| November 1, 2022
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WATCH: What to Expect at FENCETECH 2023 – and Why You Should Be There!
We’re going to take Oklahoma City by storm Feb. 28-March 3, 2023! FENCETECH is everyone’s favorite fence and gate event to gather, network and keep on top of our industry with the latest information.
We thank you for your support of our annual show, and we can’t wait to see you as we celebrate our 60th anniversary!
Get real ideas and solutions you need to grow and strengthen your business at FENCETECH 2023! We have four exciting days of great content, networking, member recognition and awards plus an exciting show floor packed with informative exhibits where you can learn about the latest products, technology and services that will enhance your business.
If you encounter any issues during the registration process, please contact American Tradeshow Services (ATS), FENCETECH's official registration company, at 985-240-5511 or questions@american-tradeshow.com.
ATS customer support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time.
EXHIBITORS
If you are a current exhibitor, American Tradeshow Services (ATS) will send an invitation email to the booth contact we have on file. The email will include a link to register your booth personnel and your personalized complimentary customer invitation code.
Not an exhibitor yet? Please contact Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships Jim Hawarden at FENCETECH@americanfenceassociation.com or 314.561.6717. 
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There are dishonest third-party companies that may contact you to book hotel rooms through them as a FENCETECH attendee or exhibitor on behalf of NOMMA. This is a scam. AFA does not work with an outside housing company.
Hotel information for FENCETECH 2023 has not been released. Official communications will only come from AFA. Like last year, you will receive hotel booking information after you complete your FENCETECH registration.
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 Do you know a hard-working AFA member who has devoted outstanding service, leadership and contributions to the fence industry? If so, nominate them for one or more of the following Association Awards:
- Ambassador Award
- Distinguished Service Award
- Fence Contractor of the Year Award
- Hall of Fame Award
- Manufacturer of the Year Award
Nominations are due January 11, 2023. Go to AFA Association Awards to find full eligibility details, award category descriptions and our easy online nomination form. Send questions to memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.
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Check out this year’s Commercial Access Control Winner, Securetech Fence Systems, Inc.:
Contractors: Submit your projects and see if your work is best of the best!
Suppliers: sponsor your customer’s amazing install jobs with your products.
Submissions are only $10 per entry with over 16 categories to chose from:
Categories for Residential and Commercial:
• Multi-use (combined categories of 2 or more)
• Access Control
• Chain Link
• Deck and Railing
• Farm/Ranch/Agriculture
• Ornamental
• Vinyl
• Wood
Deadline for submissions is January 11, 2023.
Submit your projects here AFA PRO Awards. Review eligibility requirements here AFA PRO Award Eligibility Requirements
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In September 2022 AFA elections were held. Please welcome the 2023 Board of Directors!
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Head to Minneapolis for this 2-day school to get a better understanding of a compliant gate system.
Not a member? Invest in AFA Membership to get even further discounts!
Gate Automation Designer School December 7-8, 2022
This two-day course can also serve as an introduction to the gate automation industry. Individuals and companies considering expanding their business into gate automation can get a thorough overview of both system design and standards from this class.
This program is a combination of lecture, presentations and hands on gate system layout activities covering the following concepts and topics:
- UL 325 for automated gate systems
- ASTM F2200 and an Introduction to M.U.T.C.D. – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
- Types of Gates
- Types of Gate Operators
- Introduction to Electrical Wiring
- Access Control Devices
- Vehicular Detection Systems
- Power Failure Options
- High Security Applications
- Site Considerations
Register here.
Sponsorships are available! Contact Jim Hawarden at jim@americanfenceassocation.com to showcase your company!
ACI will offer certification testing for Certified Gate Automation Designer, Certified Gate Automation Technician, Certified Fence Contractor, and Certified Operations Manager on December 8, from 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Register for an exam here: ACI (separate cost and registration)
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On Wednesday, Oct. 19 Nick Rike, AFA’s Professional Development Director, attended the 2022 ASTM Committee Week proceedings in New Orleans and the F14 Subcommittee. AFA plans to create a technical committee that will continue to work closely with the ASTM F-14 committees.
