Pelco Magazine, Summer 2007
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When Warner Company Jewelers moved to their new storefront in January 2007, they also moved to an updated, state-of-the-art security system. The 13,600 square foot facility in Fresno, California, features unique architecture, comfortable furnishings and a Pelco video security system that blends into the design and décor. Working very closely with Warner Company Jewelers to specify a system that would deliver the functionality

required, project integrator AltaPacific Technology Solutions Group Inc. reviewed several manufacturers before choosing a Pelco solution. “Pelco provided the best system for them,” said David Lascano, sales manager, AltaPacific. “In the end, it comes down to quality, and Pelco provides the best quality product in the market.”

AltaPacific installed more than 30 indoor Camclosure Integrated Camera Systems featuring Wide Dynamic Range technology. Additionally, three Spectra Mini dome positioning systems were strategically placed on Warner Co. Jewelers’ new property. Day/Night Spectra III positioning camera systems and outdoor Camclosure units rounded out the installation.

Three Pelco DVR5100 digital video recorders were selected for a user-friendly and intuitive recording solution. In addition to the installation of the system, AltaPacific also provides employee training on the new equipment as needed, and is available to the jewelry store whenever questions arise.

The largest jewelry store of its kind in California, Warner Company Jewelers knows a thing or two about customer service – the store will celebrate its 140th anniversary in November 2007. And that dedication to customer service is evident in the experience they provide their customers.

“In our industry, security is always top of mind,” said Don Wolfe, Chief Financial Officer, Warner Company Jewelers. “We strive to give our customers, as well as our employees, a secure, comfortable place to be while they are here.” According to Wolfe, it was important to make the upgrade to the Pelco system. “To maintain our company’s financial safety, we decided to go with a top-of-the-line video security system when we moved to our new building,” explained Wolfe. “That’s why we chose Pelco. Their reputation throughout the industry is great.” Six Warner employees are primarily responsible for using the system.

Fortunately, not many incidents have taken place in or around the store, but there is peace of mind knowing that the cameras are always on. Recently, an employee noticed a car parked in the lot and the person inside taking photographs of the building.

While the proprietors of Warner have received numerous compliments on the building’s architecture and assumed it might be another admirer, they did take precautionary steps. Those trained on the system went through the video of the parking lot cameras and took some images of the car to archive in their files – just in case an incident should occur. Warner employees are also enjoying the system’s ease of use as the review of recorded video is much more efficient than with previous equipment. “Reviewing archived video is much faster and simpler,” said Wolfe. “The Pelco system is time efficient and works 1,000 percent better than our previous system.”

For additional information on Warner Company Jewelers, visit www.warnercompany.com.

Pelco Magazine, Summer 2007
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Since its first restaurant opened in 1998, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has emerged as one of the elite establishments of its kind. With more than 50 restaurants spread throughout the United States and an extensive and highly acclaimed wine menu, Fleming’s offers a dining experience that is elegant and unforgettable.

And, of course, such an upscale restaurant deserved a video security presence to match. That’s where Pelco came in. Fleming’s had been considering a number of video security options for some time but had not yet made any decisions.

As opportunity would have it, Pelco President and CEO, David L. McDonald was dining at the Fresno restaurant and discussed the application, benefits and advantages of implementing a video security system. After careful consideration and examination of the requirements and capabilities a restaurant such as Fleming’s would require, they chose a Pelco solution. “We wanted to go with Pelco,” said Wayne Hanseth, operating partner, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Fresno. “We heard that they’re the best.”

“We worked closely with the manager and spent quite a bit of time looking at areas of concern, where they wanted coverage and the best way to achieve that coverage,” said Gary Milner, account executive for project integrator, Sierra Tel Business Systems.

That coverage included managing behind-the-bar activity and all of the restaurant’s entrances and exits, both public and employee, including the front door and back patio. “We took into consideration Fleming’s peak operating hours and came up with a balanced Pelco camera and DVR selection that fit their budget,” Milner added.

As a result, Sierra Tel Business Systems has installed a system that includes a set of four-channel DX4000 Series DVRs with 500 GB hard drives, and a combination of Camclosure Integrated Camera Systems.

One of the challenges faced by Milner and his team at Sierra Tel Business Systems was that though the restaurant is open for business only at night, vendors make deliveries and customers stop by to make reservations throughout the day.

