Gate Automation Designer School December 7-8, 2022

The finest Certified Gate Automation Technician cannot install a system that is safe, code compliant and meets the owner’s needs, if that system is not properly designed and specified. It is the purpose of this school to advance the understanding of those designing systems beyond the pure technical knowledge of the industry and help to develop a comprehensive view of the abilities of equipment and configurations possible to meet a user’s needs.

• 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

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 (separate cost and registration): ACI 

Event Dates: February 28 – March 3, 2023
Exhibit Dates: March 1 – 3, 2023

Join us in Oklahoma City for FENCETECH 2023 and to celebrate 60 years of AFA!

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 email questions@american-tradeshow.com.

ATS customer support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time.

Please note that FENCETECH does not use third-party housing companies. All official housing communication will come directly from AFA. If you receive solicitations for housing reservations at FENCETECH 2023, please email FENCETECH@americanfenceassociation.com. If the email did not come from an address ending in @americanfenceassociation.com, it will not be a legitimate source of information.

You must register first to get the discounted room rate information to book your hotel.

Check www.fencetech.com for updated information..

FENCETECH 2023, the premier event for the fence, gate & perimeter security industry, is coming to Oklahoma City March 1-3. With over 4,000 professionals typically in attendance, you’re not going to want to miss this event! Space is limited, so don’t wait!

Already exhibiting and want to ensure that you stand out from your competition? Check out some of the exciting sponsorship opportunities available this year:  

• Keynote Speaker Session: Promote your company on-stage & have the guest speaker in your booth for photo opportunities.
• Opening Happy Hour Bar/Food Kiosk Sponsorship: Drive traffic to your booth by sponsoring one of the bar/food kiosks during this inaugural event.
• Event Application: Have your logo & message in the palm of everyone’s hands.
• Show Floor Coffee Breaks: Provide attendees with some much-needed refreshment!
• Award Dinner: Have your company logo included as part of the presentation for AFA industry leaders and PRO award winners.

To book your booth space or sponsorship opportunity, email jim@americanfenceassociation.com or call
314-561-6717 today!

Early bird deadline is December 22 to save money on registration and get discounted hotel rates (breakfast included in rate). Act now as these schools and hotel rooms will sell out in sunny Florida.

Register for FIS HERE

Vinyl and Chain link disciplines will be taught in Tampa.

Classroom training is provided on Core Topics of importance to all fence installers. The subjects covered are:

• Personal Safety
• Equipment and Tools
• Truck/Trailer Safety and Loading
• Introduction to Blueprint Reading
• Site Reading and Layout
• Introduction to Fence Welding
• Post Hole Digging
• Concrete Mixing
• Post Setting
• Resources and References

All Fence Installation School classes are taught by longstanding industry experts who have extensive knowledge in the discipline being taught. The students are divided into small teams so that each one of them can receive the individual attention they need to learn the basic installation skills in each fence discipline.

Register for GADS HERE

Knowledge of design concepts and understanding of safety and code issues to protect both users and installers is vital for professional Gate Automation Designers. The finest Certified Gate Automation Technician cannot install a system that is safe, code compliant and meets the owner’s needs, if that system is not properly designed and specified. It is the purpose of this school to advance the understanding of those designing systems beyond the pure technical knowledge of the industry and help to develop a comprehensive view of the abilities of equipment and configurations possible to meet a user’s needs.

Anyone who designs automated vehicular gates is encouraged to attend this two-day school.  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

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. There is a certification exam offered after the classroom instruction. Successful certification will show that you and your company are professionals in our industry, however, participation in the certification exam is not required.

Testing opportunities also available on Friday, January 13 1:30pm – 5:30pm. All certification testing is optional and requires a separate application and fee. To register for testing reach out to sara@americanfenceassociation.com.

Need membership help, or credentialing? We have a full team of 9 AFA staff to support you as you grow your business or knowledge in the fence, gate and perimeter security industry.

