Registration is now open for FENCETECH 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana! The annual FENCETECH/METALfab tradeshow is back for its fifth year. Join us as we take over the Big Easy for the fence and metal crafting industry’s biggest event of the year. Immerse yourself in one of the nation’s most colorful cities known for its unique culture, rich history and, of course, Cajun food! This is your destination for education, networking and entertainment.
 
NOTE: If you are an exhibitor, you will receive a separate email with instructions on how to register yourself and your booth personnel. The button below is for attendees only.

Register here FENCETECH 2022 Registration

For more information, go to www.fencetech.com.

Initial Booth Personnel Registration emails were sent on November 4, 2021 from American Tradeshow Services, FENCETECH’s official registration company. This email provides the information to register your booth personnel and invite potential customers to the tradeshow. If you have not received this email, please contact FENCETECH@americanfenceassociation.com.

Haven’t chosen a booth for FENCETECH? The show floor is 80% full, reserve your booth NOW!

Booth Rates
$23 per square foot (AFA Members)
$26 per square foot (Non-Members)

To reserve your booth, contact AFA at fencetech@americanfenceassociation.com. 

For more information go to FENCETECH Exhibitors

Do you know of an outstanding AFA member who is truly dedicated to not only AFA but the fence industry as a whole? Or how about someone who worked on an awesome fence project this past year? Nominate them (or yourself) for an AFA Award! We have two different types of awards: The Association Awards and the PRO Awards. 

The deadline to apply for all awards is Friday, December 10, 2021. Award winners will be announced at FENCETECH 2022 in New Orleans, LA. 

Learn More About Awards

What are the Association Awards?

The Association Awards acknowledge AFA members who have advanced the association and set industry standards. There are six Association Award categories:

• Ambassador Award
• Distinguished Service Award
• Fence Contractor of the Year Award
• Hall of Fame Award
• Manufacturer of the Year Award
• Outstanding Service Award

How Can I Submit a Nomination?
Click below to see eligibility requirements, general information about each award and the steps to submit a nomination. There is no cost associated with an Association Award nomination. 

Association Award Application

**Please note that the above link takes you to all the awards. Be sure you are selecting the correct award type and category when completing the application. 

What Are the PRO Awards?

AFA PRO Awards recognize AFA members who have created and installed outstanding projects that are considered “the best of the best” in the industry

What are the categories?

From all winning Commercial and Residential entries, a Project of the Year Award will be given to the most outstanding work.

How Can I Submit a Project?

Click below to see eligibility requirements, general information about each award and the steps to submit a project. There is a $10 submission fee per project. Please select awards designated as "PRO" in the title. 

Pro Award Application

**Please note that the above link takes you to all the awards. Be sure you are selecting the correct award type and category when completing the application. 

AFA's chapters provide a wide range of educational opportunities, networking events, mission project work, professional development, and industry knowledge for professionals in the fence industry

Are you missing out?

Find out which chapter is home to you by visiting www.americanfenceassociation.com/membership/chapters. Here, you'll find information on chapter regions, presidents, and locations. Contact member services with any questions at memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.  

AFA University reached unprecedented levels of success in 2021, training over 100 students at Fence Installation School, the NEW Operations Manager School, and Gate Automation Technician School.

Attendees came away with essential knowledge and skills that they can put to immediate use, increasing professionalism, efficiency, and expertise in their jobs.  Here are just a few reactions from students who attended this year:

FIS

"Group of impressive FAMILY members paying it forward to sustain and advance a trade! Absolutely amazing thank you!"

"Great group and venue; good organization; good hands on knowledge and instruction; super overall effort."

"It is a very organized school. I learned da lot of new techniques to be a more professional fence installer."

OMS

"EVERYONE needs to do this no matter what your position within the company because it affects all aspects of the company, jobs, and industry."

"Do it! This class should be marketed to not only managers, but every team member in every position. It really gives and excellent oversight to how every person is a crucial part of the team."

"It's an absolute must for managers and sales team."

GATS

"Definitely worth the time, you learn a lot in a short amount of time and it sticks with you. Thanks to the amazing instructors."

"It’s a great place to network and learn about your trade."

"There was a lot of very important information to help me properly do jobs and better understand standards."

Registration for the 2022 session of AFA University will open next summer.  Watch your email and www.americanfenceassociation.com for more details!

