The Gazette Volume 2.9 Issue December 2024 |
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Brandon Shepard
GELSSA President |
| Dear GELSSA Members and Friends,
As we close out another year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and commitment to our association. Your dedication is what makes GELSSA thrive, as we continue to strengthen our association and industry.
I would like to challenge you to recommend at least one new member to GELSSA! Expanding our association brings fresh ideas, new perspectives, and greater opportunities for growth and collaboration. Think of colleagues, partners, or associates who would benefit from being part of our association and encourage them to join us or click here to send us their information and we will be happy to reach out to explain the benefits of joining!
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Looking ahead, I am excited about our Q1 meeting and expo. It will be a fantastic event featuring insightful sessions, valuable networking, and the latest industry updates. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 7th at the Governors Gun Club in Kennesaw and stay tuned for more details—we have some great things in store including inspirational speakers, technology subject matter experts and a fun shooting competition!! Let's see your shooting skills on the range!
Thank you once again for your support and participation throughout the year. I wish you a very Merry Christmas, wonderful Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year! Sincerely, Brandon Shepard GELSSA President |
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As we approach the end of 2024, it's a great opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments and milestones that GELSSA has achieved this year. It has been a transformative year for our association, marked by growth, innovation, and strengthened member engagement! Here is a summary of our 2024 accomplishments so far...
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New Leadership
In February, I was honored to take the reins as the new Executive Director and bring a fresh vision centered around growth to GELSSA. This transition has been pivotal in driving forward several key initiatives and enhancing the overall effectiveness of our organization. Technology and Innovation -
This year, we launched an Association Management System that is fully integrated with QuickBooks. This powerful system has streamlined our back-office management, event registrations, website, app, and so much more, significantly improving our operational efficiency.
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In March, our completely re-designed GELSSA website went live. The new site offers a more user-friendly experience, providing easier access to information and resources for our members. Along with this, we transitioned to online registration for all events, making the process more convenient and efficient for everyone involved.
Communication and Outreach -
We released new marketing materials and a Media Kit specifically designed for our Associate Members. These tools have been instrumental in promoting our association and attracting new members.
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In April, we re-launched "The Gazette," our association’s newsletter that you are reading right now, which has received positive feedback for its fresh look and valuable content.
Educational Initiatives and Events -
In June, we hosted a Sales Webinar presented by Gretchen Gordon with Braveheart Sales Performance, which was a resounding success. This webinar provided members with actionable insights and strategies to enhance their sales performance and beat out the competition.
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Our membership has grown by an impressive 45% year-to-date, increasing from 54 to 78 members. This growth is a testament to the value GELSSA provides and the active participation of our members in spreading the word.
Member Engagement and Events -
We have significantly expanded our communication reach, tripling the universe we communicate with through various platforms. This broader reach has helped us stay connected with our members and keep them informed about important updates and events.
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We also launched the GELSSA App, which has further improved our members' ability to stay engaged and access resources on the go.
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Our annual Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, with over a 100% increase in golfer participation compared to 2023. This event not only provided a fun and competitive atmosphere but also fostered networking and camaraderie among participants.
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The Q3 Membership Meeting and Braves Game was another highlight of the year. This event featured an insightful Cyber Security Session followed by an enjoyable evening at Truist Park, blending education with entertainment.
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The GELSSA Fall Summit was completely redesigned this year, offering groundbreaking education and unparalleled networking opportunities. This event set a new standard for our summits and was highly praised by attendees.
Leadership and Future Directions -
We are proud to have added new Board Members who bring fresh perspectives and are motivated to take GELSSA to new heights. Their enthusiasm and innovative ideas will be crucial as we continue to grow and evolve.
As we look forward to 2025, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We are committed to building on this year’s successes and continuing to provide valuable resources and support to our members.
Thank you to all our members, partners, and volunteers for your dedication and contributions. Together, we have made 2024 an outstanding year for GELSSA, and I am confident that 2025 will be even better.
Wishing you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year! Kind Regards,
Shannon Few GELSSA Executive Director |
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Research Insights from Zonda |
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New Home Market Update from Zonda:
New home sales were stable in October despite higher interest rates
"Recent months have presented a mixed bag for the housing market. The presidential election was decisive with a clear winner by the end of the night. In addition, the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates for the second time this year. Both were important milestones for sidelined consumers who had paused their home search earlier this year given the uncertainty. The challenge has been that mortgage rates reversed their course. In September, mortgage rates hit the lowest level since late-2022 as investors reacted to and planned for rates cuts and slower economic growth. By early October, mortgage rates were already trending up in anticipation of increased government spending, stronger economic growth projections, and the prospect of a pickup in inflation. The resulting impact has been significant volatility in the mortgage market, including rates surging back into the low-7%s."
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We Are Planning Ahead! Check Out Our 2025 Event Schedule Below and Mark Your Calendar! |
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GELSSA Members Receive Discounts on ESA Training |
All GELSSA members receive ESA Member Pricing on ESA's National Training School course purchases!
This represents significant savings on training up to 30%! To receive the GELSSA member discount code please reach out to Shannon.Few@gelssa.org. This is one more easy way to recoup your GELSSA dues very quickly! |
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Thank You to Our Premier Partner!! |
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Following GELSSA on social media is the best way to stay updated with the latest industry news, event announcements, and member highlights. Our social media platforms provide a space for real-time interaction, valuable insights, and networking opportunities with fellow professionals in the electronic life safety and systems industry. Don’t miss out on exclusive content, expert tips, and the chance to engage with the vibrant GELSSA community. Join us today and be part of the conversation driving our industry forward! |
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