Michael Reed, Executive Director (512) 431-5360 Email Michael	Nick Rike, CAGOI, CAGSD, CFC, CGAD, CGAT, CFP Director, Professional Development (937) 305-4984 Email Nick
Alexa Churchwell, VP, Association Management (314) 561-6618 Email Alexa	Jim Hawarden, CEM, Director, Exhibits and Sponsorship (214) 264-3818 Email Jim
Tammy Allen, Senior Accountant (314) 561-6645 Email Tammy	Sara Surprenant, Senior Manager, Credentialing (314) 561-6670 Email Sara
Liz Urban, Senior Manager, Membership 314-561-6678 Email Liz	Susan Feldman, Manager, Meetings & Events (314)561-6716 Email Susan
Paula Szwarc, Coordinator, Membership (314) 561-6619 Email Paula

The AFA Education Foundation (AFAEF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, brings educational opportunities into reach for individuals and their family members in the fence industry by providing scholarships to highly deserving candidates. Scholarships are funded through donations (individuals and companies, chapter donations, etc.) and proceeds from AFA Education Foundation fundraisers
(golf tournaments, drawings, etc.).

Scholarships are awarded each year at FENCETECH. Award recipients are chosen based on need and qualifications, and a total of 5 scholarships are available at $5,000.00 each.

Eligible applicants must either be employed in the fence industry or an immediate family member (i.e. wife/husband, child) of a current industry employee. Applicants must also have achieved a “B” grade point average or higher in the previous three years of schooling and have performed a minimum of 40 hours of community service. Applicants do not have to be members of the American Fence Association (AFA) to qualify.

Submit your 2023 scholarship applications here AFA Education Foundation Scholarships

The deadline to apply is January 18, 2023.  The winners will be announced at FENCETECH 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma February 28 – March 3, 2023.

For any questions, please call (800) 822-4342 or send an email to memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.

Travis Hampton, 2021 Distinguished Service Award Winner

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.

Check out this year’s Residential Farm/Ranch/Agriculture winner, Southwest Fence & Deck:

Contractors: Submit your projects and see if your work is the 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

AFA Chicago Chapter Meet
When: December 1, 2022
Venue: Crust Brewing · Rosemont, IL
More information on AFA's Events page
 

CFCA Chapter Bacon Skeet Shoot
When: December 2, 2022
Venue: Martinez Gun Club - Martinez, CA
More information on AFA's Events page
 

GSAFA Jackpot Trade Show
When: January 20th-21st, 2023
Venue: Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ
More information at www.gsafa.org

Malco Products, SBC, has announced that Bill Sharpe was recently appointed to its board of directors.
Sharpe is a co-founder of Pathfinder Companies and Pathfinder Consulting, a Minnesota-based, privately-held investment and advisory firm that provides long-term capital to privately-held family and entrepreneurial companies. His leadership experience and corporate strategy roles in mergers, acquisitions and investment banking spans three decades. 
Sharpe currently holds three corporate board positions across a variety of industries. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
More information at www.malcoproducts.com.

In our September/October issue of Fencepost, AFA's Executive Director Michael Reed shares his insights on how to achieve effective organizational leadership. How can you accurately evaluate your leadership process? Read the article to find out.

"Leadership in today’s organizations involves more than the formal authority. Leadership is a social process made up of the interactions between all members of the group, the formal structures and procedures, and the informal routines that make up the culture of the organization."

Miss a story? You can view past issues of Fencepost in our digital archives.

It's time to plan for holiday travel.

Your MSP has partnered with HOTELENGINE to assist with your company and personal holiday travel needs. Take advantage of savings up to 60%, convenience with direct billing, member support 24/7 and access to 700,000 properties which range from economy chains to boutique and luxury hotels.

Register and save with HOTELENGINE.

Open enrollment for Health Insurance has started!

Reviewing your team's employee benefits for 2023 is key. We have several options which save you and your staff money.

Option 1 - a comprehensive major medical plan for successful business owners and independent contractors.

Option 2 - designed to make coverage available to W-2 employees at affordable rates for both employers that want to subsidize the cost and employees that want to cover their dependents.

Click here to have the MSP Health Plan Staff contact you. 

For more information on all MSP savings opportunities, visit our one-stop registration page.