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EES 3rd Annual Food DriveThe employees at Edwards Electronic Systems come together every year to donate food to our local soup kitchens. This year we are reaching out to other businesses and individuals to participate in a generous act of giving. Please consider making a donation! If you have any questions, please call our office at 919-359-2239 or email Jessica Saxton at Jessica@EdwardsElectronicSystems.com!
Accepting donations until November 19th, 2018. |
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Tax Incentives:
Security & Fire Safety Systems 
Beginning in 2018, the new tax law allows many businesses to write off the full cost of such systems as an expense for the tax year they were put in service, eliminating all the capitalization requirement. Businesses can now deduct up to a total of $1 million in purchases that qualify for Section 179, doubling the dollar limit. This deduction phases out on a dollar-for-dollar basis after a business has $2.5 million in total qualifying purchases, reaching zero at $3.5 million. After 2018, the increased limit and phaseout threshold are indexed to inflation. There is more positive aspects to this new law! Click here to find out more!
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What can barcodes do for you?
On Site Software has an online platform that allows customers to perform, track, and manage inspections from anywhere! This not only eliminates paper waste, but also allows for greater control and analytics of inspections and reports to make customers as efficient as possible. Reports Portal aggregates all of your inspections and reports into a single place, making it not only easier to search but also easier to analyze your data. This serves to improve efficiency and highlight any problematic areas.
As seen in the photo, once you have opted to use On Site Software, a barcode will be placed on the device being inspected, scanned once the inspection is complete and logged in an easily accessible data base. Click here to find our more about this technology that is available to you! |
Responsibility!
Who is responsible for workplace fire safety? The maintenance department? Administrators? Building owner? Well, technically we are all responsible! Fire and life-safety should be a huge concern to everyone. Of course, we can install the appropriate fire safety systems like smoke detectors, alarms, extinguishers, etc..., but unfortunately they will be ineffective if no one knows how to use certain devices. It is important that everyone knows how to release and use fire extinguishers, and understand what their responsibilities are in the event of a fire. If you are uncertain, take some time to ask someone in your workforce to show you how to access and use a fire extinguisher, and find out what you're responsible for in a fire emergency. If you oversee people at work, perhaps take a few minutes to make sure your employees/co-workers are confident in the event of an emergency.
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Annual Inspections: Fire Alarm and Sprinklers
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Fire alarms and sprinklers need to be tested and maintained regularly to ensure that your facilities and custodians are protected 24/7. Many problems can easily go unnoticed leaving patrons in danger when the system is unable to communicate or alarm when needed. As a building and/or business owner, it is also important to have a designated person with knowledge of the fire alarm system available to recognize when the system is impaired, understand how to reset the system and know when to call for service. Building maintenance personnel are often able to do visual inspections, however yearly extensive testing must be done by a qualified state licensed inspector such as Edwards Electronic Systems. You will need a copy of the completed Inspection and Testing Form for yourself and your insurance carrier, and a copy must be sent to the local Fire Marshall.
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Fireworks all year long!In the event of a fire, tornado, environmental accident, terrorist threat, or active shooter, a FireWorks integration with EST3-60 prioritizes all system events bringing the most urgent information to the attention of operators and first responders. By constantly updating the situational content on adjacent displays, individuals are able to use context-sensitive information and bring the life-threatening event to a safe end. The FireWorks operator has full control of your church with instant access concerning system events, acknowledging events with one mouse click, and issuing commands in a split-second. This smart system has endless possibilities and is the interoperability champion for consolidating data from different manufacturer systems.
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Sprinklers are fun!Edwards Electronic Systems is now servicing, inspecting, and testing fire sprinklers! The NFPA 13 provides a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through standardization of design, installation, and testing requirements for sprinkler systems (including private fire service mains) based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience, all of which we comply with.
