BFAAM News Summer 2026

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

IN THIS ISSUE BFAAM to Explore “Secure Act” Legislation in 2027 PAGE 2 Legislative Spotlight: Rep. Steve Frisbie PAGE 3 State Legislature Finalizes Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget PAGE 4 Join the BFAAM PAC PAGE 4 Member Benefits PAGE 6

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT JOHN ROMANO Audio Sentry Corporation

I would like to first and foremost thank you and your employees for your continued loyalty to the Burglar & Fire Alarm Association of Michigan (BFAAM) and our industry. Last year our association was very active on many fronts providing value for our members.

At our annual conference in 2025, we heard updates from the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) and Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing (CSCL) departments from within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) at the State of Michigan. We also hosted an industry roundtable to discuss current top-of-mind topics from our members. Our final session featured the Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Block, who updated the attendees on harmful business legislation before the Michigan Legislature.

The Surprising Thing You Need to Add to Your To-Do List PAGE 8

Our government relations team has been busy advocating on behalf of your industry in Lansing. We are monitoring legislation that would regulate the evergreen clause, or “auto renewal.” We are also hosting legislative receptions at our headquarters this year for both political parties from both chambers. With this being an election year, these provide an excellent opportunity for our leadership to build important relationships with Michigan’s policymakers.

BFAAM Annual Conference & Membership Meeting PAGE 9

In the infancy of the BFAAM Apprenticeship program, we believed the program would enroll roughly 100 apprentices. To date, we have enrolled almost 1000 apprentices in thirteen years and have roughly 213 apprentices currently enrolled. We are currently updating our slides and testing for the apprenticeship program to align with the current codes.

Upcoming Events PAGE 10

I wish you and your company much prosperity in 2026 and beyond!

629 WEST HILLSDALE STREET | LANSING, MI 48933 | 517.485.4832 | WWW.BFAAM.ORG

BFAAM TO EXPLORE “SECURE ACT” LEGISLATION IN 2027 Following increased threats and attacks on elected officials across the country, some states have started to adopt “SECURE Act” legislation that allows public officials to use campaign funds for security expenses.

Currently, elected officials can use campaign dollars for travel, communications and events but are not currently authorized to use those dollars for personal safety measures.

States like Alabama, Illinois, Nevada and Utah have already adopted laws to allow campaign funds to be spent on alarms, locks,

cameras and monitoring systems and BFAAM intends to pursue legislation in Michigan in 2027 to do the same.

The legislation would allow elected officials to spend up to $10,000 per campaign cycle on these security services but would require that the security companies be licensed and the elected officials follow public disclosure laws.

As a point of clarification, these funds would only be campaign dollars and NOT taxpayer dollars.

BFAAM APPRENTICESHIP EXAM TIMELINE

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BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

BFAAM LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Q&A WITH REP. STEVE FRISBIE Before being elected to office, Rep. Frisbie spent 40 years as a paramedic and ambulance service administrator, in addition to serving as a volunteer firefighter for Pennfield Township and the village of Colon.

He also served as an adjunct professor at Kellogg Community College for 23 years.

For 14 years prior to his election to the House, he served as a Calhoun County Commissioner, including as chairman from 2019-2023.

Michigan residents. We need to start running Michigan like a business to ensure fiscal and operational success.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? Listening and learning from my constituents. Meeting with residents of my district helps me identify potential solutions to state problems. My staff have been very good at assisting residents in navigating the quagmire of state government and helping find an answer to their problems or concerns. Hearing from a constituent that I was able to help them is what this job is about. Being engaged also allows me to remind people that more government intervention isn’t always the best solution!

He has also served as a member and leader of many community organizations, including the Pennfield Exchange Club, the Pennfield Schools Educational Foundation, the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority Governing Board of Directors, Miles for Memories, and various youth sports teams.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST HIDDEN GEM IN YOUR DISTRICT? The resilience of the people. Both Battle Creek and Albion have faced major employer challenges over the last few decades, yet both have survived and learned to find solutions to replace jobs and diversify our economy. There are many people across the district working out front, alongside, and behind the scenes to keep moving forward. I admire the passion and tenacity of District 44 and am proud to call it my home.

WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY? Control spending and utilize modern technology to bring accountability to state government. The modernization of Michigan’s government will assist in identifying waste, fraud, and abuse; allowing the Legislature to better prioritize spending that meets the needs of Michigan residents. If we continue growing government and not spending dollars appropriately, we will find it increasingly difficult to save Medicaid, improve student outcomes, and repair our roads and bridges. By modernizing our systems and eliminating waste, we will have adequate funding to meet the expectations of

WHO’S YOUR MODERN DAY HERO? Anyone willing to step up to the plate and try to be elected at the local, state, and national level. When I began as a county commissioner in 2010, the cooperation between Republicans and Democrats was much greater than I expected. That remains the truth, especially at the local level. However, the public comments went from respectful yet challenging, to outright vitriol full of threats and name calling. The participants of that type of rhetoric are small in numbers but always attempt to overwhelm the true majority from wanting to participate publicly.

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

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STATE LEGISLATURE FINALIZES FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET Following a marathon 20-hour session, the Michigan Legislature passed the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget on the morning of July 3rd.

The final tally if you asked lawmakers was $75.2 billion, well under the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, however some analysts say the actual budget in closer to $86 billion.

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Some of the highlights of the budget include: • $200 million to continue free school meals for all public-school students.

• $502 million for student literacy and achievement.

• $96.1 million to make free pre-K for all Michigan children.

• Rolling back the retirement tax • Continuing the Working Families Tax Credit • An additional $250 per student, for a total of $10,300 per pupil.

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THE BFAAM PAC NEEDS YOU!

BFAAM is constantly fighting for our industry, for our livelihoods, and for you! BFAAM cannot do this without your support. Your membership into the BFAAM PAC is more important now than ever. Become a PAC member today! Visit www.bfaam.org/pac to donate online! Large or small, we appreciate any effort you make to help our alarm industry.

Donate 4

BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

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$52.7M additional for roads and bridges $1.6 billion to sustain revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships. $68.5 million in funding for Michigan small business, community growth, and entrepreneurship to support small business. $15.9 million to support Michigan science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (MiSTEM) programs which will increase the number of students who are college- and career-ready upon high school graduation and promote degree attainment in STEM fields.

Eliminated 4,300 unfilled state employee positions.

Governor Whitmer signed the budget into law on July 21st.

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STRONGER TOGETHER

ABOUT BFAAM

Established in 1981, the Burglar and Fire Alarm Association of Michigan (BFAAM) serves a growing, dynamic industry with ever, rapidly changing technology. BFAAM has upgraded the alarm industry, encouraging constant improvement in the quality and professionalism of the products and services offered by the industry.

Through BFAAM, members stay informed about industry trends, technological developments and improved managerial procedures. We proudly offer our members numerous training and safety resources throughout the State. BFAAM created the BFAAM Apprenticeship Program to meet industry needs and requirements and to ensure a future of trained professionals for our industry.

Occasionally there are legislative issues that may have notable repercussions or benefits on the way we conduct business. We closely watch these items and keep the membership advised.

The goals of the association are to: • Promote alarm systems to the general public.

• Provide information on alarm system technology and practices.

• Enhance the professional standing of alarm personnel.

• Strengthen the ethical standards of the alarm industry.

• Promote just and reasonable laws governing alarm usage.

• Regularly assist police by communicating new criminal practices.

MEMBER BENEFITS

BFAAM provides members with a wide range of benefits and resources: • Advocacy — Representation in Lansing to ensure that Michigan lawmakers, regulators and policy leaders are made aware of the concerns and issues that affect the alarm industry.

• Education — NICET, Code Update courses, Apprenticeship Program, etc.

• Conferences — Featuring professionals in all aspects of security such as legal topics, false alarms, new products, legislative updates.

