Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of our partners: The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.—or as it’s known in the industry, ALOA. We’ll discuss who they are, their membership criteria and the benefits of being a member.

About The Associated Locksmiths of America

ALOA is a membership, education and certification organization for security professionals. According to the ALOA website, “the mission of ALOA, as dedicated members of the locksmith/security industry, is to ensure professional excellence and ethics; create a public demand for professional locksmith services; represent and speak for the locksmith/security industry; and expand the exchange of trade information and knowledge with other related organizations to preserve and enhance the industry.”

ALOA Membership Criteria

Membership with The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc., has several requirements, from basics like verifiable contact information to more intensive criteria like character references. Other elements involved in ALO membership criteria include:

• Professional role in the locksmith or security industry
• Any applicable license and business numbers
• Company employment and licensing information
• Time, experience and resources dedicated to locksmithing
• Trade-related personal character references
• Sponsor name and ID number

There are several types of ALOA memberships, from active and probationary to allied and apprentice, which you can review on the application.

Benefits of an ALOA Membership

The perks associated with an ALOA membership start with the staff, which is always ready to help you, whatever your question may be. The association’s certification and membership programs solidify your status as a trusted locksmith and include the following benefits:

• Member discounts and credits
• Bonding, marketing and management services
• Convention and security expo access
• Partner discounts, resources and job referrals
• Other varying benefits depending on membership type

A-1 Locksmith is proud to partner with the Safe & Vault Technicians Association. If you’d like to know more, visit the ALOA website today.

Today, we’re going to take a look at one of A-1 Locksmith’s partner associations: the Safe & Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA). Read on to learn more about this organization, criteria for membership and benefits of a SAVTA membership.

About the Safe & Vault Technicians Association

According to the SAVTA website, “SAVTA is the Safe & Vault Technicians Association, the world’s leading trade association devoted entirely to serving professional safe and vault technicians worldwide.” The organization, which started in 1986, has had a goal of furthering the technical knowledge of the industry while promoting professionalism via its membership, which provides benefits to thousands of safe and vault technicians. The association is viewed as an industry leader.

Safe & Vault Technicians Association Membership Criteria

The SAVTA membership application includes many of the requirements for membership. These feature the following (but are not limited to):

• Real and verifiable contact information
• Employment in a valid field
• Trade-related character references
• SAVTA Member Sponsor (with number)
• Previous employment experience
• Membership fees

Benefits of a Safe & Vault Technicians Association Membership

There are several benefits of a SAVTA membership, from discounts to bonding, discounts and marketing resources. Here are a few of the biggest perks:

• Subscription to a bi-monthly trade magazine to foster professional development
• Technical hotline for help with advanced or complex locksmithing issues
• Convention and trade show access
• Membership certificate and ID

Other SAVTA Perks

With a goal of increasing technical knowledge in the industry, SAVTA has several resources available, such as a forum where you can ask questions related to locksmith topics and products. There is a well-rated magazine, classifieds, a big annual convention, an online store and more. The association has several sponsors and connections in the industry as well for those looking to connect with fellow locksmiths and locksmith organizations.

A-1 Locksmith is proud to partner with the Safe & Vault Technicians Association. If you’d like to know more, visit the SAVTA website today.

If you’re not familiar with the Texas Locksmith Association (TLA), today’s post is for you. Let’s cover who the TLA is, what they require for members and the benefits of membership.

About the Texas Locksmith Association

According to the TLA website, “the Texas Locksmiths Association provides support for its members through continuing education classes held throughout the state, and our annual conference and trade show. Our goal is to assist members in growing their businesses, improving their public image, and providing continuing education on a variety of topics of interest to the members. The Texas Locksmiths Association also provides scholarship funds for deserving sons and daughters of its members. The funds are awarded on an annual basis, and renewals are possible.”

