October 4, 2007

INDUSTRY ACCESS*

Stanley Works to buy OSI Security Devices

The Stanley Works announced it has, through an undisclosed subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement to buy OSI Security Devices, a wireless access control manufacturer based in Sunnyvale, CA. OSI's most popular brand is Omnilock, reported Security Systems News. Full Story

DORMA Names New President of DORMA Automatics

DORMA Group North America has named Gerald B. Hendrick President of DORMA Automatics, Inc. He will be responsible for all of the division's products and services. In his new role, Hendrick will also oversee the Crane Revolving Door and Carolina Door Control brands, which with DORMA Automatics comprise the DORMA Entrance Systems marketing unit.

As the previous director of sales and marketing for DORMA Automatics, Hendrick built on a background that encompasses nearly 20 years of experience in the architectural products industry. Before arriving at DORMA, he was division president for an automatic door manufacturer and has extensive familiarity with senior management with branch sales and operations.

Click here for more Industry Access news including recent new hires, merger & acquisition activity and who's offering new products.

* DHI Members may submit news releases to be considered for inclusion in DHI's IndustryWatch. Send to: jmadden@dhi.org.

BUSINESS UPDATE

In July 2007, RSMeans’ national construction cost index for the U.S. recorded its lowest year-over-year increase (+4.6%) in three-and-a-half years, dating back to January 2004 (+2.4%). During the intervening period, the largest year-over-year price jump (+10.5%) occurred in January 2005, reported Building Team Forecast. Full Story

The 0.5% cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve Board will spur economic activity, including demand for building space and facilities. Just as important, the FRB action made a major contribution to restoring access to mortgage funding in the subprime and jumbo (over $417,000 loans) mortgage markets and preventing the spread of credit availability problems to nonresidential construction market. But these positives come at the cost of slightly higher inflation across the economy. Contractors will see the consequences in a few months for materials and services, including labor, that are priced in domestic markets. However, the prices of materials largely priced in international markets, such as metals, cement and oil-based products, will quickly move in the opposite direction. This is because the FRB action strengthened the $US, which had been declining rapidly. A stronger dollar means correspondingly lower import prices, reported Jim Haughey in Building Team Forecast. Full Story

Fast Company magazine’s recent critique of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green rating system cited critics of LEED who claim the standard falls short of what’s possible in terms of saving energy. Fast Company’s Anya Kamenetz also asked whether the U.S. Green Building Council's financial success could be standing in the way of more stringent green-building standards. Full Story USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi responded in letters to Fast Company and USGBC chapters. Read Responses

Building Design+Construction’s is hosting a free webcast on Oct. 25, "Big New Ideas in hotel, casino, and resort design and construction." Topics will include lobby design and function; guest room innovations; energy and water conservation issues; market positioning and its effect on design; and the concept of "hotel as experience." Click here for more information

The cooperatively produced standard-form contracts written mainly by owners and contractors under the ConsensusDOCS banner contain new payment security for subcontractors among other terms. With all of the 70-plus forms released Sept. 28, the effort represents three years of work by 23 industry associations and an attempt to speed up contract negotiations and build trouble-free projects by starting from mutually agreed ideas of what is fair, reported Engineering News-Record. Full Story

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Nonresidential building in August jumped 16% to $222.1 billion (annual rate). Much of the increase reflected a surge for manufacturing plant construction, which climbed an exceptional 508% from a weak July, reported McGraw-Hill Construction. Hotel construction advanced 20% in August, regaining some of the strength that had been reported earlier in the year. Full Story

The U.S. Green Building Council will roll out its new rating system for residential construction, LEED for Homes, on Nov. 8, at the Greenbuild Conference and Expo. New homes and major renovations will be rated for environmental performance in site selection and preparation, energy and water use, building and finishing materials, and indoor air quality. The National Association of Home Builders is expected to launch a similar rating system in 2008, reported Building Design & Construction. Full Story

SECURITY & SAFETY

CDW Government, Inc. released the findings of the CDW-G School Safety Index, a research project benchmarking the current status of public school district safety. Based on 14 elements of physical and cyber safety, the survey of 381 school district IT and security directors highlights the indicators of strong district safety programs, as well as the barriers to school safety. The CDW-G School Safety Index reveals that districts are having greater success with cyber security than physical security. Full Story

To bring awareness to the importance of emergency planning in commercial real estate, Washington, DC-based BOMA Intl. has released its top 12 ways for property professionals to be prepared for any emergency situation that may arise, reported Buildings.com. Full Story

Security Distributing & Marketing takes a look at health care as a vertical market, including where the growth areas are and how dealers and systems integrators can get a piece of the health care pie. Full Story

Brazil’s investment in security protection products and systems will grow by more than 16.2% annually through 2012, according to SIA’s Brazil Security Market Report, a new international market report released today by The Security Industry Association (SIA). Full Story

