-law of Kathie (Dave) Bass, Micki (Dave) Bohac & Chuck (Chris) Binelli; fond uncle of many nieces & nephews.  
"Big Jim" was a beloved friend of many & best buddy to Chewy & Snoopy. 
A Celebration of Jim's life will be held, tomorrow, January 31, 2014, 3-8 p.m. at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, 12294 Archer Ave., Lemont, IL (630) 257-5872. For more information, click here or call (708) 839-8999. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made here to NextSteps Chicago in Willow Springs, IL.

Grow with us!