November 6-11, 2016 Fort Worth, Texas Improve your skills and advance your career at AFA University this fall. AFA University offers a chance to demonstrate a higher level of understanding and professionalism within the fence and access control industry. AFA University's comprehensive schools and additional certification programs allow anyone to increase their knowledge of sales, design, installation and more.

 

Chapter/Regional Events 

July 29-31, 2016
Carolinas Chapter Meeting
River Float
Details to come. Save the date.

Mark your calendars for Feb. 2-5, 2017, when AFA takes FENCETECH and NOMMA takes METALfab to San Antonio, Texas. You'll join leading fence industry manufacturers, distributors and contractors and get four days of education, certifications, networking and sessions about industry trends and technology.

The Department of Labor recently announced the interim final rule that allows OSHA to adjust its civil penalties for inflation. OSHA's maximum penalty for serious violations will increase from $12,471 from $7,000. Willful or repeated violations will jump to $124,709 from $70,000. This is the first time OSHA has increased its maximum penalties in more than 25 years.

Outdoor workers may be at the greatest risk of exposure to Zika virus in areas where mosquitoes—the main route of transmission—are spreading the disease. OSHA's new QuickCards, available in English and Spanish, provide information for workers about how to protect themselves from mosquito bites when working outside. The QuickCards offer tips on wearing clothing to cover skin, and using insect repellent on exposed skin. The new guidance also links to the most up-to-date information on Zika from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as potential health outcomes and reproductive effects.

Read more about the Pacific Northwest Regional Event or contact Sarah Ross at Sarah@americanfenceassociation.com or 314-561-6622.  

PrivacyLink® recently launched its Noodle Link™ line of fencing. Noodle Link™ stands out from all other pre-inserted fence products by a unique new locking system that uses a flexible round tube to lock the slats securely in place at both the top and bottom of the fence. This new locking system is so groundbreaking that the company has applied for patents on it. And, since the slats are inserted into the chain link mesh at the same time the chain link is woven, there is no need for installers to hand insert slats on the job site which saves time and money.

Are you an AFA member with a great success story to share? Is there an article topic you'd like to see covered in an upcoming issue? Do you have a story you'd like to submit for possible publication? Please contact Jeanie Clapp, editor-in-chief, at editor@americanfenceassociation.com.

If you have pictures or videos demonstrating what you and your crews do every day on the job, please email them to AFA. They will be posted to the association's Facebook page and rolled out via Twitter. Share with others the great work you do every day!

Are you making your sales goals? Congratulations if you are. If not, now is the time to reevaluate your current sales strategies and make some changes. SOURCE: ALLBUSINESS.COM

Moving to a new office space? Whether your business is headed down the block or across town, a poorly managed office relocation can quickly spiral into a huge headache for employees and clients alike. Worse, when you’re knee-deep in boxes and bubble wrap, it’s easy to overlook important details, like updating your business’s address online. SOURCE: SMALL BIZ TRENDS

In the last fifteen years, we've gone through a significant recession, been a part of a technological revolution, and witnessed a huge jump in startups. The economic landscape looks different than it used to, which means interviewing and hiring need to look different as well. Asking these questions will help you find the difference between a passable job seeker and a potential rock star. SOURCE: FORBES

Building camaraderie with your co-workers is an important piece of a healthy working environment - it helps create a stronger and more communicative team. One of the many enjoyable ways to build camaraderie is by heading out to the great outdoors. SOURCE: SOCIALMONSTERS.ORG