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

A federal judge in San Francisco extended a temporary restraining order preventing immigration authorities from using mismatched Social Security data to go after employers who may have hired undocumented workers. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said the planned federal crackdown would cause "serious irreparable harm" to immigration and labor groups that filed a lawsuit against the federal government. After a two-hour hearing, Breyer said he would issue a final ruling within 10 days, reported the Los Angeles Times. Full Story

The New York State Education Department has added construction to its list of initiatives that can improve student learning, announcing a partnership with other state agencies to promote energy-efficient "green" school buildings. The team effort, named the Collaborative for High Performance Schools includes the state Education Department, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and an advisory council of representatives from the state Department of Health, the Healthy Schools Network and an extensive list of professional organizations for school administrators, members of the building trades and architects, reported The Journal News. Full Story

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Employment Discrimination

H.R. 3685 – legislation to prevent employment discrimination based on sexual orientation – will be considered and most likely approved by the House Education and Labor Committee this week and will be on the House floor in short order. It would basically provided Title VII of the Civil Rights Act coverage to individuals who believe they are being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. The term “sexual orientation” means homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.

Health Care Costs

Between spring of 2006 and spring 2007, premiums increased an average of 6.1% for employer-sponsored health insurance, a slower rate than the 7.7% increase in 2006. This is the fourth consecutive year with a lower rate of growth than the previous year, and the lowest rate of growth since 1999, when premiums increased 5.3%.

AMT Showdown

We have been reading all year about the House Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Relief/Repeal Initiative. The AMT relief "patch," the temporary threshold increase, has expired. If Congress does not renew it, some folks are in for a big surprise in April.

DHI's Jerry Heppes sits on the board of the Small Business Legislative Council. If you'd like more information on these or other issues affecting small businesses, feel free to contact him at jheppes@dhi.org.

This material is protected under copyright law and contains confidential information. It is for the sole personal, informational use of DHI members. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, referenced as a source for attribution, or otherwise made public

FOUNDATION NEWS

The Foundation’s 2007 Online Auction is Looking for Donors and Sponsors

Please visit lifesafetyfoundation.cmarket.com to see what will be available for bid starting October 18th. There is still time to donate or sponsor an item. Please contact Bill Johnson if you would like additional information. bjohnson@dhi.org or 703.766.7039

Local Community News — How Can You Make a Difference?

The articles included below are meant to inform and offer insight as to opportunities the Foundation, in coordination with the DHI membership, could continue to support our local communities in some fashion.

Most Schools in Town Violating State Fire Code
A 55-page report outlining numerous code violations in the North Providence ’s public schools has some members of the School Committee expressing outrage that they were not told of the violations earlier. Full Story

Grandville Locks Classroom Doors for Safety
Unless they're running late to class, Emily Sierawski said her Grandville High School classmates don't seem to mind a new policy calling for classroom doors to be locked. But administrators are not necessarily looking to crack down on tardy students. They worry about more dangerous individuals. Full Story

Post Katrina – School needs $50 Lock
People are still waiting for Road Home grants and SBA loans to fix their houses. We are paying for round-the-clock security because we can’t get a lock for the front door of the school. That’s right. We have paid thousands of dollars to a security company because we can’t get a $50 lock for the front door! Click here to read the full story or email Roslyn Johnson Smith, Ph.D. rjsmith52@aol.com

Juvenile Detention Center Getting New Security System
The Comanche County (TX) Juvenile Detention Center is finally getting a new security system. The Juveniles in the center had found a way to pick the locks and get out of their rooms. They don't get far since once their in the hallway, the guards are able to catch them before they can get through the door at the end. Now, that will all be coming to an end. Full Story

Companies, Chapters and Individuals Committed to Making a Difference

Thank you to all of the individuals, companies and chapters that continue to support the foundation. Click here for a complete list of contributors (as of September 5th).

It is with this type of commitment that the foundation is able to continue to advance our important message of life safety and security.

Your support continues to make a difference. Thank you.

Keep up-to-date with the latest Foundation news and programs, please visit www.lifesafetysecurity.org

DHI NEWS

Make Your Plans to Attend DHI’s 32nd Annual Conference and Exposition, October 13 – 20, 2007 in Nashville!

Contact DHI at 703-222-2010 or Register On-Site in Nashville!

Your peers have all made their plans to attend…have you? You can’t afford to miss this MONUMENTAL industry event including the launch of the Annual Fire Door Assembly Inspection Program (AFDAIP), the most expansive DHI course offerings in one location AND over 150 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest products and services!

PLUS! This year’s Forum for the Future will speak to the business aspects associated with the 2007 edition of NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Door and Other Opening Protectives requirements for the annual inspection of fire-rated door assemblies. Find out how it will affect YOU! The 2007 Forum will provide exclusive insight into the insurance, staffing, marketing and financial ramifications of becoming engaged in this initiative. You can’t afford to miss this Foundation for the Advancement of Life Safety and Security sponsored event on Thursday, October 18, 2007 from 12:30 – 4:15 pm! Registration for this event is only $100 and space is limited! Reserve your spot TODAY!