History

Letter from the President

DAVENPORT, IA - April 14, 2010 - Since the founding of ECS, Inc. in 1971 there have been many changes in the industry as a whole. Over the years we have adapted to these changes to best serve you, our clients. With the coming of the New Year we have made some additional changes to ensure the continued success of our company. These changes will help ensure that you, our client, will receive the best attention and quality service that you have come to expect from ECS Inc.

New Members to our Family

We have recently added Keegan Moffit as an Installation Technician and Branson Rasko as a Project Manager to our family!

We brought Keegan and his wife into our family 7 months ago. Keegan has come to ECS, Inc. with years of Audio-Visual experience. Keegan received a BA in Audio Arts & Acoustics from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. He has completed several InfoComm courses, has achieved CTS certification, and is currently training for the CTS-I certification. Keegan has the knowledge, expertise, and work ethic to provide you with the highest level of service that you have come to expect from ECS, Inc.

We welcome Branson, his wife, & two children to ECS, Inc. Branson was previously employed with Volt Technical Services where he worked for three years as an infrastructure Analyst assigned to Deere & Company in Moline, IL. Branson received an AS in Information Systems from Florida Technical College in Auburndale, FL. He has received several industry certifications consisting of: MCSE, CCNA, A+, & a variety of UNIX & Windows Operating System certifications. He is also a certified Fiber Optics Installer.

Saying Goodbye to a Colleague

After working with John Heidemann for more than 35 years, he has decided to retire from ECS, Inc. His last day in the office was April 1, 2010. John worked diligently and tirelessly for many years with ECS, Inc. and will be greatly missed. John has agreed to continue to allow ECS, Inc. to utilize his expertise and work with us on a limited basis on special projects. If you have any questions regarding John please contact Rex Lawrence @ 563-445-4352.

Videoconferencing

ECS, Inc. recently updated our large demonstration conference room with a new Tandberg C40 HD 1080P videoconferencing system. This new system is also capable of (4) simultaneous sites. It is available for both demonstration and rental. For more information or to schedule a demo contact Dale Watts @ 563-445-4368.

Streaming

Newtek introduced at NAB a new 22 channel Tri-Caster with (8) digital/analog inputs, (2) DDRs, (2) network inputs, titles, stills and (8) virtual mix channels. For more information contact Paul Bailey @ 563-445-4369.

Color Aignment

If you want to ensure that your Plasma, LCD, LED TV or Video Projector is reproducing the picture correctly then you need ECS, Inc and the Sencore Video Calibration System. For a nominal fee ECS, Inc. can confirm and/ or correct any picture inaccuracies. Call Mark Van Hoosier @ 563-445-4357 for more information.

Reminder:

Wireless Microphone Operating in the 698 MHz to 806 MHz Range Banned by the FCC

Effective June 12th, 2010 frequency range 698 MHz to 806 MHz will be used as a Public Safety Frequency and it will be considered unlawful to use them for anything else. I understand that this is inconvenient for you and your business. I brought this to your attention to keep you informed and to let you know that many of the manufactures that we represent are offering significant discounts to end-users that upgrade to new wireless systems operating outside the banned ranged. My sales staff has a great understanding of the situation, would be happy to inform you on whether your current equipment falls within the approaching banned range, and would be happy to let you know what discounts are being offered.

For wireless sales call 563-322-1525 for more information.

I would like to personally take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of ECS, Inc. We look forward to improving on the strong relationships we have built over the years. With your continued support, we will work to make ECS, Inc. the best it can be for many years to come.


Best regards,



Rex Lawrence, CTS
President

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DAVENPORT, IA - January 2008 – Since the founding of ECS Inc. in 1971 there have been many changes in the industry as a whole. Over the years we have adapted to these changes to best serve you, our clients. With the coming of the New Year, we have made some additional changes to ensure the continued success of our company. These changes will help ensure that you, our client, will receive the best attention and quality service that you have come to expect from ECS Inc. It is for this reason that I would like to introduce to you the newest members of ECS Inc.

Charles Reynolds has joined ECS Inc. as a project manager. Charles has come to ECS Inc. with a background in network administration and installation. Charles holds a Bachelor‘s of Science Degree from Western Illinois University, as well as CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications. Charles will be responsible for interfacing with our clients and the installation staff to provide a seamless integration.

Nate Lawrence has joined ECS Inc. as a sales engineer. Nate has come to ECS Inc. with a background in residential and commercial construction project management. Nate holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University. Nate most recently served as a project manager with Clinton Engineering Co., a general contractor located in Clinton, IA. Nate will be responsible for new construction sales to electrical and general contractors, consultants and builders.