Michael Coomer has nearly 20 years of fire sprinkler experience. Michael wanted to align his professional skills and knowledge with a company that has similar goals and customer service ethics as him. With Mr. Coomer now on board, EES is a "One Stop Shop" for fire alarm and life-safety sprinkler systems serving and testing! Call Michael Coomer to schedule an appointment or find out more! |
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DID YOU KNOW...security camera monitoring can brilliantly provide real-time mobile surveillance with access to simultaneous viewing of multiple cameras via your PC, laptop or mobile device? This technology is available in multi-site option so you can observe all your educational campuses in one convenient virtual location. Monitoring off-site is not only easy for users, but extremely cost effective! Most CCTV systems today use CAT5, which is approximately 30% cheaper than the aged models of coax cables.
In addition, picture clarity is staggering when compared to the camera images 10 years of age. Today 4K security camera has become the norm, encompassing approximately 4000 horizontal pixels that delivers crisp images and remarkable digital zoom capabilities! With a super clear picture, you can capture specifics needed even at a distance. New technology has allowed large sensors to capture more light which improves vibrant colors, digital contrast, and night vision performance. On-the-go live-streaming surveillance has never been this effortless and chic!
Call us today to find out about all the CCTV options we can provide, ultimately bringing you safety, security, and peace of mind every step of the way!
In addition, picture clarity is staggering when compared to the camera images 10 years of age. Today 4K security camera has become the norm, encompassing approximately 4000 horizontal pixels that delivers crisp images and remarkable digital zoom capabilities! With a super clear picture, you can capture specifics needed even at a distance. New technology has allowed large sensors to capture more light which improves vibrant colors, digital contrast, and night vision performance. On-the-go live-streaming surveillance has never been this effortless and chic!
Call us today to find out about all the CCTV options we can provide, ultimately bringing you safety, security, and peace of mind every step of the way!
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A Note from Jessica Saxton
It seems like adjusting to the new day-light savings time gets harder every year! As with most things, it isn't until a significant amount of time passes that we see it's benefits, like having a few extra hours in the evening to spend in the garden. And that got me thinking, what other areas of life would benefit in the long-run if we made small changes now? Maybe it's personal development or continuing education. Taking a class now means you're one step closer to a degree you never had! Perhaps it's maintaining a healthier lifestyle with one extra heart healthy recipe or decluttering your house one room at a time. Whatever our initial adjustment is, and as uncomfortable as it may be, always remember that improving is a lifelong process! If we want to maximize our potential, we must set goals -- and adjust! Buena suerte! |
Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others. ~ Danny Thomas 
EES employees delivered 20+ bags of clothes to With Love From Jesus Ministries in Clayton, NC! We're thankful for employees who are willing to give to a greater cause! |
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The Big Idea in NCThis slim profile monitor displays a live video of the individual asking to enter. Click here to find out more.
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Edwards Electronic Systems Person of the Year Awards
Manuel Martinez was awarded Field Person of the year (Clayton) by the admin staff! He was hired as a helper in late 2014 and has worked his way to a lead installer position! He's efforts are greatly appreciated here at EES. Give Manuel a virtual fist pump!
Sandy Howell received Administrative/ Manager Personnel of the year award (Clayton). Her responsibilities include accounting, billing, accounts payable, payroll, and insurance company wide. Send Sandy a virtual bouquet of congratulatory flowers!
Donna Erik was awarded Sales Person of the year (Clayton) for hitting the highest percentage of her sales goals in 2017! She negotiates inspection, service and maintenance contracts for new and existing customers. Send Donna a virtual high five!
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Jamie Colley was chosen by the field staff to receive Administrative/Manager Personnel of the year award (Concord). He manages stock, is a customer liaison, and allocates assets and labor for each of our projects. Send Jamie a virtual thumbs ups!
Henry Ridenhour was chosen by the administration staff to be awarded Field Person of the year (Concord). He is a Lead Tech and has been with EES for over 5 years, providing excellent service to our customers! Send Henry a virtual fist pump!
