There's still time to join us at AFA University in Waverly, Nebraska, for two days of expert-led training designed to advance your skills and career.

Fence Installation School (May 28-29) 
Get hands-on experience with Chain Link and Ornamental fencing in small groups led by industry pros.

• Personalized instruction
• Practical, real-world techniques
• Lunch and training materials included

Gate Automation Designer School (May 28-29) 
This 1.5-day course covers automated gate design, UL 325 & ASTM F2200 standards, access control, and more — with an optional certification exam.

• In-depth classroom and hands-on training
• Comprehensive course materials and lunch provided

Registration closes today — register now to secure your spot!

Save the date: June 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

Join AFA Executive Director Michael Reed, Seegars Fence Company COO Bobby Batchelor, and select industry experts for a four-part virtual summit on how to shape the customer experience, build trust, and capture the metrics that matter most.

Learn how to turn CX into your competitive edge — through loyalty-driving strategies, a sneak-peek at Fence Pulse, AFA’s NPS platform, and actionable customer focused insights you can use right away.

What you’ll gain:

• Insights into how CX impacts referrals and repeat business
• Detailed instruction on utilizing Net Promoter Score (NPS) and AFA’s new Fence Pulse Platform
• Instruction on how to improve operations through customer feedback
• Strategies to build a culture of trust

This is your roadmap to making CX excellence a daily habit — and a business advantage.

Click here to register.

We’re excited to welcome CellGate to the AFA’s network of Approved Education Providers!

CellGate delivers high-quality, online, on-demand training focused on gate operators and access control systems. Their course offerings include instruction on installation, wiring, troubleshooting, and portal management — all designed to help you stay sharp and up to date.

Even better: These courses qualify for certification renewal CEUs and are automatically recorded to your AFA profile, making the renewal process faster and easier.

Explore available courses: cellgatelearneracademy.learnupon.com

Are you or your company interested in becoming an AFA Approved Education Provider?
Learn more at americanfenceassociation.com/page/educationproviders.

The AFA Online Community is where members connect, collaborate, and share insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the fencing industry today.

Recent discussions include:

• Upcoming AFA Events
• Job Postings
• Recommendations for subcontractor partnerships

Whether you're seeking technical guidance or peer-to-peer support, the online community is a valuable resource designed to keep you informed and connected.

Get involved today: community.americanfenceassociation.com

Partner with the American Fence Association to put your brand in front of the industry’s most engaged professionals. From hands-on events to virtual trainings, AFA offers sponsorship opportunities that deliver real visibility:

• In-Person Impact: Connect face-to-face at AFA University
• Virtual Reach: Sponsor webinars and online training
• Year-Round Exposure: Feature your brand in a Virtual Booth

Explore available options or pitch your own idea — we’re always open to fresh opportunities.

For more information, contact Cristina Rodriguez.

Stand out in the fencing industry with an AFA certification — your path to greater skills, recognition, and career growth. Whether you're an installer, automation expert, or operations leader, certification proves your expertise and commitment to professional excellence.

Available certifications include:

• Certified Fence Contractor (CFC) – Recognizes expertise in business management, legal compliance, contracts, and risk management specific to the fencing industry.
• Certified Gate Automation Designer (CGAD) – Demonstrates mastery of gate system design, safety standards, and automation best practices.
• Certified Gate Automation Technician (CGAT) – Validates hands-on proficiency in installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining automated gate systems.
• Certified Operations Manager (COM) – Showcases leadership skills in business operations, customer service, and team management.

In-person testing events happen year-round, with the next coming up May 29 in Waverly, NE.

• View upcoming dates: americanfenceassociation.com/events
• Apply today: Certification Application

Invest in your future — and show the industry what you’re made of. For more information, contact Sara Surprenant.

The AFA Online Store is officially open — featuring exclusive AFA-branded apparel, accessories, and gear that let you show your pride in the fencing industry.

What’s in store:

• Branded shirts, hats, and accessories
• Limited-edition drops
• SIG-themed gear (Hispanic Fence Professionals, Veterans in Fence, Women in Fence, Young Fence Professionals)

—> Start shopping: americanfenceassociation.com/store
—> Tag your gear: #AFAGear | #WhereYouBelong

Join the movement — represent AFA and the fence industry wherever you go!

Join the Florida Chapter on Friday, May 30 at 9:00 A.M. at the River House Restaurant for a day of learning and fun on beautiful Anna Maria Island!

Start with a free seminar and brunch featuring Tom Luby of Profit Builders International, who will share strategies on reducing stress and setting personal goals.

Then climb aboard a floating tiki bar for a $25 Poker Run along the Manatee River— complete with restaurant stops, prizes, and great company.

Learn, relax, and celebrate with the AFA’s Most Improved Chapter of 2024–25!

For more information, contact Tom Luby at tluby@profitbuilder.org or (941) 981-3677.

You won't want to miss out on this event! We're expecting over 150 attendees, and 50% of the spots for the event are already filled! Sign up here to make sure you get a spot. 4somes are only $500, and indivual golfers are $125.

We need your help: We're looking for more contractor signups, and more sponsors! With the big names in fence and manufacturing expected to be in attendance, now is your chance to help your business stand out.

Click here to viewsponsorship opportunities.

Contact shane@goodshepherdfence.com to learn more.

	Above: ExtremeScreen in action. Photo courtesy of Ball Fabrics.

Ball Fabrics has been awarded the 2024 ASBA Game Changer Award by the American Sports Builders Association for its innovative product, ExtremeScreen®80.

Designed to reduce wind load while maintaining aesthetics and durability, the patented windscreen combines knitted polyethylene with vinyl-coated mesh in a honeycomb design.

Praised for its ability to withstand high winds and improve court performance, ExtremeScreen®80 is recognized as a breakthrough in sports facility construction.

	Above: 2024 AFA PRO Award-winning project by Southwest Fence & Deck.

May is Deck Safety Month® — an annual campaign spearheaded by the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) to raise awareness of the importance of safe, well-maintained outdoor living spaces. Since declaring May as Deck Safety Month® in 2006, NADRA has encouraged homeowners, builders, and inspectors to “Educate. Inspect. Correct.”, helping prevent deck-related injuries by promoting simple, regular safety checks NADRA.

NADRA’s 10-Point Consumer Deck Safety Checklist is a quick visual inspection guide to help ensure your clients' deck remains a safe gathering spot all season long.

Click here to view the checklist.