Brian VanSpeybroeck has joined ECS Inc. as a service/ installation technician. Brian has come to ECS Inc. with over 20 years of experience in electronic equipment service and installation. Brian will be a valuable member of our service and installation team.

Shawn Kavanaugh has joined ECS Inc. as an installation technician. Shawn has come to ECS Inc. with over 15 years of experience in electronic equipment installation and tech support. Shawn will be a valuable member of our installation team.

Roy Franklin has joined ECS Inc. as an installation technician. Roy will be a valuable member of our installation team.

In conjunction with the latest additions to our company, some changes have occurred regarding the corporate ownership of ECS, Inc. After 18 years of co-ownership between John Heidemann and myself, ECS Inc. started the New Year under new ownership. As of January 2nd John Heidemann decided to step down as co-owner of ECS Inc. Throughout the transition, John has decided to remain with ECS Inc. as a sales engineer, doing his part to ensure the continued success of the company that he helped to build. As a result of his decision, I was fortunate enough to buy out John’s ownership in the company, with the help of one of my life-long friends and business associates, Chet Carrara.

Chet has joined ECS Inc. in the role of Chief Executive Officer. Chet comes to ECS Inc. with over 25 years of sales and management experience. In addition to being a co-owner in ECS Inc., Chet holds ownership in numerous business ventures and real estate properties throughout the Quad Cities area. Chet’s management experience and business savvy will help ensure the further growth and continued success of our company.

While the New Year has brought about some changes to the company, many of the core values that our company was built on have remained the same. At ECS Inc. we still hire and retain only the most knowledgeable and highly skilled individuals, bringing together over 150 years of combined experience to best serve our clients. We still rent, sell, and service only the highest quality and most reliable equipment, through our representation of over 400 of the most highly regarded manufacturers in the industry. Lastly we continue to strive to provide the highest level of customer service that our clients have come to expect from ECS Inc.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of ECS Inc. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong relationships we have built over the years. With your continued support, we will work to make ECS Inc. the best it can be for many years to come.


Best Regards,



Rex Lawrence
President

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Certified AudioVisual Solutions Provider Program Signifies Company Commitment to Education and Training

DAVENPORT, IA - June, 2004 – ECS, Inc. today announced its participation in the audiovisual industry’s highly regarded certification program, marking its commitment to education and training for all employees.

The Certified AudioVisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP) Program is the industry standard certification program for companies in the professional audiovisual industry. It is administered by The International Communications Industries Association, Inc.® (ICIA®) and the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF).

“A CAVSP designation gives AV companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., ICIA’s executive director. “Customers of audiovisual communications and presentation systems can be confident of professionalism and an aspiration to excellence when working with these companies that have invested in education and training to stay current on the latest AV technologies and techniques.”

The CAVSP Program includes three levels -- basic, silver and gold certified members -- depending on the percentage of staff within an organization who have received individual certification. Individual certification is known as the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) program, and consists of general certification as well as specialized certification in design, installation, rentals or sales.

In order to provide our customers with the latest state of the art equipment and design techniques, we felt it necessary to provide this training to our employees and ICIA was just the avenue for us to accomplish it.

Companies eligible for CAVSP status include businesses that manufacture, sell, integrate, design, provide consultation on or rent AV equipment, systems and services. The CAVSP program (formerly ICIA’s Certified Member Program) ties in with the AVolution Industry Awareness Campaign that promotes the skills and talents of professional AV solutions providers (AVSPs). To achieve CAVSP status, the company must participate in AVolution by agreeing to 10 Standards of Excellence. More information on ICIA’s certification program and educational courses is available at www.infocomm.org. More information on the AV Industry’s AVolution Awareness Campaign is available at www.avolution.info.

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ECS, INC. receives award as one of the top ten growing business that provide the best in everything from employee retirement plans to benefit education.

DAVENPORT, IA - June 10, 2002 – ECS, Inc. has been selected by judges from the nation's top institutions as one of the top ten growing businesses that provide the best in everything from employee retirement plans to benefit education. As the nation's 401(k) leader, The Principal® understands the importance of securing financial futures.

With only 18 employees, ECS, Inc., proves that growing companies can help contribute to the financial security of their employees regardless of their staff size. ECS designs, installs and maintains commercial and professional video, audio and multimedia communication systems for customers throughout the Midwest. Judges chose ECS for its strong medical insurance program that covers 100% of both employee and dependent premiums. As illustrated by the firm's long-term disability income insurance that provides more than 60% of salary as payout, ECS acknowledges that catastrophic coverage for employees is important. According to John Heideman, president of ECS, "When you're a small company in the Quad Cities and you're competing with the likes of John Deere for talent, you have to have a strong benefits offering to have a shot at the best people. "

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ECS, INC. JOINS PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS NETWORK, INC.

