Across the Fence Newsletter
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January 27, 2025   
D&D Technologies (USA), Inc.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
 

We are less than one month away from seeing all you ladies in person at the Women in Fence Forum at FENCETECH in Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday, February 27th at 4:00 p.m. at the Salt Palace Convention Center. We have some fantastic women in the industry leading our discussions, and you will not want to miss the event.  If you have not signed up for FENCETECH yet, there is still time.

FENCETECH 2025 Registration


 
 

Did you know your AFA membership includes free access to your local chapter? Connect with fellow fencing professionals in your area to grow your network, learn through local education programs, and participate in exclusive events. Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to enhance your career and community involvement.

Find your chapter and see upcoming events here:
🔗 Join a Chapter
🔗 Explore Events


 
 

The premier event for the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry is just around the corner! FENCETECH offers unmatched opportunities to connect with 300+ exhibitors, network with industry leaders, and enhance your expertise through 40+ education sessions.

Don’t miss your chance to grow personally and professionally—register today to secure your spot and access discounted hotel rates. Act quickly, as several hotels are nearing capacity!

Register Now


 
 
   

Have you filled out our government relations survey? You have until February 7th to do so and be eligible for prizes!

If you have not done so yet, do it today! It only takes three minutes.

Take the Survey Here

 

  


 

Stand out in the fence and gate automation industry with an AFA certification! These programs help you expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and earn professional recognition. Whether your focus is fence installation, design, or automation, AFA certifications are a trusted credential customers respect.

Join us for the next in-person testing event at FENCETECH in Salt Lake City, February 26-27. It’s your chance to advance your career, network with industry leaders, and showcase your commitment to excellence.

Learn more and apply today at https://online.americanfenceassociation.com/certifications/certification-application. We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City!

 
Fence Empire LLC
DoorKing, Inc.
     
   

The American Fence Association (AFA) is revolutionizing industry education with AFA University On The Road and AFA University in Tulsa, offering top-tier training opportunities for fence professionals nationwide. As a sponsor, your company can connect with the industry’s most dedicated leaders and innovators while enhancing your brand visibility.

Why Sponsor?

  • Build connections with professionals in installation, gate automation, welding, operations, and sales.
  • Showcase your brand at premier events across Indiana, Nebraska, New York, Tulsa, and online.

2025 AFA University Schedule:

  • Salt Lake City, FENCETECH (Feb. 24): Gate Automation Designer School, Leadership Academy, Sales Training School.
  • Indiana (April 23-24): Chain Link & Vinyl Fence Installation, Gate Automation Design School.
  • Nebraska (May 28-29): Chain Link & Ornamental Fence Installation, Gate Automation Design School.
  • New York (Sept. 2-4): Welding School (Sept. 2); Fence Installation, Operations, and Gate Automation Design Schools (Sept. 3-4).
  • Tulsa (Nov. 3-7): Comprehensive training in all disciplines, including business, sales, leadership, and operations.

Position your brand as a leader in the fence industry by securing a sponsorship today. Contact Jim Hawarden, Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships, at +1.314.561.6717 or jim@americanfenceassociation.com to reserve your spot.


 
 

The AFA Education Foundation (AFAEF), a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2003, provides scholarships to deserving students, bringing educational opportunities within reach for individuals and families in the fence and gate industry. Each year, the AFA Education Foundation awards scholarships to help individuals in the fence and gate industry pursue higher education.

For 2025, up to five scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded.Applications are due by January 31, 2025, and recipients will be announced during the Awards Brunch at FENCETECH. Learn about the criteria and application requirements below.

Apply for AFAEF Scholarship

 
Install D&D, Prevent Callbacks Before They Happen!
D & D Technologies (USA), Inc.®
Over 35 years of experience and the recognized leader in safety and hi-performance gate hardware globally providing the broadest range of gate hardware for every application. With over 350 gate hardware products, experience the difference high-quality D&D gate hardware can make.  D&D’s diversity of products continually set new standards in design, performance, craftsmanship and innovation–tied together by a top level of quality and service. 
 
Click Here to Learn More
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CHAPTER EVENTS
 
   
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 24 - 25, 2025
Jackpot 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.
 
How this construction company automated manual expense tracking
K-Dimensional Holdings Inc. / CoastPay®
KD Construction switched to Coast Visa fuel cards to automate coding of employee fuel and field expenses against jobs and eliminate time-consuming EOM reconciliations.
"We’ve been able to save a lot of time from work that was very manual", explains Executive VP Sania Khan Salas.
Watch this 2-minute video to hear how switching to Coast has made life easier for the team KD Construction.
WATCH VIDEO
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MEMBER CENTER
 

Have you seen our exclusive end-of-year issue, Best of the Best? This digital-only publication showcases some of our top-read features from the six annual issues of Fencepost. 

If you missed any of our issues, or just want to see some of the stories that resonated with fellow members, click the link below to start reading.

Thank you for your continued support of AFA's official trade publication. We look forward to sharing your news, views, ideas and successes in the issues to come!

START READING NOW


 
 
   

D&D Technologies has unveiled the LokkLatch® Series 3, a durable, stylish, and adjustable gate latch designed for metal, vinyl, wood, and round post gates.

With 20% stronger performance than its predecessor, features include increased horizontal and vertical adjustability, a sleek beveled design, simplified installation, and key lockable convenience with an optional External Access Button for dual-side operation. Built from rust-proof, UV-stabilized polymer, it’s engineered for reliability in harsh conditions.
Learn more at www.us.ddtech.com.

 
International Gate Devices
EZG MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Inc.com
The Los Angeles wildfires have caused insured losses estimated at $30 billion, with total damages potentially exceeding $250 billion. Over 17,000 structures have been destroyed, and ongoing fires are adding to the toll. Rising disaster costs, driven by climate change, are straining the insurance market, leading to higher premiums and reduced coverage in high-risk areas.
 
ConstructionDive
The Trump administration in 2025 is expected to focus on traditional infrastructure, boost rural funding, and streamline permits by weakening NEPA requirements. Public-private partnerships (P3s) will likely expand, alongside stricter fraud prevention and cost controls for contractors. Builders should prepare for policy shifts and increased accountability.
 
Professional Japanese Cedar Fence Supplier
Fence Empire LLC®
Fence Empire LLC is a professional fence materials supplier for US wholesaler and building materials stores, specializing in Japanese cedar fencing, rail, post, decking, S4S, and T&G. We are also involved in ornamental steel and aluminum fence. All cedar materials planted in Japan and milled in our 3 generation family-owned mills. For more information, please visit: www.fenceempire.com
Learn More
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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!
 
Naylor Association Solutions
 
   
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!
 
Smart Solutions for Pedestrian Gates
Locinox USA, LLC®
Gate automation has traditionally focused on larger, double-winged driveway gates, with fewer solutions for the unique needs of pedestrian gates. Discover how new technologies can enhance pedestrian gates, making them safer and easier to use, while addressing the challenges posed by pedestrian behaviors.
Find out more about pedestrian gate automation
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MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAM PARTNERS

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 on the 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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