Sharman Honored at 2012 SIA Public Policy Dinner

Stroia and Erickson receive special recognition for government relations work

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Craig Sharman, Director of Federal Government Relations at Tyco International, was presented with the Security Industry Association (SIA) Statesman Award at the organization’s annual Public Policy Dinner. The dinner, held at The Hamilton in Washington, DC is part of the SIA Government Summit — the premier public policy conference in the security industry.

The SIA Statesman award is the highest award presented to an SIA volunteer who makes significant contributions toward the attainment of SIA’s government relations goals.

Since becoming active with SIA after joining Tyco in 2008, Sharman has worked tirelessly to help drive and coordinate SIA’s lobbying activities among member companies with DC-based lobbying offices.  He has also offered sage advice on a number of public policy issues ranging from implementation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to issues related to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. His strong knowledge of grant program management issues has been particularly helpful to the organization.

Sharman was heavily involved in a key legislative victory for the security industry: the passage of HR 5740, which President Obama signed into law in 2011. Introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), and backed by a coalition led by SIA, the legislation exempts electronic security companies from the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, which requires electronic devices to meet certain efficiency standards while in “no-load” mode. EISA was written in such a way that it applied even to security and life safety devices – such as video surveillance, intrusion detection, and access control systems – even though such equipment must always be in “active” mode.

Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH) and Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) were also honored at the dinner, where they were each presented with the Legislator of the Year Award for their work on carbon monoxide legislation.

SIA Chairman Jay Hauhn presented outgoing Government Relations Chair John Stroia of the Will-Burt Company with a special award for his service to the industry. Hauhn also recognized SIA’s CEO Don Erickson, who was the association’s Director of Government Relations for 6 years, with a special award in recognition of his work on behalf of the industry.

About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities, and fostering collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Expos and Conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground Conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

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