Stand for Security--including front-line security officers and supporters--received a warm welcome in Philadelphia yesterday as the security industry's biggest conference--the 58th Annual ASIS International Seminar and Exhibits--got underway.

The officers presented their vision to raise standards in the industry and help create 1.1 million good jobs for the country.

On hand were Stand for Security's own "Thomas Jefferson" and "Benjamin Franklin." The prominent pair of patriots distributed a Constitution-like version of the officers' vision statement outside Philadelphia's Constitution Center, site of the association's President's Reception.

As the author of the Declaration of Independence, "Jefferson" is no stranger to vision statements. "The last one I wrote back in '76 worked out pretty well," he said. "Sure there's been a few bumps in the road. But we're getting where we're going."

Earlier in the day, officers visited the exhibit booth of Georgia-based U.S. Security Associates--the fourth-largest security firm in the country. While U.S. Security Associates officers generate an estimated $1.2 billion in annual revenue, they are paid as little as $8 per hour.

Officer Garfield Tomlinson, who works for U.S. Security Associates in New York City, told U.S. Security Associates marketing personnel about how he is forced to resort to Medicare for healthcare, despite being fully employed.

The U.S. Security Associates employees reportedly showed much empathy for Officer Tomlinson, and even expressed that they hope things get better for him.

Let's hope U.S. Security Associates managers show the same empathy--and take responsibility for helping to improve our industry.