Doug Hogue was awarded Sales Person of the year (Concord) for being the closest salesman to hitting his goal in 2017. He focuses on providing safety and security systems to K-12 schools and higher educational facilities. Send Doug a virtual high five!
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Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
What does this mean for businesses? Well the maximum corporate tax dropped from 35% to 21%, making it the lowest rate since 1939. Interest expenses are limited to 30% of a company’s income. Depreciable assets are now deducted within one year as opposed to amortizing over several years and does not apply to structures. Corporate alternative minimum tax rate has been eliminated. By reducing tax rates for businesses of all sizes, this bill will allow businesses to grow making America the jobs magnet of the world.
Click here to read more!
Click here to read more!
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2017 Year In Review
Company Christmas
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Many of our customers and future clients have the privilege of interacting with EES office staff indirectly via phone or email. There are three very important employees that EES would like to highlight in this month’s newsletter as their energies and dedication to our customers is greatly appreciated.
Sarah Brickell (pictured on the left) performs customer service obligations such as quoting and ordering parts, researching part information, sending and processing invoices for both the Clayton and Concord offices, and resolving issues regarding customer satisfaction. Mrs. Brickell says that this position has provided her “the opportunity to get to know our customers so that EES can better serve their needs”. Carr Lee Washington (pictured on the right) ensures sales contracts are read, signed and completed with all requirements such as Certificates of Insurance and W-9's attached. She enters job information and contacts the customer's billing department to ensure invoice delivery for prompt payment. Mrs. Washington also assists accounts payable, enters billing data, and files documents for easy access of future payments. She also keeps the internal EES production running smoothly by ordering and maintaining supplies to provide a well-ordered work environment. Sandy Howell (Office Manager, pictured in the center) is responsible for all personnel duties in both offices including new employee set up, Homeland Security E-Verify, health insurance enrollment and benefits, biweekly payroll, monthly NC sales tax reporting, payroll taxes and quarterly tax reporting. Her duties also include project billing with AIA Applications for Payment and certified payroll reports for government projects as well as monthly NC sales tax reporting. She also provides accurate accounting reports to Michael Edwards (EES, President and CEO) as required. Edwards Electronic Systems is extremely appreciative of the diligent efforts each of these individuals provide for our customers and other employees daily. |
Open Platforms
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EES is committed to installing IP video and related security equipment/systems that offer our customers open platforms whenever possible. Initially there were not any industry standards for IP based security products. The result was most systems and components were proprietary in nature. There was little interoperability between devices of different suppliers.
Less than 10 years ago some manufacturers started trying to create standardization within our industry. The process started slowly; therefore, there are still many companies that produce systems that will only work with their own product devices. At EES we strive to install products that work seamlessly with other third party products. This provides our customers more system growth options in the future. It also lowers their cost of ownership and helps keep their system from becoming obsolete over time. By using open platform cctv cameras, network switches, access control processors and card readers customers can interface with other products and software solutions, some that are not always directly associated with security. |
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You might have heard about the Leading Age trade show held in Pinehurst, NC back in May. Long story short... it was a fantastic conference for both the attendees and exhibitors! While there are many other avenues for business to business contact and interaction, Leading Age has 69 member communities statewide that include continuing care retirement communities, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and affordable housing providers. Edwards Electronic Systems is honored to be a part of the Leading Age NC mission to provide expanded possibilities for aging, value to its members, and leadership to the field of aging.
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On this Memorial Day, we are reminded that freedom is never free. We at Edwards Electronic Systems
are forever grateful for the noble devotion of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of our Nation's defense, ideologies and values. Join with us as we remember those who gave their all to protect the freedom we experience in this great nation!
"You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man." Ronald Reagan
are forever grateful for the noble devotion of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of our Nation's defense, ideologies and values. Join with us as we remember those who gave their all to protect the freedom we experience in this great nation!
