| August 26, 2024
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 There’s still time to register for certification exams at the West Coast Fence Show in Reno, NV, on September 6-7, 2024. Can’t make it? We have upcoming testing events across the country, so you can get certified closer to home.
Upcoming Testing Dates:
- Reno, NV: September 6-7, 2024 (West Coast Fence Show)
- Tulsa, OK: September 18, 2024
- Kiawah Island, SC: September 19, 2024
- Philadelphia, PA: September 26, 2024
- Hawaii: October 24, 2024
- Tulsa, OK: November 8, 2024 (AFA University)
- Dallas, TX: November 9, 2024 (AFA University)
- Salt Lake City, UT: February 26-27, 2025 (FENCETECH)
Earn certifications such as Certified Fence Contractor, Certified Gate Automation Designer, Certified Gate Automation Technician, and Certified Operations Manager. Certification boosts your skills, marketability, and career opportunities.
Reserve your seat today! Click here to apply.
Questions? Contact Sara Surprenant at sara@americanfenceassociation.com.
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 In July, representatives from the American Fence Association (AFA) met with the offices of Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee in Salt Lake City, Utah, to present the association's policy agenda. The discussions focused on the importance of these issues to AFA member companies and the need for a strong economic environment to support industry growth. The meeting also served as an opportunity to introduce the senators to the AFA, its dynamic member base, and the upcoming FENCETECH event, which the senators are excited to host in 2025.
As the November presidential election approaches, attention is turning to the legislative activities of Congress. Currently, Congress is in its August district work period and will reconvene on September 9th. With only a few weeks to pass legislation before returning to their home states in October, AFA will closely monitor any developments during the upcoming lame-duck session in November that could affect the industry.
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.png) Get ready for a busy September with Women in Fence! We have several events lined up, both in-person and virtual, offering unique opportunities to connect with fellow women in the industry.
- September 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. PST (West Coast Fence Show): Join us for a fun escape room and axe throwing event. Cost: $95 per person (includes food and non-alcoholic drinks). Register at westcoastfenceshow.com or contact AFA.PNW@gmail.com.
- September 17, 2024, 12:00 p.m. CT (Virtual): Women in Fence Forum. Take your lunch break to discuss industry issues that matter to you. Register here.
- September 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. EST (Kiawah Island, SC): Join the Women in Fence and Veterans in Fence interest meeting brunch at the "By the Sea with the Carolinas" event. Register at 2024 By The Sea with the Carolinas Fence Association.
Don't miss these opportunities to connect and engage!
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From July 22-25, 2024, AFA’s leadership convened in Utah for the annual Mid-Year Meeting. Despite travel disruptions, a committed group gathered in Salt Lake City to preview the FENCETECH 2025 venue, review current initiatives, and start refining AFA’s strategic plan.
Past Presidents Sam Williams, Rand Ward, and Phillip Doyle led a volunteer onboarding session, focusing on AFA’s culture, history, and governance. Legal and risk management advisors shared insights on creating a safe and engaging member experience.
Executive Director Michael Reed guided discussions on industry trends and opportunities in education, government relations, and membership engagement. The Chapter Presidents Committee explored enhancing chapter experiences to foster pride and connection among members.
As AFA transitions into a busy fall season, the insights from the Mid-Year Meeting will shape upcoming events and initiatives, ensuring continued growth and member engagement.
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 FENCETECH is the American Fence Association’s premier annual convention and trade show, attracting over 4,500 professionals from the fence, gate, and perimeter security industries.
Exhibit space sales are now open! With 85% of the show floor already sold, there are still prime spots available to showcase your products and services to key fence contractors. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the $20.6 billion* fence industry.
Reserve your space today by visiting the FENCETECH 2025 Exhibitor Portal and selecting “I Don’t Have a Booking Code.” For more details, including floor plans and pricing, visit the FENCETECH 2025 webpage or contact Jim Hawarden, Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships, at (314) 561-6717.
*Data from the 2024 IBISWorld Report 23899C.
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Are you an education provider in the fence industry? Join the AFA as an Approved Education Provider and offer courses that meet the recertification standards for our credentialing programs.
Benefits for Education Providers:
- Regular promotion of your approved courses to all certified individuals.
- Your courses listed on the AFA website with registration links.
Benefits for Certificants:
- Access continuing education in one central location.
- Hours earned through Approved Education Providers are automatically reported to AFA for recertification.
If your organization offers education on fence installation, gate operators, or business topics, contact sara@americanfenceassociation.com for more info.
Certified professionals, keep an eye on your email for upcoming course listings!
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Are you ready to join hundreds of your peers and level up your career? Sign up today and start working toward your Certified Fence Contractor, Certified Gate Automation Designer, Certified Gate Automation Technician, and Certified Operations Manager designations. More and more testing events are being added to our 2024 calendar and we invite you to join us!
Upcoming testing events include:
- Pennsylvania/New Jersey Area - September 2024 (dates TBD)
- Reno, NV – September 6-7, 2024
- Hawaii – October (city and date TBD)
- Tulsa, OK - November 8-9, 2024 (AFA University)
- Dallas, TX – November 9, 2024 (AFA University)
- Salt Lake City, UT - February 26-27, 2025 (FENCETECH)
To submit your application and reserve your seat, please click here.
