THE LAST WORD
ASSIST AND THE SECURITY PROFESSION IN TEXAS
�Providing the Leadership and Vision for Today and Tomorrow�
As you read this, the legislative session is only a few
short months away. One thing I have learned is that every
session is different and you cannot predict what will happen.
However, we still need to prepare.
Back in July, ASSIST, TALI, TBFAA, and TLA all met
with DPS representatives to map out plans for the upcoming
session. I am happy to say that in all my years with
ASSIST, the relationship with TALI, TBFAA and TLA has
never been better. In our meeting, the four trade associations
displayed a �we are family� attitude. It is the most
positive I have ever felt going into a session. For the first
time in many years we don�t seem to have separate battles
looming ahead. It looks like the battles we might have
will be the kind all of us can fight together. As we sat
around the table, each of us speculating what might be
ahead, the bond grew tighter. By the time we were finished,
our focus was clear and together.
In the recent past, the Walk the Halls Day has been
very rewarding in bringing us all together. I expect a
record turnout in 2011 to take us all to a level of cooperation
we have never seen. The common issues we
have make it easier for us to understand how to support
each other. A good example is the online registration
issue. That issue is a concern to all of us. The
good news is that the bureau recognizes the problem
and everyone is on the same page as we try to
improve the situation.
When you stand back and look at all of this, it�s not
really surprising. Many of us in the guard business are
also in the investigations business, and the alarm business,
and even the newest of our family, the locksmith
business. And they are in our business. That�s a lot of
mutual interest. I don�t think you could draw it up any better.
I would love to see us have another softball game. We
did that some years ago with TALI. ASSIST (the ASSIST
Ants) played TALI (the Tali Wackers). Well, we got wacked,
but it was great fun.
The opinions in The Last Word are those of Bob Burt
and do not necessarily reflect those of ASSIST or its members
or non-members.
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