The History of CEC

CEC was founded in 1946 with a vision of delivering high-caliber system and technology solutions to its customers across all markets. CEC has stayed true to that vision, helping customers around the world solve their toughest technology challenges in audio/video, fire and security, healthcare communications, IT, and two-way communications.

 Browse through this timeline to see just how far CEC has come …

1940s & 1950s 1960s & 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000 to Today

2000 to Today

Social media, blogs, and podcasts are the latest means of communication. Normal, everyday tasks now depend on converged and online technologies that unite voice, data, and video. Integration is more crucial than ever to get the best performance out of systems and technologies. CEC completes two acquisitions to help increase the company’s solutions offerings and geographical reach. 

• CEC acquires Green Bay, WI-based A&A Fire and Security. The purchase of this company solidifies CEC’s role in offering fire alarm inspection, testing, and maintenance services, and solidifies CEC's presence in Wisconsin.
• CEC plays an integral role in the technology design and development of the Roshek Building (a key historical, LEED-certified building in Dubuque, IA).
• CEC installs the MOTOTRBO digital radio system with GPS tracking for the Muscatine Community School District, making it one of the first district-wide radio systems of this type in the country.
• Security technology becomes more IT-centric, and CEC becomes a Lenel-certified partner so it can offer superior integration capabilities, Microsoft compatibility, and expanded access control offerings to enterprise customers. 
• The events of 9/11 change the security landscape, making building owners everywhere more aware of holes in their existing security systems and plans.
• CEC designs and installs key components of the emergency command center at General Mills. This project is one of the leading manufacturer command centers in the country.
• Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans and causes a national focus on business continuity planning.
• CEC implements the first Electronic Systems Technician apprenticeship program in the United States, and was commended by the U.S. Department of Labor for this achievement.
• CEC purchases Entre, giving the company expanded capabilities in application development and web design. Thanks to the development department, CEC can more efficiently help customers with system and technology integration.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) makes the most extensive changes to the National Fire Alarm Codes in more than 20 years, shifting the responsibility of testing, inspecting, and maintaining fire alarm systems to building owners.
• CEC celebrates its 65th anniversary.
• CEC implements the first Motorola MOTOTRBO Connect Plus radio system in the United States.