Why do we need a Lobbyist?

Mapes and Mapes is the Lobbyist for the LLSSA. A lobbyist is a professional like a plumber, or a lawyer, but lobbyists provide specialized services in regard to the legislature, politics and government. Politics is not everybody’s cup of tea, but that’s the whole point. You wouldn’t want to fix your own leaky pipes and you definitely don’t want to try and take care of your industry’s politics at the Capitol by yourself.


Professional lobbyists work year-round with the legislature and governmental agencies, so when our industry is in a political mess, Mapes and Mapes is ready to take our issues, to the legislature just like a lawyer would take you, and your issue, to court.


A person doesn’t have to go to a special school or get a permit or certificate to work as a lobbyist. They just have to register with the department of ethics as a lobbyist. It’s been said that lobbying is 85% personality and 15% technical knowledge, but without that technical knowledge you’ve just got a really fun person to hang around. To have mastery of the technical knowledge of the legislative process is critical.


Joseph Mapes has worked, in some capacity, in every special, regular, and fiscal session since 1974 — that’s more than 100 legislative sessions in which Mapes has drafted legislation, lobbied legislators and administrators, and worked in alliance with other governmental relations firms, Governors and their staff. He has been representing the LLSSA for many years in the Louisiana Capital.

Mapes and Mapes website

Welcome New Members!


Let’s all welcome one of our newest members to the LLSSA – Gerry Boudreaux and NICE / 2Gig and their representative Rick Campbell. Gerry was voted in as an Individual Member at the January Board Meeting and is a consultant for telecommunications and data centers. He is based out of Baton Rouge.  NICE was voted in as an Associate Member. Rick has been very active in the association for many years at our events. Be sure to meet him them personally at the State Meeting in Baton Rouge on March 5th. If you haven’t joined the LLSSA, now is the perfect time to take advantage of all the benefits offered. Discounts on meetings, CEUs, and education classes are just the start. See more information at Benefits – LLSSA

New Convention Chairperson

We are excited to announce that Karen Shall has accepted the position of Convention Committee Chairperson. Karen and her Committe will organize and plan for the upcoming Dealer Conference and Annual Tradeshow/convention and Golf Tournament. Karen has been involved in the security industry for 20 years now. She originally accepted a sales position at ADI in 2003, then spent time working for Security Data Supply, Stanley Security, and just completed five years as a Regional Sales Manager with Napco Security Technologies. Karen enjoys being part of the security industry because of the fact that competitors are so helpful and friendly with each other. On her days off she loves beach vacations and spending time with her large family in New Orleans.

Karen says, “I’m looking forward to my new position with the LLSSA Convention Committee. It would be amazing for everyone to participate in the association and the convention so that the Louisiana Life Safety companies stay strong, united, and up to date on current laws/practices. If you have questions for Karen, you can reach him at kshall@napcosecurity.com

 

New Associate Board Member

We are excited to announce that Cory Bush has accepted the position of Associate Board Member. Cory will represent the non-voting membership and act as a liaison between them and the Board of Directors. Cory started in the industry in 1994 working for a dealer in Metairie, La. 10 years later he went to work for LRG as a manufacturers rep and in 2019 he went to work for Digital Monitoring Products.

Cory said, “I have been working with the LLSSA organization for many years and I am very proud of what they do for the state of Louisiana and our industry. I am looking forward to working with all of the vendors in 2024.” If you have questions for Cory, you can reach him at cmbush716@gmail.com

 

2024 Scholarship Fund

It is that time of year where we get the word out to our partners in local Fire and Police Departments. Each year we give out 2 Scholarships to the children of Louisiana Law Enforcement or Fire Fighters to assist with their education. Make sure you share the below link with your local departments to get the word out there this year.

Scholarships - LLSSA

New Executive Director

We are happy to announce that we have selected a new Executive Director for the LLSSA. Peggy Page has joined the team and brings to us her 30+ years of industry experience.  She has worked in every position from installer to Manager. You may remember her from SentryNet and SentryCon, later sold to Stanley Security and then Securitas Technology. She has a Bachelors in Business/ Marketing and is in the final stages of obtaining her Certified Tradeshow Manager (CTSM). 

Peggy states, “I’m excited to be a part the LLSSA and serve its Membership. I can’t wait to see everyone in March at the State Meeting.” If you have questions for Peggy, you can reach her at 337-886-7282 or director@llssa.org