“The high contrast in the lighting during the day with the bright sunlight coming through the windows and the low lighting in the restaurant at night proved to be a challenge,” said Milner. “To compensate for that contrast, we ended up installing [Camclosure IS units with] Wide Dynamic Range.”

With traditional camera systems, direct sunlight, backlighting, and shadows pose significant challenges. Pelco Camclosure IS Systems with Wide Dynamic Range technology, however, easily manage any extreme-lighting condition. By digitizing light at the point of capture, each pixel determines its own exposure time. The result is natural looking images from a fully integrated, easy-to-install camera system.

Several cameras are now installed throughout the interior of the restaurant, including the bar area, and others were installed in the back of the store – one aimed solely on the meat locker and the other focused on the back office. An environmental camera monitors activity in the rear exterior of the store.

Dome cameras were used throughout the interior to blend with the décor and not be obtrusive to the customers.

The Result

“They’re very happy,” said Milner. “It’s doing exactly what they need for it to do.”

The staff at Fleming’s found the systems easy to use, too. “Training was very smooth,” said Milner. “They were whipping right through the menus and got it very quickly.”

Operationally, things are running smoothly as well, according to Hanseth. “We’ve been able to catch some internal mishaps,” said Hanseth. And that’s an additional benefit of these video systems. Increasingly, they are being used for more than security applications, helping management improve internal processes, supplement training and implement ever-more efficient operating procedures.

Fleming’s corporate office advised their San Diego location to look into implementing a security system and so, upon recommendation from their colleagues in Fresno, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in San Diego has hired Sierra Tel Business Systems and has a customized Pelco security system installed in its restaurant.

“The work we did in San Diego was a direct result of what we did in Fresno,” said Milner. “They went with a mirror image of Fresno’s system, configured to fit their layout.”

According to Milner, he and several members of his team take advantage of the different training courses offered by Pelco. Milner himself has gone through many of the product and sales trainings, and Sierra Tel Business Systems representatives recently went through Endura training; Sierra Tel Business Systems is now an Endura-certified provider.

GO Magazine (AirTran’s inflight magazine) / June 2007
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Just off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida lies an island that, while developed, remains in harmony with its natural environment. Canopies of live oak trees cloak the roadway and embrace visitors. To the east, waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash onto the beach, while the Intracoastal Waterway winds its way along the western side, creating a haven for wildlife and ideal opportunities for viewing. Throughout the island, myriad activities keep families busy and provide ample opportunities to sit back and relax.

A Family That Plays Together…

Grab the kids and hop onboard a cruise through the waterways that wind through, and along, Amelia Island, or bait a hook and bring in the catch of the day on a fishing expedition. Kayaking and horseback riding are also popular with the families that visit the island each year.

Amelia Island has a year full of events that are welcoming to visitors and locals alike. Take, for instance, Fernandina’s July 4th & Families Festival, or Fiesta de Santa Maria, which celebrates the historic Latin culture and heritage of Amelia Island, in September. And in December, ring in the holidays with the fi fth annual Fernandina Beach Lighted Holiday Parade or the 17 th Annual Historic Christmas Tour of Bed & Breakfast Inns.

A recently introduced program at Amelia Island Plantation, Family Tee, allows the entire family to hit the links together. Available through September, Family Tee offers parents the opportunity to introduce their kids to the game of golf. Racquet Park, Amelia Island Plantation’s tennis complex, also invites families to play together. In fact, children under the age of 15 play for free with a paying adult. The pros at Racquet Court can even arrange group tennis tournaments.

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun

Sometimes kids want to hang out with those their own age. Amelia Island Plantation recognizes that, and offers supervised, age-appropriate programs for kids between the ages of three and 19. For those in the younger age group, themed days include Military

Monday, Pirates Tuesday, Wild Wild West Wednesday, Tie Dye Thursday, Fiesta Friday, Under the Sea Saturday and Sizzling Sun Sunday.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island also offers a supervised program specifically geared to children ages five through 12 with activities and events that will keep the kids entertained while their parents enjoy some time to themselves.

Grown-Up Time

Vacation should incorporate kidfree time as well, and there are plenty of options here. Amelia Island offers everything from private golf and tennis lessons to world-class spas, fine dining and even the perfect spot for a nightcap or to dance the night away.