• Voting — Membership in BFAAM gives your company a vote in the direction of our industry.

• Newsletters — Published semi-annually and highlights current events and informative articles.

• Directory – Published annually, searchable and THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM available online, features all member companies.

• Job Bank – BFAAM BFAAM CONFERENC E FOCUSES ON Members can send job REGULATORY ISSUES, MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT DEC ISION openings to post on the BFAAM website for free.

• Consultation — Ability to discuss pertinent issues with the state’s leading alarm dealers.

• Networking — Catching up with your peers provides invaluable insights into the subtleties of our industry.

• Group Purchasing Discounts – A full range of services and programs to meet your company, employee and personal needs with the goal to help you and your company to continue to be successful and profitable. Following is an outline of the discounted benefit programs.

SPRING/SUMMER

2024

IN THIS ISSUE

USDOL Clawson to Lead hip in Office of Apprentices Michigan PAGE 2

JOHN ROMANO ation Audio Sentry Corpor

rence BFAAM Annual Confe PAGE 3

ed loyalty to the ees for your continu forward you and your employ industry. We are looking and foremost thank I would like to first an (BFAAM) and our Association of Michig FALL/WINTER 20 Burglar and Fire Alarm to a great year in 2024. a presentation had A, MiOSH from we heard an update ck Life Safety. nce in the Fall of 2023, from Eaton Wheelo At our annual confere y and a presentation IN THIS ISSUE ng anti-business from Resideo Securit of Commerce regardi titled “Team of Teams” Michigan Chamber ght: l update from the Legislative Spotli We also had a politica Lansing. r the BFAAM Will Snyde PAC ion that’s being proposed in Rep. Join legislat of Michigan’s functions with some PAGE 8 PAGE 2 team hosted several important for us our Government Affairs These functions are As in previous years, arters in Lansing. makers at our headqu ESA Seeks etoCours y. es People, most influential policy Updat Protect on behalf of our industr te advoca 2024 Code and ships Property, and In October, 9 Files to build relation roughly PAGE Places: BFAAM hosted its program would enroll annual conference at the ticeship program, we believed the petition for review with BFAAM years and have roughly the of the BFAAM Appren apprentices in twelve headquar In the infancy ters in Lansing our member Fifth Circuiting enrolled over 700 s Event of Appeals be a great asset for date, we have where Upcom Court has turned out to we tices.

100 appren heardToseveral presentat ionsprogram ly enrolled! This PAGE 10PAGE1654 appren tices current mostly focused ees. employ on on-going and its regulator companies y issues and potential Michigan adopted s is that the State of Legislative Spotlight: drastic changes on paid time d in the past few month courses for the first sick news that we receive host our code update s the best Rep. Dave Prestin Perhapleave based on a Michigan once again able to Rapids. Please keep al code and we are Sun Livonia and Grand electric new preme Court decisionled training sessions betwee from PAGE the five this 5 9. schedu page have see We or summer. Staff from within since 2019! about these events Michfrom BFAAM s update for out an eyeigan Department of Licensing are still has to offer. Dues Member Benefits r benefits BFAAM and Regulatory Affairs e to be ry of all the membe (LARA) and help us continu you will find a summa PAGE 6On pages 6-7the your membership opened conficonferen that you will extend ce Iwith hope prebecoming one. I am 2024 and age you to consider reneweds for beingsentation company on the major departa member, I encour ial for you and your If you are not already ful.within Upcoming Events success ments to be incredibly benefic BFAAM LARAmembe with that ! regulate rship beyond our membership. rity in 2024 and you will find PAGE 8 dent that company much prospe your and you I wish ways.

AJ Libby, in many Electrical Code Inspection Superviso r and Sheila Hartfield, Building visor spoke at length about Code Inspection SuperBFAAM Participates in the plan review process.

The discussion showed what LARA is reporting many inconsistencies in and what our members Michigan Association are seeing in the field. BFAAM of with LARA to address these will continue to work issues. You can view the Chiefs of Police Training Bureau of Construction by clicking here.

