AFA is thrilled to announce the launch of the new Approved Education Provider Program!  An AFA Approved Education Provider is a member organization that has registered with AFA to provide education that meets the recertification standards for AFA’s credentialing programs. 

There are many benefits related to this new program, designed to connect education providers with certificants looking for continuing education opportunities.

Benefits to Education Provider:

• Promotion of Education Provider’s approved courses to all certified individuals on a regular basis
• Listing of Education Provider’s approved courses on AFA’s website with links to register

Benefits to Certificants:

• Provides continuing education opportunities in one central location, with easy-to-find hours for recertification
• Reduces reporting burden on certificants – all hours earned through Approved Education Providers will be directly reported to AFA and applied to certificants’ online profiles for use in recertification applications

If you are part of an organization that provides education and/or training on topics related to fence (installation, materials, standards, etc.), gate operators/access control (installation, design, standards, etc.), or business (sales, leadership, operations, efficiencies, etc.) and would like more information on this program, please contact sara@americanfenceassociation.com.

If you are a current CFC, CGAD, CGAT, or COM, please watch your email in the coming weeks as we begin listing available continuing education opportunities through this program.

AB 2149, Alex's Law, went before the California State Assembly's Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 16. We are happy to report that the members of the committee unanimously approved the bill to move forward in the legislative process. AFA member Eric Bledsoe of Electronic Innovations Inc. was able to provide comment at the hearing, as well as Eric Quanbeck with The Hummingbird Alliance, and Chief Building Official for San Rafael, Don Jeppson.

We appreciate the work of the Hummingbird Alliance, AFA members, CA Assemblyman Damon Connolly, and so many others who have worked on this issue. We will keep you updated on its progress in the weeks to come.

Industry Suppliers: did you know that the AFA offers sponsorship opportunities year-round and not just at FENCETECH?

You can show your support of the industry by sponsoring anything from in-person or online AFA University courses to online webinars to virtual year-round exhibit booths. And, we can make custom packages that let you target just the right audience for you.  

For more information on how you can get your message out there all year long, reach out to Jim Hawarden, Director, Exhibits & Sponsorships at (314) 561.6717.

Our first Women in Fence Forum is almost here! Join us on Tuesday, May 7^th to connect with other women in the AFA at our inaugural session. This web-based initiative will host several gatherings throughout the year, designed specifically for women in the fencing industry to engage in open and meaningful discussions on various topics.

The Women in Fence Forum is more than just a meeting — it’s a chance to shape your professional journey and influence the fencing industry. Whether you’re seeking a mentor or looking to mentor others, join us to connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network.

We look forward to seeing you there to take part in enriching conversations and make new connections!

With two sessions covering the same content, (one at 12:00PM -1:00PM CT and the other at 6:00PM-7:00PM CT) we hope to accommodate schedules nationwide. Please sign up to attend one of the sessions below.

Session 1 (12PM)

Session 2 (6PM)

One of the many benefits available to AFA members is participation in our country-wide association chapters. Find the chapter closest to you at www.americanfenceassociation.com/membership/chapters.

We offer learning, networking and community participation opportunities year-round. Stay up to date with all of AFA's upcoming chapter happenings at www.americanfenceassociation.com/events.

Contact AFA staff with questions at memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.

The American Fence Association's chapters are a valuable member benefit! Find your local chapter and get involved this spring and summer.

MAY 8
Georgia Chapter Training Opportunity
Accent Fence – Norcross, GA

MAY 17 - 18
Memphis Tri-State Chapter 38th Annual Golf Tournament
Tunica National Golf Course — Tunica, MS

JUNE 8
Colorado Chapter Sporting Clay Shoot
Longmeadow Game Resort & Event Center — Wiggins, CO

JUNE 29
Golf South Chapter Meeting
Top Golf — Baton Rouge, LA

AUG 15
North Central Chapter Golf Outing & Chapter Meeting
White Eagle Golf Club — Hudson, WI

SEP 5 – 8
CFCA/Pacific Northwest/ Rocky Mountain Chapters West Coast Fence Show
Peppermill Hotel & Casino — Reno, NV

Questions? Contact memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.

AFA U FIS in Mansfield at Wood Defender was a memorable experience, thanks to the combined efforts of the AFA community.

We are grateful to our sponsors, without whom this school would not have been possible:

• Master Halco
• D&D Technologies USA
• Ameristar Fence & Security Products

We are also thankful for our talented instructors, who made learning both informative and fun:

• Tony Thornton
• Robert Whitaker
• Alan Olson
• Roy Branch

Look for a full recap of AFA University in Mansfield in our upcoming May/June issue of Fencepost magazine!

Sincerest thanks goes out to our AFA U Mansfield GADS Sponsors, who made this fantastic event possible:

• Doorking
• Master Halco
• Siren Operated Sensors
• Wood Defender

We are also grateful to our stellar GADS instructor, Phillip Doyle, whose deep industry knowledge and experience were invaluable for students throughout the course.

The American Fence Association is pleased to spotlight one of our newer members in this month's newsletter: JH Fencing, based out of Southwest Louisiana. Learn more about this community-minded company below.

JH Fencing operates in roughly a 40 mile radius, and has been serving the community since 2020. Josh Holbrook says, “After Hurricane Laura, we felt it was our time to step up and help our community. What started out as doing volunteer work throughout the area, slowly evolved into helping build back the city of Lake Charles by building fences!”

Josh adds they have always striven to offer their customers the best in all aspects of their work, and customer satisfaction has always been their number one priority.

Outside of work, Josh and his wife love to be outdoors; fishing, hunting, and of course, spending time with family. Connect with JH Fencing on Facebook.

Our March/April issue of Fencepost magazine featured a full recap of FENCETECH 2024. From the show floor to the PRO awards, and a ton of fun in between, we've got a complete breakdown of the week's activities, exhibits, and networking events. Are you in any of the photos?*

Read the article here.

And remember, you can check out all of our past Fencepost issues any time online at https://www.fencepost.digital.com.

*Thank you to Universal Image for the fantastic event photos!

AFA is bringing the heat with unbeatable Member Savings Program deals at Batteries Plus. Take advantage of these and many other savings opportunities to help you keep more money in your pocket this summer.

Batteries Plus is offering significant price reductions on a wide variety of products. That means you can stock up on key battery items this spring at a steep discount. For example, BP Sealed Lead Acid 12-volt 5AH Battery now starts at $12.54.

Just email Batteries Plus at member@batteriesplus.com to learn more about the MSP discounts available to you as an AFA member.

Remember, be sure the local store rings up your order using your special AFA Member Savings GPO account.  If you don't know your account code via the GPO, ask the associates to look it up for you.

See all of our Member Savings Program partners here.