| December 19, 2019
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Join AFA for our upcoming events!
Make sure to visit AFA's Facebook page to stay current on all our latest news and updates.
More 2020 AFA events coming soon!
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Over the weekend of December 6th, the Gulf South Chapter of the AFA had its annual Christmas Party in New Orleans, LA. The event played host to over 70 chapter members, vendors and visitors from other AFA Chapters.
The meeting included a toy drive, which benefited the Chariots of Fire Outreach Ministry–Baton Rouge, LA; a National AFA FENCETECH update from Mr. Todd Thomas; an AFA University report from current AFA National President Mr. Randy Becnel; and many heartfelt congratulations for outgoing Gulf South Chapter President, Mr. Pat Calhoun.
The Gulf South Chapter was privileged to have Mr. Pat Calhoun, Calhoun Fence, lead the chapter for the past five years. The chapter presented Mr. Calhoun with a plaque and a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant.
Photo: Mr. Calhoun receives his plaque from new Chapter president, Pat Bailey.
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The Rocky Mountain Chapter held its annual holiday dinner at Tucson’s in downtown Salt Lake City. The food and camaraderie were fantastic.
The white elephant gifts were a huge hit - from stuffed animals to screw drivers, there was something for everyone at the party. The grand prize was an Apple Watch Series 5, sponsored. A huge thank you to Homeland Vinyl for providing the watch.
Chapter members are all very excited to have FENCETECH in their backyard this coming March!
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The Midwest Chapter of the AFA had a good turnout for its chapter meeting, dinner and retirement celebration for Howard Wullschleger (AFA member 35 years) at the Gufler Mansion in Emporia, KS this November.
The Mansion provided a unique setting, and attendees had plenty of time to talk and reminisce. Seems like we often pack so much in an event we don’t have much time to just visit. Members were thankful to be able to really catch up, which can be challenging sometimes, with so much to pack into a single get-together. The event felt more like a big family gathering for Thanksgiving!
Scholarship winners and AFA University attendees got up and gave reports, and the scholarship recipients were humble and thankful for what they called the most meaningful experience of their professional lives. It made everyone else wish they had been there!
The evening was capped off with member companies voting and approving continued support for the AFA Education Foundation with a donation of $10,000.
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The Carolinas Chapter of the American Fence Association held its largest event of the year in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Cocktail Party at the House of Blues featured great food and drinks, networking with contractors and suppliers, live music, and over $5,000 in prize giveaways. The event had record attendance, and received very positive feedback from attendees.
The chapter also held a golf tournament at at Myrtlewood Golf Club. The weather was perfect, and a wonderful time was had by all! |
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On Thursday October 24th, members of the Western PA/ West Virginia Chapter of the American Fence Association gathered to volunteer for a valuable addition to the Moon Twp Park. The Miracle League Field Project got underway with the manpower and equipment needed for the posts to be set for a backstop, sidelines and outfield fence to eventually complete a baseball field.
The finish top coating will be applied to the playing field surface and the fence framing and stretching construction should be completed early next spring. Companies in participation for the post setting were Harmon Fence, Duquesne Fence, Veka Inc., Metro Fence, and Penn Fencing Inc. Pipe for the fence was donated by Wheatland Tube and supplied and delivered through Master Halco. Veka Inc also kicked in some much needed pizza and drinks at the end for everyone who helped. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day productive, and fun filled.
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Time is running out! You have ONE day to nominate a deserving individual/company for the Ambassador Award, Distinguished Service Award, Fence Contractor of the Year Award, Hall of Fame Award, Manufacturer of the Year Award, and Outstanding Service Award. Let’s recognize these AFA Superstars! Review the criteria and nominate now at www.americanfenceassociation.com/association-awards.
The deadline for nominations is 11:00 PM central time on Friday, December 20, 2019.
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Want to stand out among your competitors? Let your work speak for itself! Just ONE day remains to submit an outstanding project for the PRO Awards. AFA members can submit commercial and residential projects under the following categories: Multi-Use (combination of 2 or more categories), Access Control, Chain Link, Deck/Rail, Farm/Ranch/Agriculture, Ornamental, Wood, Vinyl. Submit now at www.americanfenceassociation.com/pro-awards.
Nominees must be AFA members in good standing. There is a $10 submission fee per nomination. The deadline for nominations is 11:00 PM central time on Friday, December 20, 2019.
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Skip the fuzzy socks and coffee mugs for the holidays this year. Instead, consider giving your customers a distinctive, meaningful experience that maintains its value all year long.
For the discounted price of $175*, you have the unique opportunity to give your customer the gift of an American Fence Association (AFA) membership. Whether your customer is just getting started or has been an active force in the fence business for several years, they will find valuable resources for navigating and preserving their position in the industry.
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It's Time to Approve or Change Your Exhibitor Directory Listing
FENCETECH 2020 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT is not that far away! Each year we showcase our exhibiting companies in our on-site directory, the VOICE, and it’s time to review your directory listing. If you have any company description or product category updates, please send them to katie@americanfenceassociation.com.
