ALOA membership

[Exodus5000]

In a search, i did not find an extensive discussion concerning ALOA.

First and foremost, any ALOA members here on LP101? I'm very seriously considering joining this association, and my mouth is currently watering while i browse their homepage. I do have a few questions.

What is the difference between the types of memberships other than fees? Are their certain restrictions put on particular memberships such as apprentice?

The application - http://www.aloa.org/memapp.cfm - asks for a member number in the personal information. How are you supposed to know this number if you are not yet a member?

I think i'm going to register a company name for myself, which leads me to my final question. To apply, it is also required to name 2 industry related references, I doubt once i register my company i could refer myself. Could someone cite examples of what I might refer to ALOA?

ALOA looks pretty hardcore, and I think I'm ready for that. Time to move on from just fiddling around with picking low security pin tumblers. The annual dues ($150) are a pain in the ass, but i think i can scrape that together. Any more information about ALOA please discuss!

[mcm757207]

My Boss is a long time member of the ALOA, I'll ask him some of your questions today at work. I too want to join the ALOA eventually, but currently I'm too young. Once you do join, if you want to cough up the cash you can buy the 3rd (and highest security) level of Locks Safes and Security.

[funboy79015]

Once you do join, if you want to cough up the cash you can buy the 3rd (and highest security) level of Locks Safes and Security.

You have to work for the gov't to get that level of LSS. Also there are now four levels of LSS. They've added a level for alarms.

[Varjeal]

In regards to technical references, as a business you'll need a supplier, (or two or three) for the product you sell. Set up some accounts, do a little a business with each and I'm sure they would be happy to provide a reference for you. I'm actually a member of the PLAA, which is the Provincial Locksmiths Association of Alberta...in Canada.

[pinky]

im a member of aloa from the uk, it is well worthwhile especialy if you stump up and go to the conventions, as so much can be learnt in the all night bars.

join and you wont regret it , its probably the biggest and best worldwide association to join and for me well worth the dues.