| July 28, 2025
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We’re excited to welcome Ben Shirley as AFA’s new Director of Marketing & Industry Relations!
Ben joins AFA's team with 30+ years of experience in the fence industry — from hands-on installations in Arkansas to leading high-level growth strategies at Ameristar.
Now, he’s bringing that deep experience to the American Fence Association with a clear mission: unify our message, amplify our impact, and strengthen the connection between contractors and suppliers.
Welcome to the team, Ben!
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Join us September 10-11 at TYMETAL in Greenwich, NY, for two days of expert-led, hands-on learning at AFA University On the Road!
Choose Your Track:
Want even more training?
Arrive early on September 9 for our optional Welding School — a hands-on session to jumpstart your learning!
Register today, July 28, 2025, to lock in early bird pricing and save!
Have questions?
Call 800-822-4342 or email info@americanfenceassociation.com.
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 We’re taking a closer look at how state licensing impacts our industry—and we want to hear from you!
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a few minutes to complete our State Licensing Survey. Your insights will help us better understand the challenges and opportunities our members face across different states and guide our advocacy efforts.
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Click here to take the survey.
Thank you for helping us shape smarter, more effective licensing policies!
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Ready to take your career to the next level? AFA’s certification programs help you build credibility, boost your skills, and stand out in a competitive industry. Whether you're an installer, operator, or manager, certification shows your commitment to excellence and professionalism. Plus, it opens doors to new opportunities and greater trust from customers.
Testing is included with your certification application; there is no separate testing fee unless you’re retaking an exam. Check out all upcoming testing events: https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/events/
Need to apply? Start by submitting your certification application.
Questions? Contact Sara Surprenant.
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 Now’s the perfect time to become an AFA member! Members enjoy exclusive discounts on top-tier training—including AFA University On the Road this September and AFA University in November. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or grow your business, membership gives you access to valuable resources, networking, and savings.
Join today and start saving on your next training!
Learn more about membership
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Get ready for a full week of hands-on training and professional development at AFA University, happening November 3–7! Whether you're new to the industry or looking to grow your skills, there's a school for you:
5-Day Schools (Nov. 3–7):
2-Day Schools (Nov. 3–4):
2-Day Schools (Nov. 6–7):
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with peers!
Explore the schools and register today.
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 Your voice and experience matter — help shape the future of the fence industry by volunteering with AFA! Whether you're interested in joining a committee, a Special Interest Group, or serving on the Board of Directors or chapter leadership, there’s a place for you to make an impact. Volunteering is a great way to grow your network, develop leadership skills, and give back to the community. Ready to serve? Let us know you're interested today!
Submit Your Willingness to Serve.
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Looking to sharpen your skills or learn something new? Check out the latest education sessions now available on AFA University Online!
You'll find topics that matter most to fencing professionals — like business, operations, sales, technology, and even recordings from past FENCETECH events. Best of all, many sessions are free or low-cost, so it’s easy to get started.
Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, there’s something here for you.
Browse sessions now: https://www.pathlms.com/afa
Learn at your pace. Grow your career. Stay ahead in the industry.
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The AFA Online Store is stocked and ready! Show your pride in the fencing industry with exclusive AFA-branded apparel, accessories, and gear made just for our community.
What you’ll find:
- Branded shirts, hats and accessories
- Limited-edition items
- Gear for our Special Interest Groups (Hispanic Fence Professionals, Veterans in Fence, Women in Fence, Young Fence Professionals)
Start Shopping:
https://americanfenceassociation.com/store
Show off your gear:
#AFAGear & #WhereYouBelong.
Join the movement — represent AFA and the fence industry wherever you go!
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Online Member-Only Community: Ready to level up your fence industry knowledge and connect with other professionals? Log in to our members-only online community today!
As a member, you’ll gain access to expert discussions, valuable resources, and the chance to connect with others who share your passion for fencing.
Get involved today: community.americanfenceassociation.com
Not an AFA member yet? Sign up now and enjoy all the benefits.
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We are happy to share that elevating your education and certifications will soon get a lot easier!
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act was signed into law this past weekend and has been a key issue on our policy agenda that we have advocated for with others in the association space.
This legislation expands the eligible uses of the tax-favorable 529 savings plan to cover costs associated with workforce training and credentialing programs.
Thanks to all of you who helped lend a supporting voice on this issue!
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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.
Foursomes are only $500, and individual 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.
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The Pacific Northwest Chapter is excited to host AFA University On the Road from September 17–19, offering two expert-led courses — free for members!
- Gate Automation Designer School with Tim Nordstrom covers UL 325, ASTM F2200, gate types, access control, wiring, and more — ideal for designers and sales professionals.
- Operations Manager School with Robert Whitaker focuses on leadership, project management, customer relations, and building high-performing teams.
Join us for hands-on learning, certification testing, and unforgettable networking events like TopGolf, indoor skydiving, and a Maplewood golf outing. Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills and connect with peers!
Register Today.
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Join some of the industry’s top professionals at the AFA Summit in West Yellowstone, September 24-26. Featuring a day-and-a-half of educational presentations from renowned industry experts Tony Thornton, Joe Everest, Robert Whittaker, Michael Reed, Sam Natello, and Justin Judy, the Summit also will be highlighted by a three-and-a-half-hour, hosted exhibit reception in the beautiful and historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge.
After the Summit, stick around for a sight-seeing caravan through the spectacular Yellowstone National Park or sit for a professional certification exam.
Details and registration at afasummit.com.
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Check out what's next for the AFA chapter near you!
August 1: Indiana/Kentucky Chapter Golf Outing
The Fort Golf Resort – Indianapolis, IN
August 14: North Central Chapter Golf Outing and Meeting
White Eagle Golf Club – Hudson, WI
August 29: Northern Ohio Chapter Meeting and Clay Shoot
Hill 'n Dale Club – Medina, OH
September 15: Northeast Chapter Golf Tournament
Redtail Golf Course – Devens, MA
September 17: Pacific Northwest Summer Event
Courtyard by Marriott-Southcenter · Tukwila, WA
September 18: Carolinas Chapter By The Sea Event
The Lumina Resort – Wrightsville Beach , NC
View all upcoming AFA events at www.americanfenceassociation.com/events.
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Inc.com
True leadership isn’t about titles or status — it’s about service. The best leaders quietly empower others through humility, compassion, and transparency. They connect authentically, create psychological safety, and build trust by being open and human. Most importantly, they don’t hoard power — they help others lead. In today’s workplace, that kind of servant leadership isn’t just rare — it’s a strategic edge.
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ConstructionDive
The Pennsylvania State Senate has designated July 21–25 as Construction Opioid Awareness Week, highlighting the industry’s ongoing battle with substance abuse. The resolution encourages safety measures like keeping naloxone on job sites, promoting the 988 crisis hotline, and hosting drug take-back events. Backed by labor leaders and supported by 15 industry groups, the initiative aims to raise awareness during peak construction season and reduce opioid-related harm on jobsites statewide.
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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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ASSOCIATION NEWS