Ben Shirley, ASTM F14 Subcommittee Chair and AFA member, shared an update.
“The entire F14 subcommittee is elated to see AFA’s renewed commitment to ASTM. The F14 subcommittee has many challenges within the next several years, the biggest hurdle being participation. For a period F14 has been comprised of only 8-10 industry professionals who have developed and maintained our core fence standards. Our latest threat is the involvement of unrelated industries who feel the F14 subcommittee should be limited to installation and not fence and gate application standards. To keep these groups from threatening the existence of our standards it’s important to increase participation among fence professionals. AFA’s involvement within ASTM highlights its commitment to developing the fence industry and an emphasis to make our world safe and secure through the works of fence professionals.”
If you would like to be involved or have questions about F14, please contact Nick Rike at nick@americanfenceassociation.com.
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CFCA Chapter to Host a Bacon Skeet Shoot
When: December 2, 2022
Venue: Martinez Gun Club - Martinez, CA
Stay tuned for more details, to follow.
GSAFA Jackpot Trade Show Heads to Atlantic City in January
The Garden State Chapter of the American Fence Association will be hosting its premiere event, the Jackpot Trade Show, from January 20th-21st, 2023 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.
More information can be found at www.gsafa.org, or by contacting jackpot@gsafa.org.
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The AFA is getting ready to celebrate our 60th anniversary and we’re working hard to keep the Association around for another 60 years, and with your help we can! Encourage your customers to join AFA, so we can help them grow their business, and both you and your customer will be rewarded!
Each new member that joins through the Supplier Referral Program will receive 15 months of membership for the price of 12 and your company will earn educational credits to use for your staff or to pass on to clients. It’s a win-win! Just remind your customers to put your name on the application as the referring member.
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U.S. Department of Labor
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has initiated efforts to provide on-site technical assistance and outreach in the areas of Florida hardest hit by the storm to protect workers involved in the recovery and response and to prevent any further injury or loss of life.
The agency had ceased programmed and planned enforcement inspections in counties identified in the hurricane's path, and – once the storm had passed – deployed safety and health professionals to help employers and workers engaged in recovery operations to eliminate serious hazards.
OSHA maintains a comprehensive webpage with safety tips to help employers and workers prepare and respond to a hurricane, including an alert on keeping workers safe during flood cleanup.
Read the full press release here.
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In our September/October edition of Fencepost magazine, we hear from two AFA member security experts on the benefits and trends in video surveillance technology.
Hear what All Security Equipment and Perimeter Security Group have to say - Read the article here.
Missed the latest issue?
You can access our full archive of past issues any time, anywhere at www.fencepost-digital.com.
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AFA would like to welcome the new members who have recently joined the association.
We're glad you're part of the family!
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AFA would like to give a shout-out to our members celebrating anniversaries with the association.
We're honored to mark another year in our partnership!
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Are you getting bombarded by requests from companies who want to submit your company’s request to the Federal Government for COVID Employee Retention Credits (ERC)?
We are, too - but who can you trust with delicate personal information? Your MSP has partnered with the name you know and trust: Experian, one of the three key credit score bureaus we all rely on.
 Did you know your business may be eligible to qualify for up to $26,000 per employee? If you operate in the following states: CA, OR, WA, NY, NJ, PA, you are VERY likely to be able to receive ERC funds. If you are in other states, it's still worth a conversation as well. Experian Employer Services will do the "heavy lifting" and maximize your ERC benefits.
Are you eligible to qualify?
- Did your gross receipts experience a reduction during any quarter compared to the previous year between March 13, 2020 and September 30, 2021?
- Did you experience a full or partial shutdown due to Covid-19?
- Were your business operations subject to modification due to Covid-19, or due to government orders?
Fill out this form to get more information about Employee Retention Credit Services. An Experian ERC expert will contact you shortly.
For more information on all MSP savings opportunities, visit our one-stop registration page.
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