History buffs will delight in knowing that the island was named for King George II of England’s daughter Princess Amelia in 1735 by James Oglethorpe, the British Governor of Georgia. They will also enjoy downtown Fernandina Beach, a once vibrant, Victorian seaport village. Today, the town boasts a 50-block historic district with original structures dating back to the late 19th century. Those interested in architecture will enjoy strolling the streets and gazing at the Victorian-style mansions and cottages.

With 72 championship holes to play, the courses at Amelia Island Plantation are a golfer’s paradise. If you’re ready to better your game, just make an appointment and a golf pro will help you better your swing, drive the ball further and improve your game overall.

Amelia Island offers two world-class spas in which to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, sightseeing or simply lounging by the ocean.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Spa offers a wide array of treatments, from massages and facials to baths and a stylish salon. Signature treatments include “Salt” at the Spa, consisting of a margarita salt scrub and wrap, a Vichy massage and aromatic

margarita salt pedicure, along with a signature margarita to imbibe; Seashell Serendipity, a massage and facial combination that incorporates seashells and ocean sounds; and the hour-long Heaven in a Hammock, a massage that creates the sense of weightlessness and floating via a swaying hammock.

The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation is the perfect way to unwind after a day of enjoying all of the island activities. Twenty-five rooms are available in which to indulge in any of the inviting spa services and all of the products used in the spa are clean and green, meaning that the treatments are free of chemicals and artificial preservatives. In keeping with Amelia Island Plantation’s commitment to preserving nature, the products used are all earth-friendly.

When it’s time for dinner, the Amelia Inn’s Ocean Grill is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner for two. Gaze out the windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean while sipping a glass of fine wine or champagne. The master chefs will present a meal that will tantalize even the most discerning taste buds. If you’re looking for a French dining experience, make reservations at Le Clos in the historic district. In this 1906 cottage, diners will indulge in delectable fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.

After dinner, head to the Falcon’s Nest and dance the night away. Decorated in an aviation theme, the Nest is a popular end to a day of golfing, tennis or just relaxing by the pool. Or, for a bit more history, head to The Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach, the oldest saloon in the state of Florida. The Pirate’s Punch is not to be missed.

Going Au Natural

When Charles Fraser decided in 1971 to develop the 1,350 acres that would become Amelia Island Plantation, he wanted to do so in a way that would be “in harmony with nature.” To do so, Fraser partnered with Ian McHarg, and together they designed a development plan that would protect tidal marshes, oceanfront dunes, grasslands and savannahs. In addition, they designated a 40-foot wide strip of natural vegetation to serve as a buffer to all waterways so that they would remain unspoiled wildlife refugees, travel corridors and food sources.

A terrific way to experience the beauty of Amelia Island is by taking advantage of the classes and excursions offered by the Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center. A staff of naturalists will lead you on a kayak tour through the marsh, or through the maritime forests, marsh boardwalks and beachside paths on a Segway. The center also offers a bike hike, woodland walk, and outings to view the birds, flora and fauna of Amelia. At night, go stargazing or join an owl prowl.

The 1,086 acres found at Fort Clinch State Park offer pristine beaches and dunes, nature trails, a fishing pier that extends 1,500 feet into Cumberland Sound, and the only campgrounds found on all of Amelia Island. Birding, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities within the park.

Amelia Island offers something for everyone, for a long weekend, a week or even a month. Take your time exploring this magnificent island and find out for yourself what it means to be in harmony wih nature.

Call it a day

Where to stay

Whether oceanfront or within the historic seaport, everyone visiting Amelia Island will find the perfect place to stay—somewhere that fits both their price ad comfort range.

The Amelia Inn features 249 all-ocean-view rooms with balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Those looking for a bit more room to spread out can select a one-, two- or three-bedroom villa with a resort or ocean view within the Amelia Island Plantation ( www.aipfl.com ). And, if you’re bringing the entire family along, animal friendly accommodations are available.

The oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island ( www.ritzcarlton.com ) has 444 sumptuously appointed rooms, including 42 suites.

The island also has a plethora of bed and breakfasts, from the elegant The Amelia Island Williams House ( www.williamshouse.com) , an antebellum mansion built in 1856, to the 25-bedroom, oceanfront Elizabeth Pointe Lodge (www.elizabethpointelodge.com) , a Nantucket shingle-style home built during the 1890s.

What to do

Fort Clinch State Park
www.floridastateparks.org

The Palace Saloon
www.thepalacesaloon.com

Where to eat

Le Clos
www.leclos.com

Ocean Grill
www.aipfl.com/restaurants