"You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man." Ronald Reagan
Lisa Broomall is originally from New Jersey and moved to North Carolina in 2008 to pursuit a job and attend school. She has an associate degree in communications and is planning to return to college to for her Bachelor's in Business in the near future. Lisa currently works as an Administrative Assistant here at EES in the Concord office. If you call or visit our Charlotte/Concord office regularly, she is most likely the first person you will talk to. Before attaining the position here with EES, she worked as a Licensing Coordinator for three years.
EES & Employee Satisfaction
Over the last 20 years, Edwards Electronic Systems has grown to over 50 employees, some of which have been with the company for over 18 years. We understand that employee satisfaction is an important factor in decreasing turnover and hiring costs, and ultimately increasing customer satisfaction. EES prides itself in offering continual on the job training, as well as providing opportunities for personal development and family interests. Owner and CEO, Michael Edwards, values his employees and uses company meetings to address issues of internal concerns, remind individuals of professional integrity and general code of ethics, and praise co-workers for specific achievements and an overall job well done. With each employee working together, EES continues to lead the industry safety, security, and peace of mind! Click here to view more training pictures.
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Jamie Colley started in low voltage electronics helping his father while working on a bachelor's degree in history. After college and newly married he ended up working in the industry full time, installing background music and security systems. He began his career in the fire alarm industry in... Find out more!
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Gov. Cooper's (D) Healthcare Expansion in NC
On March 1st, Gov. Cooper (D) announced his healthcare plan which designates $12 million towards fighting opioid addictions, provides $1 million to help disabled individuals, increases funding to the Nurse-Family Partnership to serve women from late pregnancy until the child turns two years old, and more. Overall, Cooper's budgets for the next two fiscal years would provide a $3.76 million Medicaid rebase adjustment for 2017-18 and a $112.6 million adjustment for 2018-19. However, in 2013 the state's General Assembly passed a bill banning Medicaid expansion. Now that the law has halted Gov. Roy Cooper's (D) idea of expanding Medicaid through executive action, he says that the 2013 law banning Medicaid expansion violates the governor's "core executive authority" to accept federal funding and protect the public's health. Currently, a federal judge has put a temporary stay on Cooper's Medicaid expansion request. Cooper plans to expand Medicaid to 624,000 North Carolinians through an initiative that requires the approval of health-care officials in the Trump administration. Click here to view a full copy of Roy Cooper's Recommended Budget 2017-2019.
On March 1st, Gov. Cooper (D) announced his healthcare plan which designates $12 million towards fighting opioid addictions, provides $1 million to help disabled individuals, increases funding to the Nurse-Family Partnership to serve women from late pregnancy until the child turns two years old, and more. Overall, Cooper's budgets for the next two fiscal years would provide a $3.76 million Medicaid rebase adjustment for 2017-18 and a $112.6 million adjustment for 2018-19. However, in 2013 the state's General Assembly passed a bill banning Medicaid expansion. Now that the law has halted Gov. Roy Cooper's (D) idea of expanding Medicaid through executive action, he says that the 2013 law banning Medicaid expansion violates the governor's "core executive authority" to accept federal funding and protect the public's health. Currently, a federal judge has put a temporary stay on Cooper's Medicaid expansion request. Cooper plans to expand Medicaid to 624,000 North Carolinians through an initiative that requires the approval of health-care officials in the Trump administration. Click here to view a full copy of Roy Cooper's Recommended Budget 2017-2019.
Edwards Electronic Systems, Inc. is a proud certified distributor of Edwards Signaling Technology (EST), an innovator in the design, manufacture and installation of leading edge fire alarm signals and systems for over 130 years. They have served Fortune 500 and other worldwide companies, as their fire alarm products perform flawlessly to the challenging standards required to ensure workplace safety. EES and EST are pleased to announce the next generation of its trend-setting Signature Series family of intelligent life safety devices. The new line of detectors presents... (Click to read more.)