The American Fence Association would like to extend a huge thank you to these dedicated individuals for committing their time and resources to educating and bettering the fence industry:

Fence Installation School

Brad Howard                                                                                     
Mark Olson                                                                                        
Travis Hampton CFC                                                                       
Ken Throckmorton CFP, CFC, CAGSD                                                       
Luke Gibson                                                      
Alan Olson
Barry Baker CFP
Ryan Sloop
Roy Branch
Mitch Davis
Tony Thornton CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD

Gate Automation Technician School

Brian Boutte                                                                                     
Phillip Doyle CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD                                             
Jay Elrod CAGOI                                                                               
Ringo Gause CAGOI, CAGSD                                                       
Scott Meckes CGAT, CGAD, CAGOI, CAGSD                          
Chuck Bunch CAGOI, CAGSD                                                      
Mike Gulledge CAGOI                                                                   
Tim Nordstrom CGAT, CGAD, CAGOI, CAGSD                      
Joe LePier                                                                                           
Shelby Kelland CAGOI, CAGSD                                                   
Nick Rike CFC, CGAT, CGAD, CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD               

Operations Manager School

Josh Glover CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD                               
Veronica Richardson                      
Sam Natello                                       
Tod Hill                                                

Scholarships are offered annually and awarded at FENCETECH each spring.  (5) $5,000 scholarships will be awarded. Submit your application here Education Foundation Scholarship Application.

Criteria: 

• Either be employed in the fence industry or be an immediate family member (i.e. wife/husband, child) of a current industry employee.  
• Achieved a “B” grade point average or higher in the previous three years of schooling (transcripts required). 
• Performed a minimum of 40 hours of community service.  
• Do not have to be members of the American Fence Association (AFA) to qualify. 
• Submit one letter of recommendation 
• Complete application in its entirety including responses to essay questions about leadership skills, why furthering education is important to you. 

Deadline to submit applications is January 13, 2022. 

For any questions, please call (800) 822-4342 or send an email to memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.

The September/October digital edition of Fencepost magazine is available! Each issue is archived online so you can easily access all of the industry features, member news, association updates and more, with the click of a mouse.
 
In this issue:
• Ornamental Aluminum Offers Tradition with a Twist
• Building a Winning Team
• The Quick Start PPC Guide for Fence Companies

Start reading.

Available Soon: Recordings from the Exclusive AFA Member Benefits Webinar Week

Our exclusive Member Savings Program webinar series - "Get the Most Out of Your AFA Membership" - was held in October. Speakers shared a wealth of information about how AFA members can get the most out of their membership, covering specific partner products/services, savings examples, testimonials, and much more. AFA is now making it possible for members to access digital recordings of the series for future listening! Stay tuned for further details on how to access these sessions in upcoming AFA communications, as well as in our November/December issue of Fencepost magazine! 

Save with AFA's MSP partners this holiday season!

Ariat equips your team with the highest quality gear since 1993.

With Ariat Crew, you can:

1. Customize any clothing with high-quality embroidery
2. Register your crew to purchase quality gear and stay in budget
3. Feel confident your crew is safe and protected in their gear
4. Set up a company program and catalog specific to your needs
5. Work with your dedicated account manager to determine the best solution for every order

Register and start saving on boots and workwear with Ariat at https://www.ariatcrew.com/mspregistration.

Why should you look at changing credit card processors and let Card Connect save you money?

1. Card Connect transacts over $80 million annually for AFA members
2. Card Connect has saved AFA members over $250,000 in the last year.

Register your interest in getting an apples-to-apples proposal at https://tinyurl.com/4xrn69jf.

Why offer consumer financing to your customers? Simple - it helps you close more sales and increase your average sale. Why choose Synchrony?

1. Synchrony financed over $7 million for clients of  AFA members in the past year.
2. Synchrony has saved AFA members over $ 62,000 in the last year.

Register and start saving at https://tinyurl.com/47x5u9su.

Batteries Plus is an expert in their industry - so that you can concentrate on being an expert in yours.

When it comes to power, lighting and repairs, Batteries Plus gets the job done. They will help you save money and time, and their associates are experts in their field. Whether it's advice about specific battery applications, or suggestions on how to best light your indoor or outdoor space, a Batteries Plus specialist can help.

Register now at batteriesplus.com/gpo/msp to save time and money with the benefits your association agreement can offer, including up to 73% off retail prices, delivery services and recycling.