DEADLINE FOR APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTIONS: JANUARY 10, 2020.
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Calling all 2020 Exhibitors! Do you want to be a part of an amazing opportunity and an affordable way for your company to be showcased, keep traffic directed towards your booth and be a part of the momentum with our attendees? Then sign up for Booth Bingo!
Here’s how it works: for just $100, your company will be added to a game card distributed to all attendees in their conference bags. When attendees visit participating booths, they get a stamp/sticker that we will provide you. The more stamps/stickers collected, the more prizes they’ll be opted in to win big prizes. Attendees will be running to your booth for the chance to bring home prizes!
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Efficiencies to Boost Your Bottom Line is back by popular demand! And who better to learn it from than a 40-year fence industry veteran and the American Fence Association’s own Executive Director, Tony Thornton!
Creating and maintaining efficiencies in the field is what makes a profitable fence and gate contractor. The key is that profitability lies within the productivity of labor. During this informative hour and a half session, attendees will learn how to develop efficient processes that improve profitability in three critical business areas: sales, operations and installations.
Many AFA members have taken advantage of the opportunity to learn about efficiencies and applied these concepts to their own businesses and watched the profits grow.
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FENCETECH 2020 registration is open! Come join us in Salt Lake City, UT from March 3-6, 2020 for the largest trade show in our industry. New for 2020, you must complete your registration before you book your hotel room.
Once you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation link with hotel reservation instructions.
Don't miss out on this opportunity! Early registration ends February 27, 2020. After February 27, you must pay onsite pricing.
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AFA would like to extend a big Congratulations to the newest Certified Fence Contractors! |
| Tamra Mitchell |
Fencing Specialists |
| Brad Novacek |
A Better Fence Construction |
| Greg Paschal |
Thomas Fence |
Nathan Pelham, CAGSD
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Gate Tech Inc |
| Brian Ramm |
Ramm Fencing |
| Shane Yarbrough |
Dixie Fence Company |
David Anderson, CAGOI, CAGSD
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Northwest Fence Company |
Nick Rike, CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD
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Jamieson Fence |
Interested in becoming a Certified Fence Contractor? The next available testing date will be held at FENCETECH 2020. Click here for more information!
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FENCETECH 2021 will be here before you know it - be sure to save the date for the 2021 sponsor only booth draw. Sponsor only booth draw will take place January 27-28, 2020. Don't miss your chance to claim a valuable, high-visibility space for FENCETECH 2021 in Nashville, TN. We will continue to co-locate with National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), but our new division, the Deck & Rail Institute, is bringing back DECKTECH! This FENCETECH will be bigger and better than ever before.
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AFA is leading the charge into 2020 with exciting new education and membership opportunities.
We’re updating our branding, too.
The latest refresh to Fencepost magazine is all about you, our members: we’re making the reading and learning experience even easier with a streamlined layout and dedicated sections for the industry-leading content you rely on each issue.
Pick up a copy of the January/February Fencepost magazine (coming soon!) and enjoy the same high-quality content, with a new-and-improved design.
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Firehouse Fence, LLC is proud to invite AFA members and friends to join them in celebrating their grand opening!
When: Friday, January 10th, 2020
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: 4440 S. High School Road, Suite C, Indianapolis, IN 46241
A room block has been set up at a local Hilton Garden Inn on the Indianapolis airport property. Free shuttle service is available to and from the airport.
Please call or email Kevin or Stephanie Roberts with any questions:
Kevin@firehousefencellc.com / 317-430-5636
Stephanie@firehousefencellc.com / 317-903-5335
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AFA extends its thanks to the following members who have recently joined the association as first-time members. Welcome to the AFA family!
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AFA extends its thanks to the following members who have recently renewed their existing membership. We're glad you're part of the AFA family!
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Perennial Programs Bring Great Savings to Members
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HP (Hewlett Packard) Program: Available to members, their staff and their families. Register for free and access great HP deals year round. |
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HotelEngine.com: Cut hotel travel expenses for business and personal use by an average of 19%. Members can compare against Priceline and Expedia and see a savings with MSP's preferred hotel rates. Register today and start saving. |
Exciting New Member Savings Programs Rolling Out to Members in 2020
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Fastenal - MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations) offers significant savings for AFA members. Both current and new FASTENAL customers will be able to take advantage of major savings on SKUs that are specific to the industry. |
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Cintas - Uniforms and Facilities
Both current and new Cintas members will be able to take advantage of MSP's preferred pricing program. |
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UPS - MSP will be offering a new UPS program with extremely deep discounts on small parcel and LTL shipments. |
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Ace Hardware - New for 2020, members can save 10% on their Ace Hardware purchases every day of the year. |
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Insurance4Members - Health Plans - This new MSP Program (a Marsh McClennan managed program) covers employees' Health, Dental and Optical needs. Members can participate in the program at any time during the year. More details coming soon. |
Ready to Get Started?
Visit MSP online to see all your savings opportunities and start saving.
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