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During the winter months, people are more apt to quickly turn on Space heaters to help provide welcome warmth in chilly rooms. However, this warmth comes with a big CAUTION! Each year space heaters cause more than 25,000 residential fires and send 6,000 people to the ER for treatment of burns (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). There are several ways you can stay safe by using these 5 recommendations.
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Whether you are a business owner or a manager, understanding the importance in employee satisfaction could potentially save you a significant amount of time, money, and valuable resources (such as future customers). While supervisors need not bend over backwards for every employee displeasure, it is extremely effective to take the time to learn about your employee's personal work habits, learning styles, and instruction preferences. This knowledge could help avoid the nonsense conflict that often occurs at work. Find out more! #DreamJob #JobLove
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Employee Spotlight
Mr. Stan Black has been with Edwards Electronic Systems for nearly 3 years and is the branch manager for the Concord office. He has an Associates degree in Electronics and started his career as a field service engineer for a fire alarm manufacturer just after graduation back in 1977. He is an expert in this business ever since. He has successfully received his NICET Level III Certification in fire alarm systems. Mr. Black reports that "we have a dedicated group of employees working out of the Concord office and are capable of handling a project from design to service after completion. We have a well-qualified sales team, CAD operator, install crew and service technicians."
Every Christmas, Michael Edwards, Owner and CEO, takes the opportunity to bring all the employees and their spouses together to thank each of them for their individual efforts to continue to provide safety, security, and peace of mind to thousands... (Click to continue reading.)
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"During this years' annual food drive, EES successfully delivered over 300lbs of canned foods and non-perishable food items to Clayton Area Ministries. We hope that we have brought safety, security, and peace of mind to individuals and family in a slightly different way this year and are thankful we had the opportunity to do so." ~ Michael Edwards
Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of resistance. |
TAKING EDUCATION TO A SAFER LEVELEdwards Electronic Systems is honored to accommodate educational facilities and their safety needs at various levels across all of North Carolina. EES understands the amount of responsibility acquired when installing and servicing fire alarm systems, CCTV, security systems, etc,... in educational amenities. Alamance County Schools recently chose EES to install EST Fire Alarm System in their schools. East Chapel Hill High School and Siler City Elementary have had complete renovation and... Click here to read more!
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Employee Spotlight |
Here at EES, we are proud hire the best individuals in the industry. We value each and every one of our employees and understand that they are the face of our business! We would like to shine a special spotlight this month on Eric Henson. Just a few weeks ago, the VA Hospital in Fayetteville called to compliment Eric on his work efficiency and... Click here to read more!
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Let's Get Contagious! - Find out how.
For other business professionals, follow us on EES Wordpress Blog!
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EES is proud to be part of LeadingAge North Carolina! The conference this year was held in Myrtle Beach in which 69 member communities statewide were invited to promote their services for continuing care retirement communities, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and affordable housing providers. LeadingAge serves more than 20,000 North Carolinians and has 73 corporate members who provide services, products, and trusted advice to our members.
Wanda Belt, Matt Gore (left), and Jessica Saxton (right) represented EES at the convention and were able to meet a variety of knowledgeable and dedicated individuals who, like us, have a passion for providing long-term nursing facilities the best products and services possible! |
Matt Gore and Jessica Saxton
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BUYING FOR PRICE OR VALUE? (Article contributed by Mike Rich.)
Consumers everywhere are caught in a landslide of not truly understanding what they are buying anymore. With all the fancy websites and "save, save, save" money ads you see constantly, most people just look at the $ sign and buy! If you are one of these people that does all your research, you'll know what you are getting for your hard earned dollars! Congratulations! You truly understanding what you have bought and what comes with it after you buy it. However, if you only look at the dollar amount when you purchase, you fail. Yes, you might feel good for a few weeks or months and get to tell everyone how much money you just saved with your bottom dollar buying technique, but let's fast forward a year or so ... Click here to continue reading. |
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EDWARDS FIREWORKS AND HYPERSPIKE!
