AUGUST EVENTS

 

 

• 08/24 – AFA Northeast Chapter Meeting & Golf Tournament – CT National Golf Course, East Putnam, CT
• 08/24 – AFA Young Fence Professionals Annual Round Table – Fortress Fence Products, Garland, TX

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• 09/06 – AFA Greater Chicago Chapter Golf Outing - Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire, IL
• 09/13 – AFA West Coast Fence Show - Peppermill Resort, Spa & Casino, Reno, NV
• 09/21 – AFA Midwest Chapter Annual Golf Tournament - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, OK
• 09/21 – AFA Texas Chapter Annual Fundraiser ‘Casino Night’ – Renaissance, Plano, TX
• 09/22 – AFA Texas Chapter Annual Golf Tournament – Frisco Lakes Golf Course, Frisco, TX
• 09/26 – AFA Northern Ohio Chapter Clay Shoot – Hill N’ Dale Club, Medina, OH
• 09/29 – AFA Florida  Chapter 1st Annual Golf Tournament – Rosen Shingle Golf Club, Orlando, FL
  

 

In July 2018, the American Fence Association launched a comprehensive leadership training experience designed specifically for AFA Chapter Leaders. "The Leadership Academy initiative is a key component of the AFA Strategic Plan and is focused on providing volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful both as industry and business leaders," said Dave Schmitz, Lemke Fence, Board of Directors member and president of the Chapter Presidents Committee.

The Memphis Tri-State Fence Association hosted its 32nd Annual Golf Tournament and Fundraiser on April 19th at Tunica National Golf Course in Tunica, Mississippi. 132 players took the course on a rain-free Saturday much unlike last year. The Friday practice round had 25 teams take the course.

It is hard to believe that students are heading back to school. The summer vacation seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. If you or someone you know in the fence industry has a college student or a high school senior, do not forget about the American Fence Association Education Foundation’s scholarship. This needs-based scholarship is awarded annually to deserving students pursuing higher education. Winners are announced at FENCETECH. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. The deadline to submit an application is December 1, 2018. To learn more or to apply, please visit the AFAEF webpage.

Register now to attend one of four outstanding schools at AFA University November 4–9, 2018 in Arlington, TX. Most school curriculum is geared toward individuals new to the industry as well as seasoned professionals.

This year's West Coast Fence Show will be held in Reno, NV from Thursday, September 13–Saturday, September 15. Come partake in the latest products, goods and services that the fence industry has to offer, from all the major manufacturers, distributors and suppliers. Pre-show registration (before Sept. 1st) is FREE.

"How do I build more online reviews?" For the last several years, this has become an increasingly important question for any AFA member who pays attention to their marketing. We’re all operating in a world where most consumers trust online reviews as much (or more) than a personal recommendation. In fact, 85% of consumers trust online reviews – a number that’s sure to keep climbing. So, it’s time for you to have a real, long-term strategy for increasing positive reviews rather than crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

The South Central Regional Conference took place in New Orleans, July 26-28, 2018. More than 100 registrants attended education sessions, engaged with table top exhibitors, and participated in conference events. The Association was pleased to have Terry Stephens, President of Stephens Pipe & Steel, as the keynote speaker at the Welcome Dinner.

According to estimates by CPSC's Operation Safe Gate program, emergency rooms treat about 300 people injured by automatic gates every year. Incidents can range from minor scrapes to amputations – and in several tragic cases, even death. Many of these injuries occur in urban areas with public access gates, such as apartment buildings and condos, and most could be prevented with proper safety protocol. Watch this eye-opening CPSC video to learn more, and read the full CPSC On Safety article here.

Your digital edition of the latest issue of Fencepost is available! Get to know the Automated Vehicular Gate Systems Coalition (one of the most active volunteer groups in the fence and gate industries), find out how to safeguard your business from natural disasters, and learn the ins and outs of properly hiring a subcontractor.

EMX Industries is pleased to announce that its acclaimed IRB-325 photoeye is now UL325-2018 compliant for NC monitoring. Introduced in 1999, the IRB-325 was EMX Industries' very first UL rated photoeye. In fact, it was the industry's first ever photoeye to meet UL325 standards.

The need to help livestock producers has led M&A Manufacturing, Kieler, Wisconsin, to develop a universal hinge extension that allows an agricultural gate to swing around the corner post to nearly 180 degrees in each direction.

U.S. Fence Solutions Co. ("U.S. Fence"), a portfolio company of private equity investment firm Building Industry Partners ("BIP"), is pleased to announce that Jeff Cook has been appointed President of Binford Supply.

LiftMaster® has announced the addition of Jeff McCallum as Territory Sales Manager for Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. McCallum has more than 20 years of garage door industry sales and management experience.

AFA extends its thanks to the following members who have either recently joined the association as first-time members or have renewed their existing membership. Welcome to the AFA family!

AFA members can take advantage of a number of savings opportunities, including a full business insurance Analysis and quote, and Synchrony Consumer Financing. Follow the link below for further details, and start planning ahead now to make sure 2019 is even more profitable for you and your business.