Questions? Contact Sara Surprenant at sara@americanfenceassociation.com.
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Are you looking for a way to show your current and future customers that you truly care about their future success and that of the industry? Supporting AFA University schools and the students can be the easiest way to do that!
AFA University consists of six different schools that provide the training industry professionals are looking for. CLICK HERE to see a list of the dates and locations of the schools scheduled in 2024. For more information on sponsoring these schools and other year-round sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Jim Hawarden, Director Exhibits & Sponsorships at jim@americanfenceassociation.com or (314) 561-6717.
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AFA is committed to helping you showcase your credentials in today's digital world. That's why we've partnered with Credly to offer digital badges, a modern way to highlight your achievements.
If you've earned certifications like CFC, CGAT, CGAD, or COM, or completed programs like FIS, FCBS, GADS, GATS, OMS, or STS, you should have received an email from Credly to claim your badge. This badge includes detailed information about your credential and lets you easily share your accomplishment on LinkedIn and other platforms—all for free.
Why Claim a Digital Badge?
- Easily manage, share, and verify your accomplishments.
- Enhance credibility with secure verification.
- Showcase your skills to potential clients and grow your business.
What’s Next?
- Click the button in the email from Credly to accept your badge.
- Set up your Credly account and confirm your details.
- Start sharing your badge and celebrating your success!
Take advantage of this opportunity to boost your professional recognition. If you haven’t received your badge (check your spam folder!) or have questions, contact sara@americanfenceassociation.com.
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The American Fence Association's chapters are a valuable member benefit! Find your local chapter and get involved this summer.
SEP 5 – 8
CFCA/Pacific Northwest/ Rocky Mountain Chapters West Coast Fence Show
Peppermill Hotel & Casino — Reno, NV
SEP 19 - 21
Carolinas Chapter — Carolinas By The Sea
Kiawah Island, SC
SEP 20
Northern Ohio Chapter Meeting & Clay Shoot
Hill 'n Dale Club — Medina, OH
SEP 20
2024 Midwest Chapter Golf Tournament
Shangri-La Resort — Afton, OK
OCT 19
Gulf South Chapter Annual Fundraiser Clay Shoot
Jackson, MS
Questions? Contact memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.
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 Irish Fence, LLC, a family-owned business and AFA member since December 2023, has over 20 years of experience in the fencing industry. Founded by brothers Chris and Tim Sullivan, the company is dedicated to providing top-quality fencing solutions to West Seneca, NY. Led by Chris Sullivan, who oversees everything from sales to installation, Irish Fence is known for its exceptional customer service and expert craftsmanship.
Offering a range of materials from classic wood to modern aluminum, Irish Fence uses only the highest quality products, treating every property with care and precision.
Connect with Irish Fence on Facebook today!
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Lock and access control manufacturer Codelocks welcomes Colleen Walsh as its new PR and Communications Manager.
Colleen has nine-years of professional PR experience and has collaborated with the Codelocks marketing team for over five years on the agency side. Her expertise in brand management, content creation and media relations will be instrumental in enhancing Codelocks North America presence and driving Codelocks strategic messaging. Colleen will work closely with Resonates, Codelocks’ Global PR agency based in the UK. More information at www.codelocks.com.
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Inc.com
Company leaders often discuss the need for culture, as a singular noun. But sometimes businesses can see great benefit from incorporating multiple points of view through subcultures.
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HBR
New research shows that cynics tend to earn less, feel less fulfilled at work, and are less likely to be promoted to leadership positions. This research scientist suggests new ways to fight cynicism and improve collaboration in your workplace.
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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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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MERCHANT COST CONSULTING
This is one of our true "No Brainer" Programs. Patrick MacLellan represents our newest endorsed vendor, Merchant Cost Consulting (MCC) for the AFA Member Savings Program. MCC offers cost reduction services on your Merchant Services i.e. Credit Card Processing.
Merchant Cost Consulting helps members reduce their credit card processing fees without changing processors, software or banks.
If your business is using Worldpay, Global Payments, Heartland, FirstData or any other processors, nothing would need to change. We simply reduce the costs while keeping all operations the exact same. Our average savings on this expense is 25%.
Learn More at https://merchantcostconsulting.com/lower-credit-card-processing-fees/partner/msp.
ARIAT APPAREL
Stay comfortable, stay safe, and stay stylish with Ariat’s shirts, pants, work boots, and much more.
Take advantage of three ways to set up your Ariat crew company account:
1. Group Buy: Order apparel and footwear for your whole crew and save.
2. Approved Company Spend: You set the budget, and let your crew do the shopping.
3. Shoppable Catalog: A custom shoppable catalog from which your crew can place their own orders. Need customization? We'll help you give your crews' gear a uniform look with embroidery representing your company. Visit www.ariatcrew.com/mspregistration.
Ready to learn more? See all of our Member Savings Program partners here.
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