IN CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF GROWTH

ECS, Inc. Continues to Provide System Integration Services to the Audio and Visual Industry—

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ - December 20, 2001 – ECS, Inc., Davenport, Ia. And Professional Systems Network, Inc. (PSNI)—a premier nationwide network of audio and visual (AV) system integrators who design, develop and install AV communications systems, and whose combined sales total more than $345 million—join in celebrating PSNI’s fifteenth anniversary this year. ECS, Inc’s membership in PSNI since 1990 has supported the network in meeting the evolving needs of the AV industry and serving a nationwide clientele. PSNI’s members offer consultation, engineering, installation and technical services in an effort to deliver integrated equipment packages and offer a wide variety of state of the art equipment from all leading manufacturers to its customer’s clients.

ECS, Inc. is one of 21 affiliate companies of PSNI, which has grown from only five affiliates in 1986, to having offices in 45 U.S. cities with nearly 1,000 employees, including 259 sales people and 313 technical people. PSNI and ECS, Inc. has become a leading resource for sales and support of AV systems to companies throughout the United States.

“ECS, Inc. is pleased to be part of a nationwide network that has made significant contributions to the AV industry,” said Rex Lawrence, Vice President of ECS, Inc. “Our affiliation with PSNI assists ECS, Inc. in staying on top of AV industry trends and advancing technologies so that we can successfully serve the unique needs of our own local and national client base.”

ECS, Inc. provides integrated solutions for high-profile clients, with projects ranging from Genesis Medical Heart Institute Auditorium to The City of Bettendorf Council Chambers. ECS, Inc’s applications and specialties include, but are not limited to:

Applications

• Projection and Presentation Systems
• Videoconferencing
• Boardroom
• Streaming Video
• Video Production Systems
• Desktop Video
• Distance Learning
• Broadcast
• Training Facilities
• Content Networking
• Network Operation Centers/Master Control Centers

Specialties

• Hardware and software solutions
• Custom system design
• In-shop fabrication
• On-site system installation
• Technical proof of performance
• Operator and technical training
• Service and maintenance agreements

As a member of PSNI, ECS, Inc. subscribes to a Member Code of Ethics and Customer Bill of Rights, thus providing a distinguishing standard of quality, service, and expertise to its clients at all times. These standards ensure customers and the industry that ECS, Inc. is a reputable company providing top quality products and services. Click here for more information on PSNI.

ECS, Inc’s vision for the future is to continuously aim to fulfill its Customer Bill of Rights and to remain at the top of the AV field through continued education on evolving AV technologies.

To learn more about ECS, Inc’s services and capabilities, please contact Rex Lawrence, Vice President, at 563-322-1525 x4352.

About PSNI

PSNI, based in Princeton Junction, NJ, is a premier, nationwide network of professional audio and visual system integrators who design, develop and install audio and visual communications systems and work cooperatively. With offices in 45 cities, PSNI offers consultation, engineering, installation and technical services in an effort to deliver integrated equipment packages and offer a wide variety of state of the art equipment fromall leading manufacturers. Each PSNI affiliate has met rigorous industry standards and is governed by the PSNI Member Code of Ethics and Customer Bill of Rights to ensure quality service and client satisfaction.

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DAVENPORT, IA - May 2000 – Electronic Communication Systems of Davenport Iowa, is proud to announce our relocation to a brand new facility at 5665 Tremont Avenue. This new building provides many opportunities that were not possible at our previous Brady Street location. The building, which is over 18,500sq.ft., features a large state of the art service department, individual nonlinear editing demonstration suites, conference room equipped with full motion video teleconferencing, the latest in presentation and control systems technology, huge demonstration area, spacious lighted parking lot, easy drive-in equipment pickup and drop off and easy access from interstates I-74 & I-80 as well as Highway 61. ECS personnel have provided Iowa and Illinois with over 25 years of sales, design, installation, service and rental of presentation, video messaging, video and audio production equipment, linear and nonlinear edit stations, security camera and RF systems. ECS staff and technicians have over 150 years of combined experience and represent more than 400 manufacturers.

For further information, call 563.322.1525 or contact us by email.

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DAVENPORT, IA - March 1990 – ECS, Inc. was formed when John Heidemann and Rex Lawrence completed the purchase of the Quad Cities branch office from Video Midwest and Vaughn Communcations on March 1, 1990. The company started with three key individuals; John Heidemann and Rex Lawrence in Equipment Sales and Mark Van Hoosier in Equipment Service and Installation. These same three people are actively working together along with over 34 of the most experienced people in this field. The combined experience of the ECS staff amounts to over 150 years of day to day practical knowledge in traditional Video, Desktop Video, Audio and Data Communications.