(Information contributed by Alex Zsoldus.) In an ever increasing world of uncertainty and unrest it pays to have peace of mind by having a definitive incident management plan. Edwards FireWorks system is designed to help you monitor your facility and properly execute your incident management plan. The FireWorks platform can be installed on a dedicated life safety network or on a facility's network backbone to offer the tools needed to monitor, control and address emergency situations. Edwards technology securely gathers, consolidates, disseminates and displays data, and controls key points throughout a facility or campus. Click here to read more. |
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The garden of love is green without limit and yields many fruits other than sorrow or joy. Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh. ~ Rumi
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A Note from Jessica Saxton
As you may know, adventures of positive transformation are irresistible! The human mind craves stories of struggle, especially ones that turn adversity into triumph. Why is this? Well, because stories flame creativity and help us understand our trials. What's even more interesting is that people find motivation while reminiscing personal feats. I tell you this because it creates the perfect recipe to empower one another! Personal stories of struggles and accomplishment are able to change our lives and the lives of those listening. Change a life! Tell your story... |
FINISHING THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG...and SAFE!
Children across North Carolina recently returned to their daily educational activities after having a long-awaited spring break! Edwards Electronic Systems is proud (and thankful!) to have the opportunity to provide safety, security, and peace of mind to parents and educators as they encourage thousands of children to pursue curricular studies in safe learning environments. EES continues to install and service fire alarm systems, CCTV, access control, and more throughout all of ... Click here to read more. 
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Breaking News:
Edwards Electronic Systems has big plans in 2016! |
"Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." ~ Brad Paisley
EES
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Shirley Edwards, Mike Edwards' mother, was recognized at EES annual Christmas party for her critical role in the development and success of Edwards Electronic Systems. Mike says that his mother has been an essential component to the growth of employees and customer referrals. Mrs. Edwards will be retiring from EES in January of 2016. Employees at Edwards Electronic Systems are sad to see her go, yet thankful for the amount of time and wisdom she has contributed. Click here if you would like to send Mrs. Edwards a thoughtful recognition of your own!
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The previous fire alarm system at Crabtree Valley Mall was 25 years old and needed to be replaced and updated with the latest and newest technology. Edwards Electronic Systems was chosen to bring Crabtree Valley Mall's fire alarm system up to code for the benefit of much valued customers and employees. Crabtree will now be able to break down their voice evacuation in zones with their new Incident Management System. As always, the main mission for Edwards Electronic Systems is to provide safety and security for our community! Enjoy shopping this Christmas and have a fun and safe holiday season!
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Help us keep NC schools safe! Call today. |
The Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday tradition in Charlotte since 1947. Hundreds of participants, volunteers, family and friends!
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Over the years, multi-cultural studies have been conducted to discover the most effective life-safety fire alarm sound frequency possible. Research has found that 92% of individuals wake to low frequency sounds, in contrast to only 44% of people were awaken by high frequency sounds. So what does this mean for you? As of January 1, 2016, NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) requires all buildings that occupy sleeping areas will use a low-frequency (520 Hz) alarm tone. We will be working with our trusted partner, EST, to provide our customers with a complete line of of low-frequency of notification appliances that comply strictly with this code. As you know, we will continue to serve our local communities with the best life-safety solutions possible!
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Duke University is a private research university whose growth and academic focus have contributed to the need for expansion and modern technology updates. In recent years EES has supplied the fire and/or security systems to many of Duke University's buildings, with our most recent installation in the 107,886 square foot Sands Research Building.
Our Connection with Duke University
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New Charlotte-Concord Office!
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Happy 4th of July!
Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. ~ Albert Camus​
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Concord Field Team
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6 REASONS TO TEST & INSPECT YOUR FIRE ALARMS REGULARLY
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