Hikvision, the Chinese manufacturer of video surveillance products, took part in the Electronic Security Association’s Day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 5. A representative from Hikvision met Congress members in Washington DC to discuss issues affecting the US security industry, including apprenticeships, school security, and telecommunications.
With over 50 ESA member companies in attendance, participants in the Day on Capitol Hill served as mouthpiece for US security. ESA representatives and members convened with lawmakers and their staffs to discuss three pieces of legislation facing Congress. Bill S.574, the “Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs Act,” provides a tax credit for businesses that hire apprentices via federally approved apprenticeships such as the ESA National Apprenticeship Program. This would address the dearth of skilled workers in the electronic security industry. Another topic of discussion was the “Secure Our Schools” program, which would allow K-12 school districts to apply for federal grants to improve security. Finally, Section 275 of the Telecommunication Act of 1996 was discussed, including ESA’s recommendation that Congress bar anticompetitive activities when considering Net Neutrality issues in order to maintain a level playing field for the electronic security industry.
Hikvision USA was represented by sales director Chris Zenaty, who said afterwards: “The Capitol Hill event was a fantastic opportunity for Hikvision to gain a better understanding of the needs of those in the security industry, and offer our support to the Electronic Security Association as they work to promote the safety of Americans nationwide.”
As an Executive Strategic Partner of ESA, Hikvision adds that it supports the ESA. And ESA President Marshall Marinace said: “Through their relationship as an ESA Executive Strategic Partner, Hikvision shows a deep level of commitment to the industry’s progression and to ESA as the industry leading association. Furthermore, participation in key industry events like ESA’s Day on Capitol Hill demonstrates not only Hikvision’s passion for our industry, but their dedication to our government relations efforts to protect our members’ businesses.”
Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada, offered commentary on why Hikvision’s participation in the Day on Capitol Hill was significant to the quickly growing company. “Issues that are important to the American security industry are important to Hikvision USA,” Mr. He elaborated. “As a leader in the industry, our concerns are aligned with what best serves our valued customers. We are committed to supporting the success of the security industry for years to come, as demonstrated by our meetings on Capitol Hill.”