Texas Locksmith Association Membership Criteria

TLA is unique in that it offers multiple tiers of membership, unlike many other professional associations. Here is the criteria for different tiers:

• Tier 1 (Regular): To qualify for Tier 1 membership, applicants must be 18 years of age and have six months of locksmith experience. They must also be a registered owner of a locksmith shop or receive extensive education and/or training. Membership must also be maintained for renewals. 
• Tier 2 (Apprentice): Same as Tier 1, however the individual must be 12 years of age and a dependent of a Regular or Life TLA member. Membership upgrades to Regular (Tier 1) when the individual turns 18.
• Tier 3 (Associate): Requires individuals or businesses to be approved and pay fees set by the TLA Board of Directors (BOD).
• Tier 4 (Honorary): Two requirements: 1, exemplary contributions and service to TLA; and 2, be selected by the BOD.
• Tier 5 (Life): Several requirements, including good standing in TLA for 10 years (minimum) and a BOD spot or other requirement, or 15 years of continuous membership (and 65 years of age). No more than three Life members are selected each year.

Benefits of Texas Locksmith Association Membership

A Texas Locksmith Association membership helps both locksmith companies and the customers they serve. Here are a few of the benefits of a Texas Locksmith Association Membership:

1. Network with fellow locksmiths and vendors – members get the opportunity to share knowledge, tips, and tricks to grow and improve their business.
2. Stay connected – TLA distributes Texas Occupations Code & Texas Administrative Code updates to our membership regularly. These laws that regulate locksmiths in Texas.
3. Receive continuing education and ongoing training – 16 CEU’s every two years are required to maintain a locksmith endorsement with DPS.
4. Band together – TLA works to ensure the interests of Texas locksmiths are considered when working with DPS and the state.
5. Save money – Membership in TLA gives members training and continuing education. This is often passed on to the customer in one form or another.

A-1 Locksmith is proud to partner with the Texas Locksmith Association. If you’d like to know more, visit the Texas Locksmith Association website today.

The majority of online reviews are personal (and subjective), however. This begs the question: what do professional recommendations look like? There are organizations that track reviews and complaints, as well as articles and government-supported research.

But one of the best ways to get a professional recommendation is through an association membership. Members of professional locksmith associations in particular get to enjoy certain benefits, perks and, most importantly, the trusted reputation that comes with being a member.

In short, these associations matter. Let’s discuss why.

Benefits of Professional Locksmith Association Membership

Locksmith companies don’t just list the associations they partner with for show. These partners have real benefits and can be the deciding factor between one locksmith and another. Here are a few of the benefits of a professional locksmith association membership:

• Professional development opportunities: to keep skills sharp via presentations, trade shows and so forth.
• Technical resources: to better identify desired information and find security solutions.
• Industry backing: members of these associations have met strict requirements and follow best practices of the industry.
• Discounts and savings: which can potentially be passed on to customers.
• Peace of mind: knowing you’re working with a legitimate, trustworthy company.

Professional Locksmith Association Membership Criteria

The criteria for membership with these associations varies depending on the specific organization, but in general, professional locksmiths have to meet criteria similar to the following to gain acceptance as a member:

• Complete an official membership application
• Be an adult and have experience for at least a certain time period (e.g. six months)
• Have received approved educational or on-the-job locksmith training
• Agree to pay membership dues and fees

There are also different tiers/levels for some associations, as well as bonus perks or recognition for being active members for a certain number of years.

The Most Trusted Professional Locksmith Associations

There are several associations in the industry that have earned the esteem of industry vets over time. These organizations have experience, knowledge and a proven track record of delivering results and finding solutions for customers. When a locksmith, or locksmith company, is a member of one or more of these associations, you can have more peace of mind about hiring them.

Here are the professional locksmith associations we partner with at A-1 Locksmith:

• Texas Locksmith Association (TLA)
• Safe & Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA)
• The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (ALOA)

To learn more about these professional locksmith associations and how they benefit you as a customer, contact A-1 Locksmith today!