| December 23, 2024
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The AFA office is closed on December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and January 1 for New Year’s Day. The staff will operate on a modified schedule during the holiday. The office will reopen on January 2.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Join us at FENCETECH 2025 in Salt Lake City, Feb. 24-28, for an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your industry knowledge through cutting-edge educational sessions led by top experts. Network with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections that can propel your business forward.
Experience a dynamic lineup of events, including hands-on workshops, product demonstrations, and keynote presentations that will inspire and inform. With over 330 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and innovations, you'll have direct access to the tools and technologies shaping the future of the fencing industry.
Don't miss out on the chance to stay ahead of industry trends and innovations. Attending FENCETECH 2025 is your gateway to growth, learning, and success in the fencing industry. Secure your spot today and be part of this transformative event!
Register Today
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 We’re excited to kick off the year with the Women in Fence Forum at FENCETECH 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah! Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 27th, at 4:00 p.m. and be part of this inspiring in-person event. FENCETECH runs from February 24th – February 28th, so don’t miss out. Sign up now through the link below!
Women in Fence Event - FENCETECH 2025
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 Have you completed our Government Relations and Industry Standards Survey yet? If not, there’s still time! Make sure to share your input before the year wraps up.
Be sure to fill out the section with your contact information to be automatically entered to win one of three possible prizes! We will draw the names of the winners in early February when the survey closes.
Take the Survey Here
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 The hottest event at FENCETECH will be our Pickets & Peaks Opening Night Party — and the must-have takeaway? Custom trucker hats! Attendees can choose from four unique patches for the front, while your logo will be embroidered on the side.
- Sponsorship Options: $8,500 for 500 hats
- Exclusive Opportunity: Sponsor all 3,000 hats for a discounted $45,000
For details, contact Jim Hawarden, Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships, at 314.561.6717 or jim@americanfenceassociation.com.
And don’t miss the custom snowboards! For just $1,000, design a custom, rideable snowboard that will be showcased at the entrance to Pickets & Peaks! After the event, use it in your booth, gift it to a customer, or hit the slopes.
Order yours here or contact Jim directly for more information.
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Have you completed an exceptional project in the past two years? AFA members are invited to submit for a PRO Award in one or more of the following categories:
- Access Control
- Chain Link
- Deck and Railing
- Farm/Ranch/Agriculture
- Multi Use - Projects that encompass 2 or more categories
- Ornamental
- Vinyl
- Wood
New this year: there's no cost to submit a project! Review the eligibility requirements and submit your project by January 5, 2025. Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.
Submit Your Project Here
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The Association Awards honor AFA members who have made outstanding contributions to the association and the fencing industry.
Award Categories Include:
Click on each category to learn more about award details and eligibility requirements. Nominate an industry leader — at no cost — for one or all categories by January 5, 2025.
Submit Your Nomination Here
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 AFA will award five scholarships of $5,000 for higher education pursuits. A fence and gate professional or the child of an employee in the fence and gate industry are eligible to apply. View the full criteria and application details below.
The deadline to apply is Friday, January 17, 2025.
Scholarship Details
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Kick off the new year with your AFA chapter family! Here are just a few of our chapters' upcoming opportunities. Visit www.americanfenceassociation.com/events to find out what's happening next in your area!
January 18, 2025
Memphis Tri-State Chapter 2024 Annual Christmas DinnerMemphis, TN – The rescheduled Annual Christmas Dinner and Meeting will be held at The Butcher Shop Steakhouse, 107 S Germantown Parkway. – The reception is scheduled from 5 to 5:30pm with dinner service from 5:30 to 7:30pm. View event details
January 24 - 25, 2025Jackpot 2025 Trade Show, hosted by the Garden State Chapter Harrah's Resort and Conference Center · Atlantic City, NJ Visit event details
March 20, 2025
Carolinas Chapter Top Golf Event
Further details to come.
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 Dive into the Nov/Dec issue of Fencepost magazine to learn all about FENCETECH 2025! With a comprehensive attendee brochure, product sneak peeks and more, this issue is packed with content to help you plan the ultimate event trip to Salt Lake City.
Plus, we've got updates from AFA's board, education and government relations leadership, and a recap of Fall Fence Forum. It's all waiting for you!
Click the links below to check out some of our top features, or click here to start reading the full issue.
Miss an issues of Fencepost this year? No problem — members can access our full digital edition archives year round by visiting www.fencepost-digital.com. And remember, Fencepost is by members, for members, and we want to hear from you! Share your article ideas, project successes, company achievements and more with your editor, Meghan, at editor@americanfenceassociation.com.
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We're excited to share that AFA's Executive Director, Michael Reed, was recently featured on the latest episode of The Association Advisor podcast by Naylor!
Tune into “Integrating AI for Associations” to hear Michael's proven strategies to:
- Enhance operations
- Boost member engagement
- Drive non-dues revenue
Plus, learn about building trust for better teamwork, strategic planning and prioritization, and more.
Listen now!
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HBR
Many important tasks can be handled by others, so why not focus on what you do best? Former CEO of Procter & Gamble and former dean of the Rotman School share valuable insights on how to delegate and avoid burnout while staying productive.
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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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Stay Ahead of Shipping Rate Changes with Your MSP Benefits.
As a valued MSP member, you have access to exclusive FedEx & UPS discounts that can help you stay ahead of the curve. With shipping rates set to rise in 2025, now’s the time to make the most of this free MSP member benefit!
Here's why:
FedEx and UPS will be increasing their rates by an average of 5.9% in the new year, making it more important than ever to take advantage of your MSP benefits. With discounts of 45% on FedEx Express and 25% on FedEx Ground and UPS discounts up to 50% off air and 42% off ground, you can help offset these cost increases and keep your shipping budget under control.
What to know:
- While the average rate increase is 5.9%, your actual costs will vary based on package weight, distance, and service used.
- The average increase only refers to base rates, but many common surcharges are climbing even higher, often exceeding 5.9%.
- Frequently using two-day air/express services or shipping oversized items? Expect an even bigger jump in your shipping expenses.
Register and save today - FedEx - UPS.
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