Codes (BCC) website Event .ORG WWW.BFAAM Heather Miller, Licensing | 517.485.4832 | PAGE 8 MI 48933 Manager from the Corporations, T | LANSING, ALE STREE Securities and Commerc (CSCL) within the LARA provided 629 WEST HILLSD ial Licensing an update to attendees on the licensing/registratio security alarm contracto rs. To view her presentat n process for ion and contact informati tions, please click here. on or if you have any ques-

cial The Wins of Finan Planning PAGE 4

As many employers across the state know by now, the Michigan Supreme Court that two ballot proposals ruled this summer from 2018 will take effect Feb. 21, 2025 — one raising including that of tipped the minimum wage, employees, and the other enacting a one-size-fits-all full-time, part-time and paid leave benefits for seasonal employees.

What happened: By a vote of 4-3, the Michigan Supreme Court overturned a unanimo ruling from the Court of Appeals in Mothering Justice us bipartisan v Attorney General. The Michigan Legislature’s handling case challenged the of two ballot proposals going imum wage and the other back to 2018: one to increase to enact a one-size-fits-all the minpaid sick leave law. Because referred to as “adopt-an that process, now d-amend,” has been found to be unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme

629 WEST HILLSDALE

STREET | LANSING, MI

48933 | 517.485.4832

| WWW.BFAAM.ORG

GROUP PURCHASING DISCOUNTS

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES We are focused on getting the lowest possible tax liability for you, and we assure the result is in alignment with your individualized goals. As an BFAAM member, you receive our 2 times guarantee on tax planning; meaning whatever fee is paid, you receive double the fee in returned tax savings. Also, if you hire us for ongoing administration services, such as tax preparation and bookkeeping, you will receive a 10% discount on those services for life. Contact Valley Oak at 800.237.5166.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Alliance, formerly Gasaway Investment Advisors, is an investment advisory firm with a unique expertise in working with small and medium sized companies on qualified retirement plans for their employees.

Our team of experienced professionals will work with your company’s leaders to develop a plan that is tailored to meet your company’s goals and then periodically review the plan to meet the needs of your company. This benefit provides discounted third party administration fees. Contact us at 800.237.5166.

HEALTH INSURANCE Our agency has put together a team of Insurance, Human Resources and Technology professionals to provide our clients with the necessary resources to survive in today’s world of Employee Benefits. Our background, education, knowledge and experience puts us in a unique position to suggest solutions that are proven to work. Contact Vantage Pointe today at 800.237.5166.

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL PLANNING BFAAM has teamed with Beyond Financial Planning to offer you complete financial planning services including life and disability insurance. Our team works daily with families to help them “Create, Protect, and Keep Multigenerational Wealth”. Visit our website at www.beyond-fp.com to learn more about Total WEALTH and what it means to you and your family. Contact us at 800.237.5166 or visit our website for more information.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Beyond Financial Planning and Cambridge Investment Research are not affiliated. Registered address is 700 Mall Drive, Ste. C, Portage, MI 49024.

INSURANCE PROGRAM

BFAAM has partnered with Ron Jackson Insurance to provide you a customized solution for your insurance needs. Whether it is your business or your family, you have worked hard for what you have.

Choosing us as your insurance advisor, you will find great protection that comes at the best value for you, the member. How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your insurance program? Call us, 800.237.5166, today to discuss your opportunities. www.ronjacksonins.com.

THE SURPRISING THING TO ADD TO YOUR “TO DO” LIST

BY GREG HARDY, CFP, AEP BEYOND FINANCIAL PLANNING

ing your earnings statements, you can catch any discrepancies and take steps to correct them before it’s too late.

Setting up your Social Security account might not be top of your to-do list, especially if retirement feels like a distant dream. But setting up your account now, no matter your age, can be a game-changer for your financial future. Here’s why:

Moreover, setting up your Social Security account early is a crucial defense against identity theft and fraud. By creating an account and regularly monitoring your earnings statements and benefit estimates, you can detect suspicious activity or unauthorized access to your personal information.

