Across the Fence Newsletter
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July 31, 2023   
D & D Technologies (USA), Inc.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Engaged 2023  
   

We are grateful to all who made this a successful event! We hope it provided you with knowledge, inspiration, and connections that will propel you forward in your business.
A special shout-out to our presenters, volunteers, and sponsors — your contributions made an impact on everyone in attendance. 
Together, we are shaping the future of the fence industry.


 
 
   

 

AFA’s board of directors held their mid-year meeting in July, and included a FENCETECH site visit. We can’t wait for all our attendees to see the venue for themselves next January!

We’ll be sharing ongoing updates on this event, and others, throughout the year. Be sure to check your email inboxes and visit our Facebook page for regular news.


 
   
 

Are you looking to make a difference in the fencing industry while also growing personally and professionally? Then you need to serve in 2024!

Serving on the AFA Board of Directors or an AFA Committee helps you grow develop skills, gain practical experience, and provide an opportunity to drive and influence the direction of our organization. Submissions are now being accepted through August 21st.
Learn more at www.americanfenceassociation.com/about/willingness_to_serve.

 
Alta Vista Strategic Partners
DoorKing, Inc.
   
 

AFA University is on the road again, bringing fence professionals who are eager to stay up-to-date with emerging industry trends and new technologies to a town near you!

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your message in front of the people who use your products and services on a daily basis!
2023 AFA U events are as follows:

Myrtle Beach, SC (In conjunction with the Carolinas Chapter By The Sea event)
Fence Installation School (FIS): September 14-15
Gate Automation Design School (GADS): September 14-15

Dallas, TX
Fence Contractor Business School (FCBS): November 6-10
Fence Installation School (FIS): November 6-10
Gate Automation Technician School (GATS): November 6-10
Sales Training School (STS): November 9-10

For more information about sponsoring AFA University events, reach out to Jim Hawarden at (314) 561-6717 or jim@americanfenceassociation.com.

 
   

AFA has partnered with the Carolinas Chapter By the Sea Event in September in Myrtle Beach, SC

Registration is open for GADS and FIS, featuring chain link and wood disciplines.
$50 discounts will be given to AFA U students to attend the Carolinas By The Sea event!

AFA U – September 12-15
Carolinas By the Sea – September 14-16

Contact memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com with questions.

Thank you to our sponsors:
D&D Technologies
Wood Defender
Master Halco
Doorking
Controlled Products Systems Group

 
D&D Technologies’ New High-Temperature Sealed Bearings
D & D Technologies (USA), Inc.®
SHUT IT® gate hinges now include High-Temperature Sealed Bearings!  It is now safe to powder coat SHUT IT® hinges along with the gate – no need to remove the bearings.  Producing a consistent, high-quality finish – gate, fence and hinge finish color will match exactly, including the weld. SHUT IT® hinges are adjustable and require no greasing or maintenance on sealed bearings. EVER! 

Click here to learn more about SHUT IT® hinges.
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Event Dates: January 23-26, 2024 | Exhibit Dates: January 24-26, 2024
 
Space sales are now open for FENCETECH 2024. Connect with the decision makers you want to do business with, meet with your current customers and build long-standing relationships. Always a draw for our attendees, Nashville is sure to be a huge success!
 
Want to elevate your presence? Consider sponsoring one or more of the exciting opportunities we offer before and during the show.
 
To learn more or to confirm your space, click here or call Jim Hawarden, CEM, at (314) 561-6717

 
Simpson Strong-Tie
The Housing Company, LLC
Grow your business with Fence Planner Software from Simpson Strong-Tie®
Simpson Strong-Tie®
Grow your business with Fence Planner Software™ from Simpson Strong-Tie. This free design software supplements your fence products by making it easy for customers to design strong, safe fences in minutes. Once your design is complete, the fence design tool creates a complete bill of materials, allowing you to provide customers a quote on the spot.

Visit go.strongtie.com/fenceplanner
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CHAPTER EVENTS
 
   

The Gulf South Chapter is saddened to share that Trey Anthony St. Pierre passed away suddenly on July 20, 2023 at the young age of 25. 

Trey was a native and resident of Vacherie, LA. In 2017, he began to work for the family business, St. Pierre Fence Co., with the desire to own it one day. The past several years he enjoyed working along with his dad, his mom and his fiancé. Under his leadership as the general manager, the business grew regionally and thrived because of his attention to detail and his tremendous work ethic.

Trey immediately captured you with his gentle smile and love for life. He was kind, compassionate and lived his life to the fullest. He never met a stranger, and he left an impact on so many. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the AFA community.

View his obituary and leave a message here.


 
 
   

 

The North Central Chapter will host a golf outing, followed by dinner and chapter meeting, on August 10th, 2023. The event will be held at the White Eagle Golf Club in Hudson, WI. Further details to come. 

Click here for more information as it becomes available.


 
 
   

 

The Greater Chicago Chapter will hold its annual meeting and golf outing on August 24th, 2023.

Further details to come. Click here to stay up to date.

 
MEMBER CENTER
 
   

 The July/August issue of Fencepost magazine is now available to read online from any device!

Click here to access the full issue, or check out some of our top stories below:

- Beyond the Fence: Landscape, Hardscape, and Lighting Designs for Contemporary Outdoor Spaces
- FenceWeek 2023: Celebrating the Journey, Honing the Craft
- Unlock Your Local Market with These Inbound Marketing Best Practices

Miss an issue or two? Click here to be directed to the full Fencepost digital archive.

Have a story you'd like to share in a future issue of Fencepost? Email editor@americanfenceassociation.com.


 
 
   

 

The American Fence Association is deeply saddened to announce that former staff member Todd Thomas passed away on June 29, 2023.

Todd was instrumental in advancing AFA’s certification initiatives and believed passionately in lifting up others through professional development. Throughout his career, Todd positively impacted the lives of countless industry professionals. His quick wit, easy laugh, and engaging stories made him a friend to everyone he met.

View his obituary and leave a message here.

 
International Gate Devices
EZG MANUFACTURING
NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
 
   
AFA would like to welcome the new members who have recently joined the association.
We're glad you're part of the family!
 
 
   
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!

 
Aluminum Outlet
Fence Empire LLC
MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAM PARTNERS
 

CONSUMER FINANCING THAT HELPS YOU INCREASE SALES
Offer financing for 6, 12 or more months - grow sales %20

Why offer financing? Research shows that the average ticket price of a first purchase is much higher for customers who use a consumer credit card. 

Register to find out why so many AFA Members are using Synchrony and receive a $300 incentive.

 

SLA BATTERIES: GOOD, BETTER, BEST

Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries have been a reliable energy storage solution for various applications over the years. Their robustness, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance-free operation have made them popular in both consumer and industrial settings.

SLA batteries come in different types, each catering to specific applications and offering distinct advantages. Here's our rundown of Good, Better, and Best options.

1. Good: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries. AGM batteries are an excellent entry-level choice for users seeking a dependable power source without breaking the bank. 
2. Better: Gel Batteries. Gel batteries represent a step up in performance compared to AGM batteries. They utilize silica to turn the electrolyte into a gel-like substance, enhancing the battery's durability and cycle life.
3. Best: Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries. These batteries offer a higher energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging times compared to other batteries. 

Selecting the right type of battery depends on the specific requirements of your intended use. Batteries Plus can help you determine which is the best choice for your operation - and at substantial savings. Register for your savings through our AFA Member Savings Program at www.batteriesplus.com/gpo/msp.

For more information on all MSP savings opportunities, visit our one-stop registration page or contact Mark Schiavone at (303) 963-6441 or mark@membersavingsprogram.com

 
 

 

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