First, having a Social Security account gives you access to a vast library of information about your future benefits. By creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s website, you can view your estimated retirement benefits based on your earnings history. This handy tool helps you plan for retirement and gives you a clearer picture of how your income today impacts your financial security.

Lastly, setting up your Social Security account gives you a line of sight, knowing you’re taking proactive steps to secure your financial future. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, having a solid understanding of your Social Security benefits puts you in the driver’s seat when planning for retirement and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle in your golden years. Click here to get started. We encourage you to take a few minutes to set up your Social Security account today. Your future self will thank you!

Additionally, setting up your Social Security account early allows you to review your earnings history and ensure that everything is accurate. Mistakes happen, and you don’t want errors in your earnings record to affect your future benefits. By regularly check-

GREG HARDY, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP)®, ACCREDITED ESTATE PLANNER (AEP)® IS THE FOUNDER OF BEYOND FINANCIAL PLANNING. HE IS A NATIVE OR SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN. HE GRADUATED FROM WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY WITH HIS DEGREE IN BUSINESS. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.BEYOND-FP.COM OR CALL 269-492-6984.

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BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

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BFAAM Annual Conference & Membership Meeting

OCTOBER 23, 2026

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East Lansing, Michigan

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Register today to join your fellow industry leaders and partners for this special event. Let the Burglar & Fire Alarm Association of Michigan be your best resource and take advantage of our informative updates, interactive discussions and networking opportunities. Sponsorship opportunities also available. Visit bfaam.org for all the event information.

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LOCATION Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center 219 S. Harrison Road East Lansing, MI 48824

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Parking is available in Ramp 4 located off Harrison Road and is connected to the Kellogg Center. Fees are payable using the “Spot On” app or via the on-site kiosk.

REGISTRATION Visit bfaam.org to register. Early registration ends October 9. After October 9 an additional fee of $10 will be added to all registration fees.

Member.......................................................................................... $50 Non-Member.................................................................................$75 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BFAAM is asking for your support to help make this special event a success. We are offering a variety of opportunities to best suit your needs. Sponsorship registration deadline to be included in printed materials is October 9. Visit bfaam.org to register as a sponsor.

Meeting Sponsor $250 – Includes space for promotional materials, special recognition during the conference and one complimentary conference registration.

Lunch Sponsor $500 – Includes company name and logo displayed throughout lunch, space for promotional materials, special recognition during the conference, and one complimentary conference registration.

AGENDA 9:30am Registration 10:00am – 10:30am BFAAM Business Meeting and Election of Directors 10:30am – 11:15am Presentation from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) Update • Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) Update • Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing (CSCL) Update 11:15am – 11:30am Break 11:30am – 11:45am Legislative Update Dan Papineau, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Michigan Chamber of Commerce 11:45am – 12:30pm AI Presentation Joe Ross, Partner, CR Marketing 12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch & Networking

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

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629 W. Hillsdale St. | Lansing, MI 48933 517.485.4832 | www.bfaam.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT John Romano VICE PRESIDENT Roy Rogers TREASURER Daniel Decker, CFPS, CPP, SET SECRETARY Brett Byrnes DIRECTORS Ross Caraway Tom Delisle Robert Hakim Alan Joseph Jason McDonald Jason Wolfenden Jake Wynsma VENDOR LIAISON Jennifer Martineau SUPPLIER LIAISON Dean Belisle

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jason Wadaga DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Derek Dalling EVENT DIRECTOR Geri Root FINANCIAL & PAC ADMINISTRATOR Miranda Strunk MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR Trina Miller CREATIVE & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Melissa Travis COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Natalia Kocovski

UPCOMING EVENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING September 9, 2026 Virtual BFAAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE October 23, 2026 Kellogg Center, East Lansing BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING October 23, 2026 Kellogg Center, East Lansing BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING December 2, 2026 Virtual